The new TV anime adaptation of CLAMP’s Magic Knight Rayearth premiered on October 7, 2026. Episode 1, titled ‘Isekai yori’ (異世界より), delivered a surprise that delighted longtime fans.
Based on CLAMP’s manga serialized in Kodansha’s Nakayoshi, Magic Knight Rayearth is a grand otherworld adventure with memorable characters. The original TV anime aired from 1994 to 1995, and more than 30 years later, the story is being adapted for television again.
Note: This article discusses Episode 1 and contains spoilers.
Episode 1 begins with Shidou Hikaru, a middle school student, visiting Tokyo Tower on a social studies field trip. There she meets Ryuuzaki Umi and Hououji Fuu, who attend different schools. When the three happen to be together and their eyes meet, a mysterious voice declares, ‘Save this world, legendary Magic Knights–‘ and they are summoned to the other world of Cephiro.
Though confused by the sudden turn of events, the three begin their adventure in an unfamiliar world. The opening of the story that fans know from the Heisei-era version has been brought back with new visuals and a new cast.
On social media, viewers praised the new visuals and story for respecting the atmosphere of the original. The new cast also drew attention: Sakura Ayane as Hikaru, Oukubo Rumi as Umi, and Takahashi Rie as Fuu. Fans said their performances honored the old image while feeling perfectly suited to each character, with comments such as ‘Their voices and way of speaking are perfect!’
But the moment that truly set SNS ablaze came at the end of Episode 1: the insert song ‘Yuzurenai Negai.’
https://twitter.com/rayearth_info/status/2107852510933508103
‘Yuzurenai Negai’ is Tamura Naomi’s first opening theme for the 1994 TV anime. It has long been loved as a signature song for the series, and now, about 30 years later, it has returned as an insert song for the new anime.
The unexpected use of the song sent SNS into a frenzy. Comments included ‘Using “Yuzurenai Negai” at the end is unfair!’, ‘I got goosebumps,’ and ‘“Yuzurenai Negai” is a foul…’ Fans also wrote, ‘I never thought I’d see Rayearth in Reiwa’ and ‘Just hearing “Yuzurenai Negai” gets me so hyped,’ with many recalling their memories of the original.
Episode 2 will air on October 14.
Work Overview
TV Anime Magic Knight Rayearth
From October 7, 2026 (Wednesday), every Wednesday at 11:45 PM
Broadcasting on TV Asahi’s national network ‘IMAnimation W’ slot for two consecutive cours.
*Some regions excluded.
Cast
| Character | Voice Actor |
|---|---|
| Shidou Hikaru | Sakura Ayane |
| Ryuuzaki Umi | Oukubo Rumi |
| Hououji Fuu | Takahashi Rie |
| Emeraude | Hayami Saori |
| Zagato | Ono Yuuki |
| Mokona | Kikuchi Mika |
| Clef | Kaji Yuuki |
| Presea | Katou Emiri |
| Ferio | Matsuoka Yoshitsugu |
| Alcyone | Noto Mamiko |
| Ascot | Murase Ayumu |
| Caldina | Ueda Hitomi |
| Lafarga | Yasumoto Hiroki |
Theme Songs
Opening Theme: Toaka ‘Otome no Ken’ (EMI Records / UNIVERSAL MUSIC)
Ending Theme: Kawaguchi Yurina ‘Hoshiakari’ (Universal Music)
Staff
| Role | Staff |
|---|---|
| Original Work | CLAMP ‘Magic Knight Rayearth’ (Kodansha ‘Nakayoshi’) |
| Director | Miura Yui |
| Deputy Director | Sano Takayuki |
| Series Composition | Murakoshi Shigeru |
| Character Design / Chief Animation Director | Watabe Satomi |
| Mashin Design / Mashin Mechanical Director | Mutaguchi Hiroki |
| Art Director | Andou Kazumaru (Kusanagi) |
| Color Design | Nakamura Chiho |
| 3D Supervision | Kan Tomohiko |
| Director of Photography | Tamura Jin |
| Editing | Yanagi Keisuke, ACE |
| Sound Director | Abe Shuhei |
| Music | Kajiura Yuki, Ozawa Takumi, Terada Shiho |
| Music Production | TMS Music |
| Creative Producer | Park Seong-Hu |
| Planning Produce | UNLIMITED PRODUCE by TMS |
| Animation Production | E&H production |
| Production | TMS Entertainment, Kodansha, TV Asahi |
(C)CLAMP・ST／Kodansha・TMS・TV Asahi
