Prism Rondo: WIT Studio and Hana yori Dango Creator Team Up for a Dazzling Original Anime
Get ready for a captivating new original anime series! Netflix Japan has just announced a brand-new project titled Prism Rondo, also known as *Love Through a Prism*, crafted by none other than the legendary creator of Hana yori Dango, Kamio Youko. This exciting series is being brought to life by the acclaimed WIT Studio, known for its stunning animation quality.
Fans won’t have to wait too long, as Prism Rondo is set to premiere on January 15, 2026. The series will consist of 20 episodes, promising a rich and expansive story to delve into.
A Glimpse into the Story: Art, Ambition, and Connection in Early 1900s London
The narrative of Prism Rondo transports us to the bustling streets of early-1900s London. Our protagonist is Lili Ichijoin, a determined Japanese exchange student embarking on a journey to England to enroll in the highly prestigious Saint Thomas Art Academy. Her ambition burns bright, fueled by a deep desire to become a masterful painter. However, Lili isn’t just pursuing a dream; she arrives under immense pressure, with her parents expecting her to ascend to the very top of her class within six short months, or face returning home.
Lili’s unwavering drive intensifies when she crosses paths with Kit Church, an aristocratic student renowned for his exceptional talent and somewhat detached demeanor. While Kit has dedicated his entire being to the art of painting, Lili’s genuine sincerity and remarkable resilience gradually begin to stir something within him. Despite having little in common beyond their shared profound love for art, their relationship swiftly becomes a pivotal and central force in their lives at the academy, hinting at a beautiful and evolving bond.
The Creative Minds Behind the Scenes
Bringing this enchanting tale to the screen is a stellar team of animators and storytellers from WIT Studio and beyond. Here’s a look at the dedicated staff:
| Role | Name | Notable Works |
|---|---|---|
| Director | Nakazawa Kazuto | B: The Beginning |
| Second Director | Takahashi Tetsuya | Kaizoku Oujo |
| Third Director | Fujii Saki | Kaizoku Oujo |
| Script | Kamio Youko, Fujii Saki | |
| Character Design | Takahashi Yasuko | Kaizoku Oujo |
| Sub-character Design | Minowa Aiko | Grimm Kumikyoku |
| Chief Animation Director | Takahashi Yasuko, Minowa Aiko | |
| Color Design | Tanaka Hanami | Spy x Family Movie: Code: White |
| Art Director | Takeda Yuusuke (Bamboo) | Vinland Saga |
| Director of Photography | Nozawa Keisuke | Vivy: Fluorite Eye’s Song |
| Editing | Ishii Chika | Kaizoku Oujo |
| Music | Chiba Naoki | Wandance |
| Sound Director | Kanegae Tooru | Yozakura-san Chi no Daisakusen |
| Sound Effects | Kurahashi Hiromune | Chi. Chikyuu no Undou ni Tsuite |
| Animation Producer | Yoshinobu Keita | Kizuna no Allele |
| Studio | WIT Studio |
A Stellar Cast Lends Their Voices
The characters of Prism Rondo will be brought to life by an impressive roster of talented voice actors, many of whom are beloved for their iconic roles in other popular anime series:
| Character | Voice Actor | Notable Roles |
|---|---|---|
| Lili Ichijoin | Tanezaki Atsumi | Mahoutsukai no Yome |
| Kit Church | Uchiyama Kouki | Horimiya |
| Shinnosuke Kobayakawa | Kaji Yuuki | Karakai Jouzu no Takagi-san |
| Dorothy Brown | Han Megumi | [Oshi no Ko] |
| Joffrey O’Brien | Azakami Youhei | Kamonohashi Ron no Kindan Suiri |
| Peter Anthony | Sakata Shougo | Chitose-kun wa Ramune Bin no Naka |
| Catherine Astor | Uesaka Sumire | Tokidoki Bosotto Russia-go de Dereru Tonari no Alya-san |
| Sakura Kobayakawa | Kitou Akari | Jibaku Shounen Hanako-kun |
| Charles Brant | Ootsuka Houchuu | Golden Kamuy |
| Take Ichijoin | Kaida Yuuko | Yakusoku no Neverland |
| Richard Church | Suwabe Junichi | Great Pretender |
The Sound of Prism Rondo
Adding another layer of artistry to the series, the J-pop band Chilli Beans. will be performing the theme song for Prism Rondo. Their track, titled “star flower,” is sure to set the perfect tone for this original anime, enriching the viewing experience with its unique sound.
With a compelling story, a powerhouse animation studio, a renowned creator, and a fantastic cast, Prism Rondo is shaping up to be a must-watch series for 2026. Keep an eye out for this Netflix Japan original!
