TV anime Sora wa Akai Kawa no Hotori (Red River) aired its second episode, “Black Water,” on July 14, 2026, and the new character Tito has drawn intense reactions from viewers.
The series is based on the manga by Shinohara Chie, serialized in Shogakukan’s Shoujo Comic from 1995 to 2002. It follows Yuri (Suzuki Yuri), a modern Japanese girl suddenly transported to the Hittite Empire in the 14th century BCE. There she meets Prince Kail, the leading candidate for the throne, and becomes known as the goddess of war, Ishtar. The story is a grand historical romance spanning millennia. The manga won the 46th Shogakukan Manga Award in the shoujo category and was adapted into a stage play by the Takarazuka Revue in 2018. The TV anime adaptation began on July 7, 2026, directed by Kobayashi Kousuke, with animation by Tatsunoko Production. Yuri is voiced by Tachibana Miku, and Kail Mursili by Kato Wataru.
Spoiler warning: The following contains details from Episode 2.
The episode opens with Nakia ordering Urhi to deliver the “black water” to Kail. Meanwhile, Yuri asks Tito, who has been assigned as her caretaker by Kail, whether it is truly possible to curse someone to death using a human effigy. Tito explains that a powerful priest could do so, and that if someone like Yuri is brought as an effigy, the only way to return is to ask that priest again.
Tito is kind and helpful to Yuri, but the “black water” sent by Nakia enters Tito and takes over his mind. Possessed, Tito tries to kill Yuri, but Kail saves her at the last moment. Tito’s consciousness returns, but he is sentenced to death for attempting to harm a royal. Yuri pleads for his life, and the sentence is commuted.
Grateful, Tito swears loyalty to Yuri, saying he will do anything for her. Viewers on social media praised Tito’s devotion, with comments like “Tito-kun is so devoted!” and “Tito-kun is a good kid!” and “Tito-kun is so cute!”
However, it is later revealed that Yuri needs the clothes she originally wore to return to her world, and Nakia has them. Yuri decides to go alone to retrieve them, a dangerous move. Tito tries to stop her but, hearing her plea, agrees to accompany her. They go to Nakia’s palace, but Yuri is quickly captured and about to be killed. Tito rescues her, but as they try to escape, Nakia’s pursuit continues. Tito sacrifices himself to let Yuri escape.
Social media erupted with cries of “Tito!” and pleas for him to survive: “Please, Tito-kun, live!” “Tito, don’t die!” “Break the death flag!” Some also criticized Yuri’s reckless actions. Tito’s fate remains unknown.
Episode 3 is scheduled to air on July 21.
Staff & Cast
| Role | Name |
|---|---|
| Director | Kobayashi Kousuke |
| Series Composition | Tomita Yoriko |
| Character Design | Fujisaki Kenji |
| Art Director | Sarugami Katsumi |
| Color Design | Tsuji Sachiko |
| Director of Photography | Kamiya Masashi |
| Editor | Ueno Yoshihiro |
| Sound Director | Morishita Hiroto |
| Music | Hirano Yoshihisa |
| Sound Production | Team Kawadon |
| Historical Research | Matsumura Kimihito, Yoshida Daisuke (Anatolian Archaeology Institute, Middle Eastern Culture Center) |
| Animation Production | Tatsunoko Production |
Cast
| Character | Voice Actor |
|---|---|
| Yuri (Suzuki Yuri) | Tachibana Miku |
| Kail Mursili | Kato Wataru |
| Nakia | Uchida Aya |
| Zananza Hattusili | Chiba Shouya |
| Il-Bani | Maeno Tomoaki |
| Urhi | Yuuki Kouji |
| Kikkuri | Oono Tomotaka |
| Hadi | Aoki Shuki |
| Ryu | Kawaii Natsumi |
| Shala | Matsuoka Misato |
| Kash | Ishitani Haruki |
| Rusafa | Enoki Junya |
| Mittannamuwa | Kamiya Shinichirou |
| Matti Waza (Black Prince) | Toriumi Kousuke |
| Narration / Himuro | Nanami Hiroki |
Broadcast Information
TV anime Sora wa Akai Kawa no Hotori airs on Nippon TV every Tuesday at 25:29 (AnichU slot) and on BS Nittele every Wednesday at 24:00. Times are subject to change.
Theme Songs
Opening theme: “Akatsuki no Sora” by Nanami Hiroki (King Records), lyrics by Nanami Hiroki, composition/arrangement by YASUHIRO (Yasuhiro).
Ending theme: “Reunion” by Shimizu Mie, lyrics/composition/arrangement by Taisei Toda.
(C) Shinohara Chie / Shogakukan / Anime “Sora wa Akai Kawa no Hotori” Production Committee
