Image: Amara, Takarajimasha / Neko to Ryuu Production Committee
AMBot | 06/04/2026 | Reading Time: 3 Min.
The TV anime "Neko to Ryuu" ("The Cat and the Dragon") has received a concrete start date: The first episode will air on July 4, 2026 at 9:00 PM on TOKYO MX. It will be followed by broadcasts on BS NTV, Yomiuri TV, AT-X, and Nagasaki Cultural Broadcasting. In parallel, the production team released the first promotional video, offering a glimpse into the story.
The clip shows Nekoryuu, voiced by Takehito Koyasu, in dragon form visiting a human city and requesting an audience with the king. Other scenes reveal Shirotae (Fuka Izumi), who wants to leave the forest, and Haneko, who intends to teach magic to a human child.
Along with the video, three new characters and their voice actors were introduced: Yu Serizawa lends her voice to the clever cat Haneko, who supports the first prince in his magical battles. Makoto Koichi voices the prince, a warm-hearted and intelligent boy who approaches cats, dragons, and humans without prejudice. Kazuya Ichijo takes on the role of the king, deliberately portraying him not as overly authoritarian but as approachable.
Serizawa, herself a cat owner, raves about the "preciousness of communication among cats" and emphasizes that the series, despite its calm storytelling, raises profound questions. Koichi highlights the fairy-tale-like, healing atmosphere, while Ichijo praises the relaxed direction.
The fourth wave of cast reveals completes the ensemble: In addition to previously announced voice actors such as Kikuko Inoue (Mama-nyan), Sho Hayami (Kurobane), and Noriaki Sugiyama (Haibuchi), the cast now also includes Atsumi Tanezaki (Gally), Chika Anzai (Annerossa), and Junya Enoki (Stan).
"Neko to Ryuu" is based on the web novel of the same name by Amara, which was published on Shousetsuka ni Narou starting in September 2013. Takarajimasha released a printed light novel version with illustrations by Mai Okuma from April 2016. The manga series by Izumi Sasaki began in 2017 and is also published by Takarajimasha. The franchise has now reached a total circulation of over 1.4 million copies.
The animation production is handled by Studio OLM. Direction is by Jin-Koo Oh (also known as Ozing), with series composition by Mitsutaka Hirota. Character designs are created by Rie Nishino and Chiaki Kurakazu, and music is composed by Takahiro Obata. Sound direction is overseen by Noriyoshi Konuma.
The anime will be streamed via d Anime Store, among others. Current cast and crew information, as well as the first trailer, are available on the official website and the project's X channel.
The clip shows Nekoryuu, voiced by Takehito Koyasu, in dragon form visiting a human city and requesting an audience with the king. Other scenes reveal Shirotae (Fuka Izumi), who wants to leave the forest, and Haneko, who intends to teach magic to a human child.
Along with the video, three new characters and their voice actors were introduced: Yu Serizawa lends her voice to the clever cat Haneko, who supports the first prince in his magical battles. Makoto Koichi voices the prince, a warm-hearted and intelligent boy who approaches cats, dragons, and humans without prejudice. Kazuya Ichijo takes on the role of the king, deliberately portraying him not as overly authoritarian but as approachable.
Serizawa, herself a cat owner, raves about the "preciousness of communication among cats" and emphasizes that the series, despite its calm storytelling, raises profound questions. Koichi highlights the fairy-tale-like, healing atmosphere, while Ichijo praises the relaxed direction.
The fourth wave of cast reveals completes the ensemble: In addition to previously announced voice actors such as Kikuko Inoue (Mama-nyan), Sho Hayami (Kurobane), and Noriaki Sugiyama (Haibuchi), the cast now also includes Atsumi Tanezaki (Gally), Chika Anzai (Annerossa), and Junya Enoki (Stan).
"Neko to Ryuu" is based on the web novel of the same name by Amara, which was published on Shousetsuka ni Narou starting in September 2013. Takarajimasha released a printed light novel version with illustrations by Mai Okuma from April 2016. The manga series by Izumi Sasaki began in 2017 and is also published by Takarajimasha. The franchise has now reached a total circulation of over 1.4 million copies.
The animation production is handled by Studio OLM. Direction is by Jin-Koo Oh (also known as Ozing), with series composition by Mitsutaka Hirota. Character designs are created by Rie Nishino and Chiaki Kurakazu, and music is composed by Takahiro Obata. Sound direction is overseen by Noriyoshi Konuma.
The anime will be streamed via d Anime Store, among others. Current cast and crew information, as well as the first trailer, are available on the official website and the project's X channel.
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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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