Additional cast for the TV anime ‘Sora wa Akai Kawa no Hotori’ has been revealed. Tomohiro Ono, Shiki Aoki, Natsumi Kawaiida, Misato Matsuoka, Haruki Ishiya, Junya Enoki, and Shin’ichiro Kamio are set to appear.
TV anime “Sora wa Akai Kawa no Hotori” logo.
‘Sora wa Akai Kawa no Hotori’ is a historical fantasy manga by Chie Shinohara, serialized in ‘Shojo Comic’ from 1995 to 2002. It won the 46th Shogakukan Manga Award in the shōjo category, and was adapted into a stage play by the Takarazuka Revue in 2018, gaining popularity. The total cumulative circulation has exceeded 20 million copies. Chie Shinohara debuted in 1981 with ‘Akai Densetsu’. While some of her works such as ‘Yami no Purple Eye’ and ‘Umi no Yami, Tsuki no Kage’ have been adapted into OVAs, this is the first time for a TV anime adaptation. Additionally, a collector’s edition of the original manga is also planned for release.
The story begins when Yuri (Suzuki Yuri), an ordinary girl living in modern Japan, time-slips to the Hittite Empire in the 14th century BC. The bewildered Yuri meets Kail, a prince seen as the strongest candidate for the imperial throne. Taken in as his concubine, Yuri eventually wins the hearts of the people and earns fame as the goddess of war, Ishtar. As the time limit for her return to modern Japan looms, she becomes caught up in the empress’s conspiracies and conflicts with neighboring countries, and gradually develops feelings for Kail.
Now, the lavish cast of characters that the protagonist Yuri meets in the ancient Hittite Empire has been unveiled all at once.
Kikkuri, a loyal retainer who has been by Kail’s side since childhood, is played by Tomohiro Ono. Hadi, a daughter of the Hatti tribe who is as skilled with weapons as any man, is voiced by Shiki Aoki. Her twin sister Ryui is voiced by Natsumi Kawaiida, and Shara by Misato Matsuoka.
Furthermore, Haruki Ishiya plays Kash, the chariot commander of the Hittite army led by Kail. Junya Enoki plays Lusafa, the archer commander, and Shin’ichiro Kamio plays Mittannamua, the infantry commander.
TV anime “Sora wa Akai Kawa no Hotori” main visual.
Alongside this, a main visual has been released depicting Yuri standing resolutely with a sword raised high against a sky shining with the morning star. This visual, which conveys Yuri’s strong determination to carve her own path despite being tossed about by cruel fate, also includes Kail, the third prince of the Hittite Empire, Zannanza, the fourth prince, and Nakia, who smiles cunningly while fixated on her son’s succession to the throne.
Furthermore, Mattiwaza (the Black Prince), the ruthless crown prince of Mitanni, stands with arms crossed, glaring coldly at Yuri, heightening the tension and hinting at the trials and turbulent future awaiting Yuri.
Work Overview
Nippon TV: from July 7, every Tuesday at 25:35 on AnichU timeslot.
BS Nippon TV: from July 8, every Wednesday at 24:00.
*Broadcast times subject to change.
Staff
| Role | Name |
|---|---|
| Director | Kosuke Kobayashi |
| Series Composition | Yoriko Tomita |
| Character Design | Kenji Fujisaki |
| Art Director | Katsumi Saruya |
| Color Design | Tsuji Sachiko |
| Director of Photography | Masashi Kamiki |
| Editor | Yoshihiro Ueno |
| Sound Director | Hirohito Morishita |
| Music | Yoshihisa Hirano |
| Sound Production | Team Kawadon |
| Historical Research | Kimihito Matsumura, Daisuke Yoshida (Anatolian Archaeology Institute, Middle Eastern Culture Center) |
| Animation Production | Tatsunoko Production |
Cast
| Character | Voice Actor |
|---|---|
| Yuri (Suzuki Yuri) | Mirai Tachibana |
| Kail Mursili (Mursili II) | Wataru Kato |
| Nakia | Aya Uchida |
| Zannanza Hattusili | Shoya Chiba |
| Il-Bani | Tomoaki Maeno |
| Urhi | Koji Yusa |
| Kikkuri | Tomohiro Ono |
| Hadi | Shiki Aoki |
| Ryui | Natsumi Kawaiida |
| Shara | Misato Matsuoka |
| Kash | Haruki Ishiya |
| Lusafa | Junya Enoki |
| Mittannamua | Shin’ichiro Kamio |
| Mattiwaza (Black Prince) | Kosuke Toriumi |
| Narration / Himuro | Hiroki Nanami |
Theme Songs
Opening Theme: “Akatsuki no Sora” by Hiroki Nanami (King Records) – Lyrics by Hiroki Nanami, Composition & Arrangement by YASUHIRO (Yasuhiro).
(C) Chie Shinohara / Shogakukan / Anime “Sora wa Akai Kawa no Hotori” Production Committee
— Yoneda Kaori
