Sayonara Lara: main visual and new character details revealed

Regarding the upcoming release of the anime series Sayonara Lara (Japanese: Sayonara Lara), the main visual as well as a presentation video for a new character have been released. The production celebrates the 15th anniversary of the studio Kinema Citrus.

The main visual shows the protagonist Lara and the new character Mari Ōtsu, a high school student and boxer who lives in the city of Ōtsu in Shiga Prefecture on Lake Biwa. It bears the slogan "Deatte. Mada Shiranai. Anata to." (approximately: "We met. I didn't know you yet. You and me."). The illustration is by Shiori Tani, who is responsible for the series' character design.

The plot of the series is inspired by the fairy tale "The Little Mermaid". It is about the mermaid princess Lara, who fell in love with a human prince 200 years ago, but this love remained unrequited and she dissolved into soap bubbles. Now she awakens to life again in Lake Biwa, this time in human form, and sets out once more in search of true love.

The role of Mari Ōtsu is voiced by Nana Kawaishi, who herself is from Shiga Prefecture. Her voice can be heard for the first time in the character introduction video, supplemented by a handwritten comment from the voice actress. Lara is portrayed by Hana Hishikawa.

Direction is by Takashi Koide, for whom it is his first work in this position. The script adaptation is by Anna Kawahara. The studio Kinema Citrus, known for productions such as Made in Abyss and Watashi no Shiawase na Kekkon, is responsible for the animation.

The series is scheduled to air in the year 2026.