Sora wa Akai Kawa no Hotori Episode 5: Yuri Awakens and Defeats Zuwa in Tito’s Revenge – Fan Reactions

TV anime Sora wa Akai Kawa no Hotori (Red River) aired Episode 05, titled “Sword to Fight,” on August 4, 2026. The episode saw protagonist Yuri finally stop running and take up a blade herself, sparking a wave of reactions online.

Sora wa Akai Kawa no Hotori is based on the manga by Shinohara Chie, serialized in Shogakukan’s Shoujo Comic from 1995 to 2002. It follows ordinary modern Japanese girl Yuri (Suzuki Yuri), who is suddenly summoned to the Hittite Empire in the 14th century BCE. There she meets Prince Kail Mursili, the leading candidate for the imperial throne, and becomes known as the war goddess Ishtar. Caught in the schemes of the queen and conflicts with neighboring nations, Yuri must carve her own destiny while a time limit for her return to modern Japan looms. The series won the 46th Shogakukan Manga Award in the shoujo category and was adapted into a stage production by the Takarazuka Revue in 2018. The TV anime began airing on July 7, 2026, directed by Kobayashi Kousuke, with animation production by Tatsunoko Production. Yuri is voiced by Tachibana Miku, and Kail Mursili by Katou Wataru.

※ The following contains spoilers for Episode 05. Please proceed with caution if you have not watched the episode.

In the previous episode (Episode 04), Yuri appeared to die, shocking viewers who exclaimed, “Wait, Yuri died!?”

Episode 05 reveals that the poison used on Yuri was actually a drug that induced a deathlike state. After waking, Yuri flees and meets a mysterious man named Talos, who turns out to be Tito’s father. Talos is the chief of the Hatti tribe, a clan long involved in metallurgy and smithing. Having been told by Tito’s sisters that Yuri is responsible for Tito’s death, Talos orders Yuri to choose a weapon and fight back against Zuwa.

Deciding that “running away means there was no point in staying here,” Yuri finally resolves to fight. Among a pile of weapons, she notices a single rusty sword. Feeling a connection to it as “a distorted piece that got mixed in,” she picks it up. That sword turns out to be the legendary “sacred sword” capable of deciding the fate of the world. With it, Yuri finally defeats Zuwa.

With Tito’s revenge achieved, social media erupted. Comments included: “I cried remembering Tito,” “Finally avenged – so satisfying!” “I clapped when Zuwa was defeated,” and “Tito can finally rest in peace.” Many fans also highlighted Yuri’s growth: “She’s no longer just a heroine who gets protected,” and “The moment Yuri, who always ran away, made up her mind gave me goosebumps.”

Episode 06 is scheduled to air on August 11.

Broadcast Information

■ TV anime Sora wa Akai Kawa no Hotori
Nippon TV: Every Tuesday at 25:29 (AnichU slot)
BS Nittele: Every Wednesday at 24:00
※ Times are subject to change.

Original Work

Original: Shinohara Chie, Sora wa Akai Kawa no Hotori (Shogakukan)

Staff

Cast

Theme Songs

Opening Theme: Nanami Hiroki – “Akatsuki no Sora” (King Records) – Lyrics by Nanami Hiroki, Composition & Arrangement by YASUHIRO (Yasuhiro)

Ending Theme: Shimizu Misa – “Reunion” – Lyrics, Composition & Arrangement by Taisei Toda

(C) Shinohara Chie / Shogakukan / Anime “Sora wa Akai Kawa no Hotori” Production Committee

Yoneda Kaori