The upcoming TV anime adaptation of CLAMP’s classic Magic Knight Rayearth has revealed three more key cast members. Emeraude, the princess of Cephiro, will be voiced by Hayami Saori; Zagato, the priest who imprisons her, by Ono Yuuki; and the creature Mokona by Kikuchi Mika. Additionally, the first two episodes will have their world premiere at Anime Expo 2026 in Los Angeles.
Originally serialized in Kodansha’s Nakayoshi magazine, Magic Knight Rayearth is one of the most beloved works of the creative group CLAMP. The story follows Hikaru Shidou, Umi Ryuuzaki, and Fuu Hououji, three schoolgirls who are suddenly summoned from Tokyo Tower to the magical world of Cephiro. There they learn that Princess Emeraude, who maintains the world’s peace through her prayers as the Pillar, has been taken captive, throwing Cephiro into crisis. The girls must become the legendary Magic Knights to save the princess and the world.
The new anime project was announced in 2024, thirty years after the original TV series aired in 1994.
Emeraude (Voiced by Hayami Saori)
Emeraude is the princess of Cephiro who, as the Pillar, constantly prays for the world’s peace and order. Hayami Saori commented: “I have been moved many times by CLAMP-sensei’s stories, characters, and dialogue, and they have given me so much strength. I am truly honored to be part of the Reiwa-era Magic Knight Rayearth. With respect for this long-beloved work, I approached the recording alongside the trustworthy cast to let Emeraude’s delicate emotions seep into my voice. I hope you look forward to the broadcast.”
Zagato (Voiced by Ono Yuuki)
Zagato was originally the priest (Soru) who protected Emeraude, but he is said to have imprisoned her and seeks Cephiro’s destruction. Ono Yuuki said: “I am Ono Yuuki, voicing Zagato. That! Rayearth!! Zagato!!! The audition was extremely challenging, which made it all the more rewarding. When I heard I had passed, my joy was immense. There is much I cannot say here, but I want to perform while staying close to his own ‘wish.'”
Mokona (Voiced by Kikuchi Mika)
Mokona is a creature entrusted to the Magic Knights by Clef, who accompanies them on their journey. Kikuchi Mika expressed her emotion: “The Mokona Modoki from Tsubasa Chronicle was the start of my voice acting career. Looking back, it feels like it passed in the blink of an eye, but over twenty years have gone by. I always wished to meet Mokona again someday—I never imagined it would actually happen! Mokona always gives me courage and energy. Alongside these three Magic Knights, whose purity and strength take my breath away, we are on a new journey. I hope you will warmly watch over us. My heart, then and now, is unchanged, and I will simply act earnestly. Please look forward to it.”
Anime Expo 2026 World Premiere
The TV anime Magic Knight Rayearth will have a panel at North America’s largest anime event, Anime Expo 2026 (July 2–5). The panel is scheduled for Saturday, July 4 at 12:00–1:20 PM (local time) and will include the world premiere of episodes 1 and 2. Attendees will also be joined by Fuu Hououji voice actress Takahashi Rie and Emeraude voice actress Hayami Saori.
The series is set to begin broadcasting in October 2026.
Cast
- Shidou Hikaru: Sakura Ayane
- Ryuuzaki Umi: Okubo Rumi
- Hououji Fuu: Takahashi Rie
- Princess Emeraude: Hayami Saori
- Zagato: Ono Yuuki
- Mokona: Kikuchi Mika
Staff
- Original Creator: CLAMP (Magic Knight Rayearth, Kodansha Nakayoshi)
- Director: Miura Yui
- Series Composition: Murakoshi Shigeru
- Character Design: Watanabe Satomi
- Music: Kajiura Yuki, Ozawa Takumi, Terada Shiho
- Planning & Produce: UNLIMITED PRODUCE by TMS
- Animation Production: E&H production
(C)CLAMP・ST／講談社・TMS・テレビ朝日
