Netflix has announced that the original film THE RIBBON HERO リボンヒーロー, based on the classic manga Ribbon no Kishi by Tezuka Osamu, will premiere globally on August 8, 2026 (Saturday). Alongside the release date, the main visual, first trailer, and the lead voice actress have been unveiled.
The project was first teased last month with a key visual that immediately topped Yahoo! Trends at #1 and ranked #3 among domestic trends on X (formerly Twitter). Further building anticipation, the film has been selected for the “Annecy Presents” lineup at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival 2026.
Main Visual and First Trailer
The newly released main visual is composed like a painting, featuring the transformed Sapphire front and center, sword in hand, her expression filled with resolve. Below her, the pre-transformation Sapphire—with a large red ribbon—appears alongside three new characters. The tagline hints at “feelings,” and the story behind why Sapphire takes up the sword is teased.
The first trailer opens with a destroyed kingdom, wounded soldiers, and a bloodied Sapphire crying out in despair. Just when all seems lost, she is enveloped in ribbons and gains the power to transform. Declaring “for everyone in trouble,” she finds meaning in having survived. But a mysterious figure wearing a sinister grin also appears. With the cry “Ribbon no Kishi, sanjou!” (The Ribbon Knight has arrived!), the hero is born. Will she be able to reclaim the world?
Cast Announcement
The protagonist Sapphire is voiced by Saaya (of the comedy duo Lalande), marking her first lead role in a feature-length animated work. In a comment, Saaya revealed that the director told her “there are parts of Sapphire’s background and life story that overlap with your own.” She added, “After turning 30, I’ve never had a job where I struggled and enjoyed the challenge so much. I truly hope you’ll watch it!”
Full Comment from Saaya (Lalande)
“I’m Saaya from Lalande, and I had the honor of playing Sapphire.
Until now, I’ve confidently taken on all kinds of work in any genre, but this offer to voice the main character made me hesitate a little—because I have deep respect for the meticulous and unique way the world of anime is crafted.
The original Ribbon no Kishi was, I believe, the first shōjo manga to feature a ‘fighting woman’ as its protagonist. When the director told me that my own background and experiences overlap with Sapphire’s, I made up my mind. I felt that Sapphire also shares my motto of responding to hardship with humor.
I know there will be critical voices since voice acting is not my main profession. But I concentrated on outputting Sapphire’s inner voice to the fullest. After turning 30, I’ve never had a job where I struggled and enjoyed the challenge so much. I truly hope you’ll watch it!”
(C) Twin Engine
Many details of the film remain under wraps, and further updates are eagerly awaited.
