The summer anime Sayonara Lala has released the synopsis and advance scene cuts for its second episode, titled “Running in Shiga,” which is set to air from July 12, 2026.
Sayonara Lala is an original TV anime produced by Kinema Citrus to commemorate the studio’s 15th anniversary. Kinema Citrus is known for popular works such as Made in Abyss, My Happy Marriage, The Rising of the Shield Hero, and Revue Starlight. The story is based on the fairy tale The Little Mermaid and follows the mermaid princess Lala, who is revived in Lake Biwa 200 years after her tragic end. The director is Takushi Koide, a native of Shiga Prefecture, making his directorial debut with this series. The cast includes Hana Hishikawa as Lala, Nana Kawashima as Mari Otsu, Rika Fukami as Grace, Ayumu Murase as Ruka, Tomotaka Ohno as Shoya Otsu, Mitsuaki Madenokoji as Makoto Otsu, Nanae Sumitomo as Emi Otsu, Masaki Terasoma as Rowan, Minami Tsuda as Lisa, and Kazuomi Yamamoto as Kota.
Once upon a time, there was a mermaid princess named Lala. Raised with love by her father, the king of the sea, and her sisters, Lala fell in forbidden love with a human prince. She drank a potion given by the witch Grace to become human and journeyed to the surface. However, the potion was a forbidden one: if she did not find “true love,” she would turn into sea foam. Lala’s wish was not granted, and she disappeared into the sea. Two hundred years later, the mermaid princess Lala is revived in Lake Biwa, determined to find true love this time.
Episode 2 “Running in Shiga” Synopsis
Lala, revived in Lake Biwa, Shiga Prefecture, reunites with the witch on land.
The witch tells her that to save her family, she must form a “true love” bond with a human.
However, Lala is constantly overwhelmed by her first experience in Shiga.
The first episode of Sayonara Lala, titled “Mermaid Princess Lala,” will air on July 12, 2026, on TOKYO MX and other channels.
TV Anime Sayonara Lala Overview
Broadcast starts July 5, every Sunday at 24:30 on TOKYO MX
BS Asahi: Every Sunday from July 5 at 25:30
Yomiuri TV: Every Monday from July 6 at 25:59
AT-X: Every Monday from July 6 at 21:30 (Repeats: Wed 9:30, Fri 15:30)
*Broadcast dates and times are subject to change.
Simulcast on various streaming sites from July 5 at 24:30.
Staff
| Role | Name |
|---|---|
| Original Work | Kinema Citrus |
| Director | Takushi Koide |
| Series Composition | Anna Kawahara |
| Character Design | Shiori Tani |
| Art Director | Mari Fujino (Studio Pablo) |
| Color Design | Rika Aizawa |
| Director of Photography | Kazuhito Izumida (T2studio) |
| Editor | Masayuki Kurosu |
| Graphic Design | Yuto Hama, Masao Yamaguchi |
| Deep Sea Image | MON |
| Water Artist | Naoki Yoshinabe |
| Sound Director | Yo Yamada |
| Music | Yuma Yamaguchi |
| Music Production | KADOKAWA |
| Senior Producer | Muneaki Ogasawara |
| Team Producer | Shoki Ishikawa |
| Creative Producer | Natsuki Moriyama |
| Animation Production | Kinema Citrus |
Theme Songs
Opening Theme: “Sayonara Lala” by Ikimonogakari (Vocals: Kiyoe Yoshioka, Lyrics/Composition: Masaki Mizuno, Arrangement: Seiji Kameda, EPIC Records Japan)
Ending Theme: “Hearts Glow” by Hana Hope (Lyrics: Hana Hope, Yuko Konishi; Composition: Hana Hope, K E I_H A Y A S H I; Arrangement: David Baron, Sony Music Labels)
Cast
| Character | Voice Actor |
|---|---|
| Lala | Hana Hishikawa |
| Mari Otsu | Nana Kawashima |
| Grace | Rika Fukami |
| Ruka | Ayumu Murase |
| Shoya Otsu | Tomotaka Ohno |
| Makoto Otsu | Mitsuaki Madenokoji |
| Emi Otsu | Nanae Sumitomo |
| Rowan | Masaki Terasoma |
| Lisa | Minami Tsuda |
| Kota | Kazuomi Yamamoto |
Production: “Sayonara Lala” Production Committee
© Kinema Citrus / “Sayonara Lala” Production Committee
