The TV anime Magic Knight Rayearth will begin airing on October 7, 2026, in the IMAnimation W slot on the TV Asahi national network, with two consecutive cours. Alongside this announcement, the second main PV and theme song details have been unveiled, along with a new cast of antagonists opposing the Magic Knights.
The news was revealed during a stage event at the Kyoto International Manga Anime Fair 2026 (Kyomafu) held in Kyoto City. On stage were voice actors Sakura Ayane (Shiidou Hikaru), Okubo Rumi (Ryuuzaki Umi), Takahashi Rie (Hououji Fuu), and Kaji Yuki (Cref).
Based on CLAMP’s landmark manga serialized in Kodansha’s Nakayoshi, this new anime adaptation of Magic Knight Rayearth arrives more than 30 years after the original TV anime aired from 1994 to 1995. The story follows three middle-school girls—Shiidou Hikaru, Ryuuzaki Umi, and Hououji Fuu—who are summoned to the magical world of Cephiro after a field trip to Tokyo Tower. There, they learn that Princess Emeraude, who protects the world with the power of prayer, has been taken captive, and the land faces a great crisis. Will they become the legendary Magic Knights and save the princess and the world?
Directed by Miura Yui at animation studio E&H production, the anime features a cast including Sakura Ayane as Hikaru, Okubo Rumi as Umi, Takahashi Rie as Fuu, Hayami Saori as Emeraude, Ono Yuki as Zagato, Kikuchi Mika as Mokona, Kaji Yuki as Cref, Katou Emiri as Presea, and Matsuoka Yoshitsugu as Ferio.
The second main PV showcases the Magic Knights fighting formidable foes, with the awe-inspiring Mashin (Rune Gods) also making appearances, hinting at an epic narrative. The opening theme is “Otome no Ken” by Toake (EMI Records / UNIVERSAL MUSIC), and the ending theme is “Hoshitou” by Kawaguchi Yurina (Universal Music).
Comments from Theme Song Artists
Toake
“I put the innocent and straightforward feelings of the main characters into ‘Otome no Ken.’ These girls suddenly bear the fate of the world, yet they keep looking up. I wanted to convey their strong will and gaze through my singing. Seeing them fight sincerely to save others encouraged me, so I hope my music can support and push them forward.”
Kawaguchi Yurina
“I’m honored to perform the ending theme for Magic Knight Rayearth. As a fan of the original work, I’m excited to see this beloved series open a new door and reach even more fans. The world feels both warm like sunlight and grand and delicate like the depths of the sea. I sang with those feelings, wishing you all to enjoy the afterglow of each episode along with ‘Hoshitou.'”
Now, the cast of the formidable opponents standing in the Magic Knights’ way has been announced. Among Zagato’s faction, who plot Cephiro’s destruction, Noto Mamiko plays the mage Alcyone, Murase Ayumu plays the summoner Ascot, Ueda Hitomi plays the illusionist Caldina, and Yasumoto Hiroki plays the swordsman Rafarga.
Antagonist Cast Comments
Noto Mamiko (Alcyone)
“I’m honored to be part of this work as Alcyone. Her longing for love is earnest and moving, and I found myself drawn into the beautiful imagery and heartbreaking scenes. I can’t wait to see how everything comes together for the final broadcast.”
Murase Ayumu (Ascot)
“I’ve heard the opening theme in karaoke countless times—when I was in training school, many classmates sang it. When I read the original for this audition, I felt the timeless beauty and brilliance of the work. I hope you look forward to Ascot’s role!”
Ueda Hitomi (Caldina)
“As someone who has been supported by CLAMP’s works, I’m overjoyed to appear as Caldina in the Reiwa-era Magic Knight Rayearth. I faced the role with a strong sense of responsibility, and I hope you’ll await the broadcast.”
Yasumoto Hiroki (Rafarga)
“This anime aired on Monday in prime time back then. I feel nostalgia, but even more joy and a sense of mission. Because it’s a beloved classic, I’ll do my best to face it with all I have.”
The TV anime Magic Knight Rayearth starts on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at 23:45 on TV Asahi’s national network in the IMAnimation W slot, running for two consecutive cours. Streaming will follow after each terrestrial broadcast on services including AnimeFesta, Anime Hodai, ABEMA, FOD, J:COM STREAM, d Anime Store, DMM TV, TELASA, Nico Nico, Bandai Channel, Hulu, Prime Video, milplus, U-NEXT, Lemino, and more (availability may vary by service).
Staff
| Role | Name |
|---|---|
| Original Work | CLAMP (serialized in Kodansha’s Nakayoshi) |
| Director | Miura Yui |
| Vice Director | Sano Takayuki |
| Series Composition | Murakoshi Shigeru |
| Character Design / Chief Animation Director | Watanabe Satomi |
| Mashin Design / Mashin Mechanics Director | Mutaguchi Hiroki |
| Art Director | Andou Kazumaru (Kusana) |
| Color Design | Nakamura Chiho |
| 3D Director | Suga Tomohiko |
| Photography Director | Tamura Hitoshi |
| Editor | Yanagi Keisuke |
| Sound Director | Abe Shuhei |
| Music | Kajiura Yuki, Ozawa Takuya, Terada Shiho |
| Music Production | TMS Music |
| Creative Producer | Pak Seong-hu |
| Planning & Production | UNLIMITED PRODUCE by TMS |
| Animation Production | E&H production |
| Production | TMS Entertainment, Kodansha, TV Asahi |
Cast
- Shiidou Hikaru: Sakura Ayane
- Ryuuzaki Umi: Okubo Rumi
- Hououji Fuu: Takahashi Rie
- Emeraude: Hayami Saori
- Zagato: Ono Yuki
- Mokona: Kikuchi Mika
- Cref: Kaji Yuki
- Presea: Katou Emiri
- Ferio: Matsuoka Yoshitsugu
- Alcyone: Noto Mamiko
- Ascot: Murase Ayumu
- Caldina: Ueda Hitomi
- Rafarga: Yasumoto Hiroki
