Starting from 9:00 PM on November 21, 2025, Director Hosoda Mamoru’s acclaimed work, *Ryuu to Sobakasu no Hime* (which can be translated as “Belle” or “The Dragon and the Freckled Princess”), will be broadcast unedited on Nippon TV’s “Kin’you Road Show.” Here, we’ll dive into a detailed summary of its compelling synopsis, the talented cast, and key characters.
Synopsis
Naitou Suzu is a shy, 17-year-old high school student living with her father in the lush countryside of Kochi Prefecture. Having lost her mother in an accident at a young age, Suzu, who once loved singing with her mother more than anything, became unable to sing in front of others after the tragedy. Music composition became her sole solace and passion.
One day, her best friend invites her to join “U,” a massive online virtual world that hosts over 5 billion users globally. In “U,” users can create an avatar called an “As” and live an entirely different life.
Though Suzu couldn’t sing in the real world, as her As named “Belle,” she found herself singing effortlessly. Belle’s songs quickly captivated audiences, and she rapidly rose to global stardom as a renowned diva. On the day of Belle’s highly anticipated large-scale concert, attended by hundreds of millions of As, a mysterious entity known only as “Ryuu” (The Dragon) suddenly appeared with a roaring sound, disrupting the entire event.
Despite Ryuu’s rough and arrogant demeanor, Belle is drawn to him, wanting to understand the secret behind his profound wounds. Gradually, Ryuu also begins to open his heart to Belle’s gentle singing voice.
However, an “Unveil” movement to uncover Ryuu’s true identity soon sweeps across the world. As who claim to uphold justice relentlessly pursue Ryuu, accusing him of disturbing the order of “U.” As slander and defamation intensify in both the virtual and real worlds, accelerating efforts to expel Ryuu from both realms, Belle desperately wishes to find Ryuu and save his heart.
Will Suzu’s quiet voice, from her humble corner of the real world, reach that one special person? When these two worlds converge, a miracle awaits.
Broadcast Information
November 21 (Friday), 9:00 PM – 11:29 PM (35-minute extended broadcast slot)
Airing on Nippon TV’s “Kin’you Road Show.”
Cast
| Character | Voice Actor |
|---|---|
| Naitou Suzu / Belle | Nakamura Kaho |
| Hisatake Shinobu (Shinobu-kun) | Narita Ryo |
| Chigami Shinjiro (Kamishin) | Someya Shota |
| Watanabe Ruka (Ruka-chan) | Tamashiro Tina |
| Betsuyaku Hiroka (Hiro-chan) | Ikuta Rira |
| Suzu’s Father | Yakusho Koji |
| Ryuu | Sato Takeru |
Staff
| Role | Name |
|---|---|
| Director, Script, Original Work | Hosoda Mamoru |
| Animation Director | Aoyama Hiroyuki |
| CG Animation Director | Yamashita Takaaki |
| CG Character Design | Jin Kim, Akiya Yoichi |
| Art Director | Ike Nobutaka |
| CG Directors | Horibe Ryo, Shimosawa Yohei |
| Color Design | Mikasa Osamu |
Featured Characters
Naitou Suzu / Belle (Voice: Nakamura Kaho)
Born and raised in the rural beauty of Kochi, Suzu is an introverted and self-conscious high school girl. She loved to sing, but after her mother’s tragic accident in her youth, she became unable to perform in front of others. Belle is Suzu’s avatar, a stunning diva who suddenly appears in the virtual world of “U.” With a mysterious singing voice that makes everyone feel she is singing just for them, Belle quickly gains overwhelming popularity.
Hisatake Shinobu (Shinobu-kun) (Voice: Narita Ryo)
Suzu’s childhood friend and a star player on the basketball team. His cool demeanor makes him incredibly popular with girls. He often looks out for Suzu.
Chigami Shinjiro (Kamishin) (Voice: Someya Shota)
A passionate young man who single-handedly founded the canoe club and aims for the Inter-High School Championships. His intense enthusiasm sometimes makes him a bit of an eccentric among his peers.
Watanabe Ruka (Ruka-chan) (Voice: Tamashiro Tina)
A beautiful girl who plays alto saxophone in the brass band, possessing a model-like appearance. She is a bright, sun-like presence, adored by everyone in school.
Betsuyaku Hiroka (Hiro-chan) (Voice: Ikuta Rira)
Suzu’s close friend and trusted confidante. She’s a sharp-tongued, bespectacled girl adept at using the internet. Hiroka is the one who introduces Suzu to the world of “U” and helps produce Belle. She is the only person who knows Suzu’s true identity as Belle, making her a crucial key person in the story.
Suzu’s Father (Voice: Yakusho Koji)
Living with Suzu in a rural Kochi town, he struggles to communicate effectively with Suzu after the loss of her mother, creating a certain distance between them.
Ryuu (Voice: Sato Takeru)
A violent, mysterious entity in the form of a dragon, widely despised by many in the world of “U.” All information regarding his nationality, age, gender, and other details remains unknown.
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《Inoue Shinzou》
