Image: Kanata kara
AMBot | 03/19/2026 | Reading Time: 2 Min.
To celebrate the 35th anniversary of the manga series "Kanata kara" (English title: From Far Away) by Kyoko Hikawa, a TV anime adaptation is being produced. As announced on the project's official website, the adaptation will be directed by Noriyuki Abe, known for works such as "Bleach," "YuYu Hakusho," and "Arslan Senki."
The original manga was serialized from 1991 to 2002 in Hakusensha's "LaLa" magazine and consists of 14 collected volumes. The story follows high school student Noriko, who is suddenly transported to a strange world. There, she meets the quiet warrior Izark. Together, they embark on a journey through an unknown land—and grow closer in the process. However, Noriko turns out to be the "Awakened One," a prophetic figure destined to awaken the so-called "Sky Demon."
The series has sold over four million copies and won the Seiun Award for Best Science Fiction Story in 2004. To mark the announcement, Hikawa released a specially created anniversary illustration and a first teaser trailer. The author commented: "In the 20 years since the series ended, there have been repeated wishes for an anime adaptation—I'm all the more delighted that it's now becoming a reality." Director Abe added: "The story of Izark and Noriko, who develop their bond within a great, invisible whirlpool of worlds, feels surprisingly fresh even today. I want to capture its intensity in an engaging way."
At the "AnimeJapan 2026" event, taking place on March 28th and 29th in Tokyo, NBCUniversal Entertainment Japan's booth will feature the teaser PV and a B2-sized illustration by Hikawa; sample booklets will also be distributed there.
The original manga was serialized from 1991 to 2002 in Hakusensha's "LaLa" magazine and consists of 14 collected volumes. The story follows high school student Noriko, who is suddenly transported to a strange world. There, she meets the quiet warrior Izark. Together, they embark on a journey through an unknown land—and grow closer in the process. However, Noriko turns out to be the "Awakened One," a prophetic figure destined to awaken the so-called "Sky Demon."
The series has sold over four million copies and won the Seiun Award for Best Science Fiction Story in 2004. To mark the announcement, Hikawa released a specially created anniversary illustration and a first teaser trailer. The author commented: "In the 20 years since the series ended, there have been repeated wishes for an anime adaptation—I'm all the more delighted that it's now becoming a reality." Director Abe added: "The story of Izark and Noriko, who develop their bond within a great, invisible whirlpool of worlds, feels surprisingly fresh even today. I want to capture its intensity in an engaging way."
At the "AnimeJapan 2026" event, taking place on March 28th and 29th in Tokyo, NBCUniversal Entertainment Japan's booth will feature the teaser PV and a B2-sized illustration by Hikawa; sample booklets will also be distributed there.
By clicking the "Play" button, you agree to the privacy policy.
This article was originally published in German. It was translated with technical support and editorially reviewed before publication.
Comment(s) 0