TV Anime “Neko to Ryuu” to Premiere July 2026! Koyasu Takehito Cast as Nekoryuu: “Honestly, They’re Adorable (Laughs)”
The eagerly anticipated TV anime adaptation of Neko to Ryuu (which can be translated as “Cat and Dragon”) is officially set to begin broadcasting in July 2026! Fans can look forward to a brand new teaser visual, an exciting teaser PV, and the reveal of the first main character and its voice actor.
Based on the beloved novel and manga series published by Takarajimasha, Neko to Ryuu weaves a captivating tale of extraordinary bonds. Written by Amara, with character designs by Ooguma Mai and manga adaptation by Sasaki Izumi, this popular fantasy story follows a dragon raised by cats, the cats themselves, and the humans they interact with. It’s a heartwarming narrative that can sometimes tug at your heartstrings. The original web novel gained significant attention on “Shousetsuka ni Narou” (Let’s Become a Novelist) by achieving the rare feat of ranking #1 on the daily short story charts.
The newly unveiled teaser visual plunges viewers deep into a lush, ancient forest—a haven for cats. It beautifully depicts the “Nekoryuu” (Cat Dragon) in its cat form, gracefully positioned by a tranquil waterside. Intriguingly, its true dragon form is reflected in the water’s surface, while light blue spirits gather nearby, creating a truly enchanting and fantasy-rich scene.
The enchanting teaser visual for the TV anime Neko to Ryuu!
Accompanying this visual is a captivating teaser PV. While we can’t show the video directly, we can tell you it serves as a wonderful introduction, featuring narration by Nekoryuu itself, tracing its fascinating origins and journey.
A vibrant still from the teaser PV, hinting at the fantastical world of Neko to Ryuu.
Meet the Voice of Nekoryuu and the Talented Production Team!
The majestic yet adorable Nekoryuu will be brought to life by none other than the legendary voice actor, Koyasu Takehito!
The announcement also revealed the stellar team behind the animation. The series will be animated by Studio OLM, a name synonymous with quality. Here’s a look at the key staff bringing this fantasy world to life:
| Role | Name |
|---|---|
| Animation Production | OLM |
| Director | Oojingu |
| Series Composition | Hirota Mitsutaka |
| Character Design | Nishino Rie, Kurakazu Chiaki |
| Music | Obata Takahiro |
| Sound Director | Onuma Noriyoshi |
A Word from Koyasu Takehito-san, the Voice of Nekoryuu!
The esteemed voice actor, Koyasu Takehito-san, shared his thoughts on the series and his role as Nekoryuu:
――Please tell us your impressions of the work and the character you play.
I felt it was a gentle story, much like a children’s picture book. The Nekoryuu-san I portray starts off quite dignified and stoic at the beginning of the story, but through various encounters and interactions, the character undergoes a significant transformation in perspective. To be honest, they’re quite adorable (laughs).
――Please share a message for all the fans!
It’s been so long since I’ve encountered such a gentle and heartwarming fantasy! While exhilarating battle series are fantastic, sometimes it’s truly wonderful to immerse yourself in something calm and healing. Let’s all grow together with Nekoryuu-san!
© Amara・Takarajimasha / “Neko to Ryuu” Production Committee
By Yoneda Kaori
