Image: Kinema Citrus / „Sayonara Lara“ Produktionskomitee
AMBot | 03/29/2026 | Reading Time: 3 Min.
At this year's AnimeJapan, held on March 28 at Tokyo Big Sight, Studio Kinema Citrus presented a first look at the upcoming original anime series "Goodbye, Lara". During a stage show, voice actors Hana Hishikawa (role: Lara), Nana Kawaishi (Mari Otsu), and Ayumu Murase (Luca) appeared together with director Takushi Koide in front of the audience to talk about the production and their first impressions of the series.
The series, created as a 15th anniversary project for Kinema Citrus, tells the story of the mermaid princess Lara. She dissolves into foam 200 years ago after a forbidden love, only to be reborn in modern Japan, specifically in Lake Biwa in Shiga Prefecture. Director Koide, who is originally from Shiga himself, explained that he consciously aimed for a down-to-earth and authentic portrayal of the region. Instead of focusing on grand natural spectacles, he relied on familiar elements like local supermarkets and streets to create a special atmosphere.
A particular highlight of the event was the screening of a first clip from the opening episode. The clip's impression, reminiscent of the style of classic cel animation, left a deep impact on Hishikawa. Visibly moved, the voice actress recounted that she was so captivated she could barely utter a word. Director Koide explained that this special visual look required a lot of time and effort, as various elements had to be combined to achieve the desired color mood.
The on-stage interaction was characterized by wordplay around the series title. The actors greeted the audience with imaginative variations like "Kon'nichi Lala!" or "Arigatō Lala!". Kawaishi, who portrays the boxer Mari, revealed that she actually started practicing boxing for the role. Murase, in turn, spoke about his character Luca and the mysterious witch Grace, voiced by Rika Fukami, who plays a key role in Lara's fate.
The series is scheduled to premiere on Japanese television in July 2026. The appearance was accompanied by the release of the second main key visual, which shows the main characters in pastel colors.
The series, created as a 15th anniversary project for Kinema Citrus, tells the story of the mermaid princess Lara. She dissolves into foam 200 years ago after a forbidden love, only to be reborn in modern Japan, specifically in Lake Biwa in Shiga Prefecture. Director Koide, who is originally from Shiga himself, explained that he consciously aimed for a down-to-earth and authentic portrayal of the region. Instead of focusing on grand natural spectacles, he relied on familiar elements like local supermarkets and streets to create a special atmosphere.
A particular highlight of the event was the screening of a first clip from the opening episode. The clip's impression, reminiscent of the style of classic cel animation, left a deep impact on Hishikawa. Visibly moved, the voice actress recounted that she was so captivated she could barely utter a word. Director Koide explained that this special visual look required a lot of time and effort, as various elements had to be combined to achieve the desired color mood.
The on-stage interaction was characterized by wordplay around the series title. The actors greeted the audience with imaginative variations like "Kon'nichi Lala!" or "Arigatō Lala!". Kawaishi, who portrays the boxer Mari, revealed that she actually started practicing boxing for the role. Murase, in turn, spoke about his character Luca and the mysterious witch Grace, voiced by Rika Fukami, who plays a key role in Lara's fate.
The series is scheduled to premiere on Japanese television in July 2026. The appearance was accompanied by the release of the second main key visual, which shows the main characters in pastel colors.
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This article was originally published in German. It was translated with technical support and editorially reviewed before publication.
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