On November 21, 2025 (Friday), at 9:00 PM, Nippon TV’s “Kin’yo Roadshow” will broadcast `Ryuu to Sobakasu no Hime`. This is the third film in November’s “Hosoda Mamoru Month,” a four-week consecutive broadcast of director Hosoda Mamoru’s works, celebrating the release of his latest film, `Hateshinaki Scarlet`.
This article will provide an overview and synopsis of the film, along with some interesting tidbits that might enhance your viewing experience.
What is `Ryuu to Sobakasu no Hime`? A story of a high school girl with a wounded heart finding something precious in the virtual world <U> – Synopsis
`Ryuu to Sobakasu no Hime` sees director Hosoda Mamoru revisit the internet world he previously depicted in `Summer Wars`, this time featuring a teenage high school girl as the protagonist, a first since `Toki wo Kakeru Shoujo`. Despite being released in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021, the film garnered an impressive box office revenue of 6.6 billion yen, marking Hosoda’s biggest hit to date.
The film tells a courageous and hopeful tale of a high school student, Naito Suzu, who carries a deep wound in her heart from her mother’s death. In the virtual world <U> – a “second reality” where 5 billion people gather – she finds a precious existence, grapples with her struggles, and strives earnestly to move forward into the future.
Motifing “Beauty and the Beast,” the story unfolds across two intertwined worlds: reality and the internet’s virtual realm, a setting Hosoda Mamoru excels at, as seen in `Summer Wars`. Particularly breathtaking are the stunning visuals of the Niyodo River basin in Kochi Prefecture, characteristic of Hosoda’s works, the internet virtual world depicted on an unprecedented scale, and the deeply resonant music that truly captivates the audience.
（C）2021 CHIZU
Suzu, a 17-year-old high school student living in the lush countryside of Kochi, resides with her father after her mother tragically passed away in an accident during her childhood. Singing with her mother was her greatest joy, but after her death, Suzu found herself unable to sing.
Creating music became her sole reason for living. One day, her best friend invites her to join <U>, a massive online virtual world bustling with over 5 billion users worldwide. In <U>, users can create an avatar called an “As” and live an entirely different life. Although Suzu couldn’t sing in reality, as her avatar “Belle,” she found herself singing naturally. Belle’s songs quickly became a sensation, transforming her into a globally beloved diva.
Eventually, the day arrived for Belle’s grand concert, expected to draw hundreds of millions of As. Suddenly, with a thunderous roar, a mysterious entity known as “Ryuu” (Dragon) appeared before Belle. The violent and arrogant Ryuu wreaked havoc on the concert. Belle, intrigued, approached Ryuu, wishing to uncover the secret of the great wound he carried. In turn, Ryuu gradually began to open his heart to Belle’s gentle singing voice. Soon, a worldwide “unveil” – a search for Ryuu’s true identity – erupted. As claiming justice relentlessly pursued Ryuu, deeming him a disruptor of <U>’s order.
Amidst a torrent of slander in both <U> and the real world, and a growing movement to banish Ryuu from both realms, Belle desperately sought to find Ryuu and save his heart. Could Suzu’s voice, living in a corner of the real world, reach that one special “someone”? A miracle is born when two worlds become one.
Fact #1: Set in an Internet Virtual World! Initial reports sparked reactions like “Is this a `Summer Wars` route?” and “Reminiscent of OZ.”
As mentioned, this film is set in <U>, an internet-based virtual world home to 5 billion people, often referred to as a “second reality.” Director Hosoda Mamoru has a history of exploring how the internet and digital technology transform people’s lives, seen in `Summer Wars` and his Toei Animation directorial work, `Digimon Adventure: Bokura no War Game!`. Given this, the “internet world” setting garnered significant attention right from the initial announcement.
When the film’s release information was announced at the end of 2020, Anime! Anime! reported on Twitter (now X) reactions such as “Is this following the `Summer Wars` route?” and “I thought the visuals were reminiscent of OZ from `Summer Wars`, and indeed, this film is also set in an internet world <U>!” along with concept art depicting <U>. Four years have passed since its 2021 release, and the internet world continues to evolve endlessly. Watching `Ryuu to Sobakasu no Hime` with attention to how Director Hosoda Mamoru captured the internet world back then can certainly enhance your enjoyment of the film.
Fact #2: Director Hosoda Mamoru personally chose the character designer for Ryuu! Disney’s top animators also participated – About the Staff
This film boasts an impressive roster of Japan’s leading creators among its staff. The character design for Ryuu was handled by Akia Keiichi, an artist whose meticulous and fantastical worldviews have captivated many fans, and who Director Hosoda Mamoru personally selected, declaring, “This is the person who should draw Ryuu!”
Furthermore, a highlight is Yamashita Takaaki, Director Hosoda Mamoru’s mentor from his Toei days and a participant in all of his films since `Digimon Adventure: Bokura no War Game!`, serving as the animation director for the <U> world. Aoyama Hiroyuki, who has also worked on almost all of Hosoda’s films as a key animator or animation director, took on the role of animation director and character designer for the real world.
What truly stands out, however, is the participation of Jin Kim as a CG character designer. Kim is a prominent animator at Walt Disney Animation Studios, known for his character designs in numerous films such as `Tangled`, `Big Hero 6`, and `Frozen`. Anime! Anime! even covered Jin Kim’s design for the diva Belle in its pre-release reporting.
Jin Kim also designed the characters for Scarlet and Hijiri in the latest film, `Hateshinaki Scarlet`. He recently attended the premiere screening in America, where he saw the film for the first time and met Director Hosoda Mamoru.
It would be delightful to enjoy the active roles of characters designed by this master Disney animator, first in `Ryuu to Sobakasu no Hime` on “Kin’yo Roadshow” and then `Hateshinaki Scarlet` in theaters.
Fact #3: Morikawa Toshiyuki, Tsuda Kenjiro, Koyama Mami, Miyano Mamoru, and other stellar voice actors provide supporting roles! – About the Cast
For the cast, the role of the protagonist, Naito Suzu, a high school girl, was taken on by singer-songwriter Nakamura Kaho, making her debut as a voice actress. In this film, not only dialogue but also the “power of song” is a crucial factor. Director Hosoda Mamoru highly praised Nakamura, stating, “She cherishes singing and is beloved by song. Her connection to song is very close. In that sense, she is a unique person,” which led to her selection.
Furthermore, the role of Hisatake Shinobu, known as “Shinobu-kun,” Suzu’s childhood friend and the object of admiration among female students, is played by actor Narita Ryo, who also voiced characters in Shinkai Makoto’s `Kimi no Na wa.`. The passionate “Kami-shin,” or Chitou Shinjiro, is voiced by Someya Shota, a familiar face in Hosoda’s works since `Ookami Kodomo no Ame to Yuki`.
Movie `Ryuu to Sobakasu no Hime` scene cut (C)2021 Studio Chizu
Adding to the excitement are model and actress Tamashiro Tina as “Ruka-chan,” or Watanabe Ruka, a popular girl at school, and Ikuta Rira, also known as ikura from the music unit “YOASOBI,” making her voice acting debut as Suzu’s best friend “Hiro-chan,” or Betsuyaku Hiroka. Not to be missed is veteran actor Yakusho Koji, who voices Suzu’s father, marking his third consecutive appearance in a Hosoda film since `Bakemono no Ko`. And playing the disliked “Ryuu,” whom Suzu’s avatar “Belle” encounters in the internet world <U>, is actor Sato Takeru.
While the main cast is star-studded, voice acting fans will undoubtedly be curious about the voices behind the supporting characters. A host of luxurious voice actors, including Morikawa Toshiyuki, Tsuda Kenjiro, Koyama Mami, and Miyano Mamoru, also lend their talents to the film.
Morikawa Toshiyuki plays Justin, the leader of the vigilante group “Justice,” who seeks to uncover the identity of Ryuu, who disrupts order in <U>. Tsuda Kenjiro takes on the role of Yelinek, a contemporary artist who becomes a candidate in the “Ryuu identity search.” Koyama Mami voices Swan, a noblewoman living in a mansion, also a suspect in the “Ryuu identity search.” Miyano Mamoru performs dual roles as the YouTubers “Hitokawamui Tarou” and “Gutto Koraemaru,” who fuel the “Ryuu identity search.”
When the announcements were made before the release, Morikawa Toshiyuki and Miyano Mamoru also provided comments. Morikawa Toshiyuki, noting that he and the director are the same age and have walked similar paths in the anime and voice acting industries, said, “We had a great feeling of synergy.” Regarding his role and recording, he stated, “The character Justin, whom I played, is one of the distinct and individualistic characters in the story. Of course, it’s a highly anticipated work, so I couldn’t help but put my all into the performance. However, the actual recording was a lot of fun, with detailed and frank discussions with the director, so I’m looking forward to the completed film.”
Movie `Ryuu to Sobakasu no Hime` scene cut (C)2021 Studio Chizu
Miyano Mamoru, making his second appearance in a Hosoda film after `Bakemono no Ko`, remarked, “The characters ‘Hitokawamui Tarou’ and ‘Gutto Koraemaru’ (laughs) are completely different from ‘Ichirouhiko’ in `Bakemono no Ko`. I’m playing two roles, you see (laughs). During the actual recording, Director Hosoda and I engaged in careful discussions, and he really helped me explore new facets of my acting (laughs).” He further stirred anticipation, saying, “The fun atmosphere already comes through from the character names, but please look forward to what kind of roles they turn out to be.”
Be sure to enjoy the story while also appreciating the performances of the characters voiced by Morikawa Toshiyuki, Tsuda Kenjiro, Koyama Mami, Miyano Mamoru, and the rest of the cast.
“It’s a kind of ‘isekai,’ but actually connected to this world” – A message from Director Hosoda Mamoru, plus new information on `Hateshinaki Scarlet`
In anticipation of the “Kin’yo Roadshow” broadcast, a message from Director Hosoda Mamoru has arrived. Director Hosoda touched upon the commonality between this film and his latest work, `Hateshinaki Scarlet`, including the participation of Disney legend animator Jin Kim. He commented, “The animation expression of the internet world <U> that we depicted in `Ryuu to Sobakasu no Hime` has evolved and led to the expression of the ‘Land of the Dead’ in `Hateshinaki Scarlet`. It’s a kind of ‘isekai’ (otherworldly) setting, but it’s actually connected to this world – depicting a world that feels distant yet close may also be a common point with <U>.”
Also, in the latter half of this week’s program, a specially unreleased important scene from Director Hosoda’s latest film, `Hateshinaki Scarlet`, which opens today, November 21st, will be unveiled. This scene shows Princess Scarlet, the protagonist, and Hijiri, a Japanese nurse, connecting with each other. Don’t miss it until the very end.
`Ryuu to Sobakasu no Hime`, the third film in Nippon TV’s “Kin’yo Roadshow” “Hosoda Mamoru Month,” will be broadcast today, November 21st (Friday), at 9:00 PM.
＜Full Comment Below＞
Director Hosoda Mamoru
Jin Kim, the legendary animator from Disney, was responsible for the character design of Belle in `Ryuu to Sobakasu no Hime`. For the new film, `Hateshinaki Scarlet`, I also asked him to design the two main characters: the protagonist Scarlet, and Hijiri, a contemporary Japanese nurse who becomes her companion on a journey through the “Land of the Dead.”
There is another commonality between the two works. The animation techniques used to depict the internet world <U> in `Ryuu to Sobakasu no Hime` were further developed and applied to the depiction of the “Land of the Dead” in `Hateshinaki Scarlet`. Although it is in some sense an “isekai” (otherworldly) realm, it is actually connected to this world—this portrayal of a world that feels distant yet close might also be a shared aspect with <U>.
I hope you enjoy both `Ryuu to Sobakasu no Hime`, broadcast tonight, and `Hateshinaki Scarlet`, released today, appreciating the meeting of two contrasting characters and the elements of romance they share.
Broadcast Date & Film Information
November 21 (Friday) 9:00 PM – 11:29 PM *Broadcast extended by 35 minutes
`Ryuu to Sobakasu no Hime` (2021) *Full Feature, Uncut
| Role | Name |
|---|---|
| Director / Screenplay / Original Work | Hosoda Mamoru |
| Animation Director | Aoyama Hiroyuki |
| CG Animation Director | Yamashita Takaaki |
| CG Character Design | Jin Kim, Akia Keiichi |
| Art Director | Ike Nobutaka |
| CG Directors | Horibe Ryo, Shimozawa Yohei |
| Color Design | Mikasa Osamu |
Voice Cast
| Character | Voice Actor |
|---|---|
| Suzu (Naito Suzu) / Belle | Nakamura Kaho |
| Shinobu-kun (Hisatake Shinobu) | Narita Ryo |
| Kami-shin (Chitou Shinjiro) | Someya Shota |
| Ruka-chan (Watanabe Ruka) | Tamashiro Tina |
| Hiro-chan (Betsuyaku Hiroka) | Ikuta Rira |
| Suzu’s Father | Yakusho Koji |
| Ryuu | Sato Takeru |
Upcoming Broadcast Lineup
◆ Tonight at 9 PM: `Ryuu to Sobakasu no Hime` *Full feature, uncut
◆ November 28 at 9 PM: `Toki wo Kakeru Shoujo` *Full feature, uncut
◆ December 5 at 9 PM: `Zootopia` *Full feature, uncut
◆ December 12 at 9 PM: `Wish` *Full feature, uncut
（C）2021 CHIZU
《Nakase Kotaro》
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