New preview images and a synopsis have been released for Episode 1 of the upcoming summer anime Ten wa Akai Kawa no Hotori, which begins airing on July 7, 2026. The first episode is titled “Wakare to Deai no Kisu” (Farewell and Meeting Kiss).
Summer anime Ten wa Akai Kawa no Hotori main visual
Background
Based on the manga by Shinohara Chie, Ten wa Akai Kawa no Hotori was originally serialized in Shogakukan’s Shojo Comic from 1995 to 2002. The series has sold over 20 million copies including digital editions, won the 46th Shogakukan Manga Award in the shōjo category, and was adapted into a stage production by the Takarazuka Revue in 2018. This is the first TV anime adaptation of a work by Shinohara Chie. Directed by Kobayashi Kousuke, the animation is produced by Tatsunoko Pro. The cast features Tachibana Miku as Yuri (Suzuki Yuri) and Katō Wataru as Kail Mursili.
The story follows Yuri, an ordinary modern Japanese girl who is suddenly summoned to the Hittite Empire in the 14th century BC. There she meets Prince Kail, the leading candidate for the imperial succession. Taken in as his concubine, Yuri gradually wins the hearts of the people and becomes known as the goddess of war, Ishtar. With a time limit to return to modern Japan, Yuri becomes entangled in the schemes of the empress and conflicts with neighboring nations, all while her feelings for Kail grow. This sweeping historical romance follows a girl summoned across millennia to the ancient Orient as she carves out her own destiny.
Episode 1 Synopsis
Yuri, an ordinary girl living in Japan, begins to experience strange water-related phenomena. One day, while on a date with her boyfriend, she is grabbed by a hand emerging from a puddle and dragged underwater.
Summer anime Ten wa Akai Kawa no Hotori Episode 1 preview cut
Summer anime Ten wa Akai Kawa no Hotori Episode 1 preview cut
Summer anime Ten wa Akai Kawa no Hotori Episode 1 preview cut
After barely escaping the hand, Yuri finds herself in the Hittite Empire of the 14th century BC. Empress Nakia, who plots to use her as a sacrifice, targets her life, but Yuri is rescued by Prince Kail.
Summer anime Ten wa Akai Kawa no Hotori Episode 1 preview cut
Broadcast Details
Episode 1 of Ten wa Akai Kawa no Hotori will air on Nippon TV’s “AnichU” slot starting July 7, 2026, every Tuesday at 25:29. BS Nittele will broadcast from July 8, every Wednesday at 24:00. Times are subject to change.
Staff and Cast
Staff
Director: Kobayashi Kousuke
Series Composition: Tomita Yoriko
Character Design: Fujisaki Kenji (note: 崎 is read “tatsusaki”)
Art Director: Saruya Katsumi
Color Design: Tsuji Sachiko
Director of Photography: Kamiki Masashi
Editor: Ueno Yoshihiro
Sound Director: Morishita Hiroto
Music: Hirano Yoshihisa
Sound Production: Team Kawadon
Historical Research: Matsumura Kimihito, Yoshida Daisuke (Anatolian Archaeological Institute, Middle Eastern Culture Center)
Animation Production: Tatsunoko Pro
Cast
Yuri (Suzuki Yuri): Tachibana Miku
Kail Mursili: Katō Wataru
Nakia: Uchida Aya
Zananza Hattusili: Chiba Shōya
Il-Bani: Maeno Tomoaki
Urhi: Yūsō Kōji
Kikkuri: Ōno Tomoharu
Hadi: Aoki Shiki
Rui: Kawaiida Natsumi
Shala: Matsuoka Misato
Kashu: Ishiya Haruki
Rusafa: Enoki Junya
Mittannamuwa: Kamio Shin’ichirō
Matti Waza (Black Prince): Toriumi Kōsuke
Narration / Himuro: Nanami Hiroki
Theme Song
Opening Theme: “Akatsuki no Sora” by Nanami Hiroki (King Records)
Lyrics: Nanami Hiroki
Composition & Arrangement: YASUHIRO (Yasuhiro)
© Shinohara Chie / Shogakukan / Anime “Ten wa Akai Kawa no Hotori” Production Committee
