Red River

Exciting Announcement: A Beloved Manga Comes to Life!

Great news for fans! The beloved manga Ten wa Akai Kawa no Hotori (which can be translated as “The Sky is by the Red River”) by Shinohara Chie is finally getting a TV anime adaptation. Mark your calendars for summer 2026, as Tatsunoko Pro will be bringing this historical fantasy to life.

Original cover of “Ten wa Akai Kawa no Hotori”

About the Manga: A Shojo Classic

This manga is a true classic in the shojo genre. Serialized from 1995 to 2002 in Shojo Comic, it has garnered critical acclaim, winning the prestigious 46th Shogakukan Manga Award in the shojo category. Its fanbase is massive, with over 20 million copies in circulation, and it even captivated audiences with a stunning Takarazuka stage play in 2018. For Shinohara Chie, this anime marks a first—while her other tales like Yami no Purple Eye and Umi no Yami, Tsuki no Kage have seen OVA releases, Ten wa Akai Kawa no Hotori is her debut TV anime adaptation. And if that’s not enough, a special deluxe edition of the manga is also on the way!

Story Synopsis: A Journey Through Time and Love

Imagine being whisked away from modern-day Japan to the ancient Hittite Empire—that’s exactly what happens to Yuuri, an ordinary girl. Thrust into a world of political intrigue and ancient mysteries, she crosses paths with Prince Kairu, the heir apparent to the throne. Under his protection as a consort, Yuuri rises to fame as the revered goddess Ishtar. But with time running out to return home, she must navigate royal plots, international tensions, and her own growing affection for Kairu. It’s a thrilling blend of history, fantasy, and romance!

Teaser visual for TV anime “Ten wa Akai Kawa no Hotori”

Meet the Creative Team

Bringing this epic tale to the screen is a talented team. Directing the anime is Kobayashi Kousuke, known for Waccha PriMagi!. The series composition is handled by Tomita Yoriko, while character designs are crafted by Fujisaki Kenji. And with Tatsunoko Pro at the animation helm, fans can expect high-quality visuals.

The newly released teaser visual is already stirring excitement! It shows Yuuri clad in warrior gear, her eyes fixed on the crimson Marashantiya River, with Kairu by her side—a pivotal figure in her journey. This image hints at the drama and adventure to come.

New illustration by Shinohara Chie for “Ten wa Akai Kawa no Hotori”

Author’s Heartfelt Comment

[Original Author: Shinohara Chie]

“Thank you so much for the anime adaptation of Ten wa Akai Kawa no Hotori!! I am overjoyed!! It has been 24 years since the serialization ended. To have someone remember it after all this time and make an anime!! And to be able to deliver it to everyone, what happiness. And what a fortunate work this is. For the fans from the serialization days, I hope it brings back fond and vivid memories… For anime fans who don’t know the original, I sincerely hope they can enjoy it anew. Above all, I am very much looking forward to it myself. I can’t wait for the broadcast.”

Detailed Introduction

TV Anime “Ten wa Akai Kawa no Hotori” – Summer 2026 Broadcast Start

Introduction: Yuuri, an ordinary girl living in modern Japan. However, one day, while on a date with her boyfriend, she is captured by a “hand” that suddenly appears from a puddle and dragged into the water—— When she awakens, she is in the Hittite Empire of the 14th century BC. Due to the schemes of Empress Nakia, who seeks to eliminate other princes for her own son’s succession, she has been summoned across time and space as a sacrifice. Yuuri then meets Prince Kairu, who is seen as the top candidate for imperial succession. Taken under his protection as a concubine, Yuuri eventually wins the people’s hearts and becomes famous as the war goddess Ishtar. As the time limit for her return to modern Japan approaches, she gets caught in the empress’s conspiracies and conflicts with neighboring countries, and wavers in her love for Kairu, whom she has come to care for. What path will Yuuri choose…? A girl summoned suddenly to the ancient Orient world across thousands of years carves out her own destiny in this full-scale historical romance!

Staff Information

Logo for TV anime “Ten wa Akai Kawa no Hotori”

(C) Shinohara Chie / Shogakukan / Anime “Ten wa Akai Kawa no Hotori” Production Committee
(C) Shinohara Chie / Shogakukan

Article by Takahashi Katsunori

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