Yesterday at the Kyoto Manga Festival there was a special panel about the Magic Knight Rayearth TV anime remake with the voice actors of Hikaru, Umi, Fuu and Clef. During the event, a new PV was released, more cast members were announced and the OP and ED theme songs have been revealed.

Moreover, it’s been announced that the series will air for two consecutive seasons! We should expect each season to have around 11 to 13 episodes, making a total of 22~26 episodes for parts 1 and 2.

Considering this adaptation will be more faithful to the manga, I wasn’t expecting two seasons. I was under the impression that they could have 2 episodes per volume and thus 13 episodes would suffice for both parts. Instead of original content, I think they will probably spend some more time on action and fight scenes.

At least we know that everything is already produced and we will get both seasons at once instead of having to wait for part 2. They will want to have different OP and ED themes for season 2, after all.

Four additional cast members were announced:

Alcyone: Mamiko Noto
Ascot: Ayumu Murase
Caldina: Hitomi Ueda
Rafaga: Hiroki Yasumoto

Below are comments from each cast member:

Mamiko Noto

I’m Mamiko Noto, and I’ll be voicing Alcyone. I’m truly honored to be a part of this project.

Alcyone’s quest for love is both touching and heartbreaking, yet it’s beautifully enveloped in the overwhelming visual splendor…

There were times when I found myself completely absorbed in even the saddest and most poignant scenes.

I’m already eagerly awaiting the broadcast, wondering what the final product will look like when all these elements come together.

Ayumu Murase

I can’t even count how many times I’ve heard that song that starts with “Tomaranai~♪” at karaoke… I first learned about this work when several of my classmates were singing it back when I was attending a performing arts school.

When I read the original work while preparing for this audition, I felt a beauty and radiance that never fades, no matter the era.

I took on this project filled with joy at the chance to be part of such a masterpiece.

I’d be thrilled if you’d look forward to seeing Ascot’s performance as the voice actor!

Hitomi Ueda

Having grown up watching, reading, and drawing strength from CLAMP’s works, I can’t imagine anything more wonderful than being able to appear in the Reiwa-era adaptation of Magic Knight Rayearth as Caldina. With a deep sense of responsibility toward this series—which has left such a lasting impression on so many people’s hearts—I stayed focused and did my best to embody Caldina in my own way.

Thank you very much for your support.

I hope you’ll look forward to the broadcast!

Hiroki Yasumoto

This is the anime that used to air during Monday prime time.

It’s a powerful series. While it certainly brings back nostalgic memories, I feel even more joy and a sense of mission.

Precisely because this is a series that you all love—and love so dearly—I intend to give my all to the tasks I can handle and do my best to fulfill my role.

Thank you for your continued support.

Source: Magic Knight Rayearth TV Anime official website

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The Opening Theme song is called “Otome no Tsurugi” (乙女の剣), which means “Maiden’s Sword” and will be performed by Toaka.

Comments from Toaka:

I poured the protagonists’ pure and sincere feelings into “Otome no Tsurugi”.

Suddenly burdened with the fate of the world, they continue to hold their heads high. They never stop facing their challenges head-on.

I created this song with the hope of conveying, through my voice, the determined gaze that embodies their strong will.

I, too, have been encouraged by the sight of them fighting single-mindedly to save others.

That is why I hope that this time, my music will serve as a source of support for them and give them even a little push forward.

That is the wish I’ve poured into this song.

The Ending Theme song is called “Hoshi Akari” (星灯), which means “Starlight” and will be performed by Yurina Kawaguchi.

Comments from Yurina Kawaguchi:

I will be performing the ending theme for Magic Knight Rayearth.

As a fan of the original series myself, my heart is racing with excitement at the thought of a new chapter opening for this long-loved work and its brilliance spreading even further.

I feel this is a work that combines the warmth of a sunlit glade with the grandeur and delicacy of a force as compelling as the darkness of the deep sea.

I sang this song with all my heart, staying true to that worldview.

I hope you’ll enjoy the lingering afterglow of each episode alongside “Hoshi Akari”.

Source: Magic Knight Rayearth TV Anime official website

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So, let’s talk about the second PV and my opinions about it!

I actually enjoyed this second PV a lot more. You can see that some scenes are really well done and I like the fact that a lot of them do not have that “haze” effect that was more apparent in the first PV. Some scenes in particular reminded me of cell animation — specially the darker ones –, even though this is entirely digital.

I still have some reservations regarding the character design, which I already mentioned previous times, but it’s starting to grow on me or bother me less haha The mashin look really, really good, more than the girls themselves in my opinion (not sure how I feel about that!).

The scenes look extremely faithful to the original manga, which is awesome!

The action scenes look very dynamic and well made. I have a feeling that action scenes and fights in general are going to take a lot of screen time to fill in those two seasons.

As for the OP and ED theme songs, I don’t feel anything special towards them at this point. From what we can hear in the PV, they don’t feel like my type of music. I’m not even trying to compare to the original OP and ED themes because that would be unfair, I think. I just wasn’t impressed by them.

I have said it once and I’ll say it again, you can really feel the care, respect and effort that TMS is putting into this remake.

Yesterday was a big day for the upcoming of the Magic Knight Rayearth TV anime remake: the global premiere happened at Anime Expo in Los Angeles with the screening of the first two episodes and a panel with the voice actresses of Fuu Hououji and Princess Emeraud as guests.

A new stunning key visual was released to the general public:

As pointed out by my dear friend Shidouhikaru15, this key visual mixes original art from the manga (the cover of artbook 1, one of my favorites ever!) and other ilustrations from the original anime.

The main PV was announced, and on it we learn that the series will premiere on October 7, 2026!

Moreover, three additional cast members were announced:

Clef: Yuuki Kaji 
Presea: Emiri Katou
Ferio: Yoshitsugu Matsuoka

Below are comments from each cast member:

Yuuki Kaji

I have vivid memories of this series being a massive hit among the girls in my class when I was in elementary school. Back then, the embarrassment typical of a boy hitting puberty kept me from reading or watching it (haha), but having the opportunity to experience the work now that I’m involved in it, I completely understand why it was so popular. It possesses a truly unique originality while also holding a universal appeal that has endured through the years. It is a touchstone, a foundational work. The world-building by CLAMP is simply amazing!

I will pour my respect into the role of Clef as I help pass the baton of Magic Knight Rayearth on to a new generation. Please look forward to the broadcast!

Emiri Kato

I am Emiri Kato, and I have been cast as the voice of Presea.

I still find it hard to believe that the day has actually come for me to voice Presea.

This series holds a very special place in my heart; I watched the show and played the games throughout my childhood. Presea was one of my absolute favorite characters: an older-sister figure I admired for the warm, supportive way she stood by Hikaru, Umi, and Fuu.

When auditioning for the role, I re-watched the anime series because I wanted to get as close as possible to the Presea I love so much.

I hope that all the fans will be able to feel that warmth that defines Presea.

Yoshitsugu Matsuoka

I’m Yoshitsugu Matsuoka, and I’ll be playing the role of Ferio.

I am truly delighted to be appearing in Rayearth—a series I’ve known for so long!

When I got the audition, I was shocked—thinking, “No way! Rayearth!?”

I intend to give it my all to deliver my own take on Ferio while honoring the world of the series.

I hope you’ll look forward to Magic Knight Rayearth! (Personally, I’m Team Presea!)

Source: Magic Knight Rayearth TV Anime official website

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So, let’s talk about the main PV and my opinions about it!

I’m not overly excited about this anime. I know it’s a little sad and it makes me feel a little sad because this is a CLAMP anime after all, but I’m still not sure about some of the character designs (especially Umi! — always Umi), some action scenes look stiff, the music is not the type that I like and there is something about the coloring that doesn’t please me.

I know I sometimes come hard with CLAMP anime adaptations, it’s just that their style is so unique that it’s really hard to convey to anime, I guess.

It definitely doesn’t look as bad as Tokyo Babylon 2021 would have—for sure it doesn’t! But I guess after watching the Witch Hat Atelier TV anime and seeing that it is possible to make a stunning, almost flawless TV anime, I was hoping for the same from a CLAMP anime. Unfortunately, this isn’t it.

And don’t get me wrong, I am not comparing it to the classic anime (which had its flaws too), I’m honestly looking at this remake separately. It’s decent, but with Rayearth, decent isn’t enough, I wanted stunning.

I will say though that the one thing I really enjoyed was Sakura Ayane’s “Honoo no Ya” at the end of the PV — that was really good! I think she will be great as Hikaru.

Three additional cast members for the upcoming TV anime remake of Magic Knight Rayearth were announced!

Princess Emeraude: Saori Hayami
Zagato: Yuki Ono
Mokona: Mika Kikuchi

Below are comments from each cast member:

Saori Hayami

I have been deeply moved and inspired countless times by CLAMP-sensei’s stories, characters, and dialogue.

I am truly honored to be able to participate in the Reiwa era’s Magic Knight Rayearth.

With respect for this long-loved work, I approached the recording sessions alongside the trustworthy cast members, striving to convey Princess Emeraude’s delicate emotions through my voice.

I sincerely hope you will look forward to the broadcast.

Yumi Ono

This is Yuki Ono, playing the role of Zagato.

That’s right! From Rayearth! ! Zagato!!!

The bar was set very high from the audition stage, but I also felt a great sense of fulfillment because of that, so I was overjoyed when I heard the news that I had passed.

There are many things that I shouldn’t discuss here, but I would like to portray him while staying close to his own “wish.”

I would be very grateful if you would watch and see it.

Mika Kikuchi

My voice acting career began with Mokona=Modoki from Tsubasa Chronicle. Looking back, it feels like it went by in a flash, but before I knew it, more than 20 years had passed. I always wished to meet Mokona again someday, but I never imagined it would actually happen!

Mokona always gives me courage and energy.

I’m on a new journey with the three Magic Knights, who are so pure, strong, and beautiful they take my breath away, and I would be grateful if you would watch over us warmly.

My heart remains unchanged from back then to now; I will simply continue to perform with sincerity.

Please look forward to it.

Source: Magic Knight Rayearth TV Anime official website

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Mika Kikuchi makes so much sense! There couldn’t be anybody else playing Mokona. I’m pretty sure CLAMP had a saying on this.

As for Princess Emeraude’s voice actress, this is not her first involvement with a CLAMP anime, she also sang the first ED theme for the Cardcaptor Sakura Clear Card TV Anime, Jewelry.

Moreover, it’s been announced that the anime will have its world premiere at this year’s Anime Expo, on July 4th in Los Angeles, with the screening of episodes 1 and 2.

Cast members Rie Takahashi (Fuu Hououji) and Saori Hayami (Princess Emerauld) will be in attendance.

Source: Magic Knight Rayearth TV Anime official website

The upcoming TV anime remake of Magic Knight Rayearth was featured in a panel at AnimeJapan 2026.

During the panel, it was officially announced that the series will begin airing at TV Asahi on Wednesdays starting in October 2026—likely timed to coincide with the anniversary of the original anime, which also premiered in October.

A new key visual was revealed:

A new PV was revealed as well and you can watch it on the TMS YouTube channel.

The voice actresses cast as the three main heroines were also revealed, and they made an appearance at the event in person (each wore clothes inspired by their characters). The main cast will be:

Hikaru Shidou: Ayane Sakura
Umi Ryuuzaki: Rumi Ohkubo
Fuu Hououji: Rie Takahashi

#AnimeJapan 1日目終了しました。
ご来場いただきありがとうございました！

本日のAJスペシャルステージの写真を公開📷💫#魔法騎士レイアース pic.twitter.com/eyASD4xiLf

— 魔法騎士レイアース（公式）/TVアニメ 2026 年 10 月よりテレビ朝日系列にて放送開始！ (@rayearth_info) March 28, 2026

Below are comments from each cast member:

Ayane Sakura

“If only I could one day become the kind of person who could lend my voice to a CLAMP work…” I’m sure countless actors have thought this, and while I had almost given up on the idea, I’ve spent my nights—those sleepless nights when I cling to CLAMP works just to keep going—thinking that I could never have imagined fate would bring me the role of Hikaru Shidou. To live up to the name of Hikaru, who has lived among so many people that this moment feels inevitable, I’ve spent the last little while striving to become a person worthy of her.
I spend my days imagining all the possible reactions you might have when you hear this news, rereading “Rayearth” and rewatching the anime to keep myself sane.
I am Ayane Sakura, and I will be voicing Hikaru Shidou in the Reiwa era. I’m an Aquarius with blood type B. It’s a pleasure to meet you all.

Rumi Ohkubo

I’m Rumi Ohkubo, and I’ll be playing the role of Umi Ryuusaki.
The day has finally come when I can say these words…!
I’ve always been a huge fan of CLAMP’s work—I’ve been reading Nakayoshi magazine since I was in kindergarten—so I followed both the Rayearth manga and the Heisei-era anime as they were released.
Umi-chan has always been my absolute favorite. Out of all the female characters in CLAMP’s entire body of work, she’s my number one.
“Belief and the strength of one’s feelings become power”—I repeated this to myself over and over as I approached the audition, and when I heard I’d been cast, I was so happy I cried.
I’m incredibly lucky to be playing my absolute favorite character, but once the voice recording begins, I’ll be facing Umi not as a fan, but as an actress.
Both as the actress playing Umi and as a fan who loves Umi-chan and Magic Knight Rayearth, I’ll do my best to help make this series a success! I look forward to your continued support!!

Rie Takahashi

My name is Rie Takahashi, and I’m honored to be voicing Fuu Hououji-chan.
I am truly honored to be part of this project, drawn not only by its inherent charm but also by the deep love of the fans. The passion of the team I’m working with is so dazzling and inspiring. As someone who was chosen for this role, I felt a warm sense of “myself” welling up from within, hoping to be of help to Fuu-chan—and by extension, to all of you.
In this story, where inner strength is key, I pledge to do my very best and give it my all until the very end.

Somehow, I was not expecting the cast to be the same as the classic anime, so this is fine to me. I am not familiar with any of the three voice actresses, but they are all have a very long list of roles on their curriculums, I’m sure they will do a great job and they all seem very honored to play these characters. Hikaru’s voice actress even dreamed of voicing a CLAMP character, so I am sure she will do a great job.

The main staff was also revealed:

Director: Yui Miura
Series Composition: Shigeru Murakoshi
Character Design: Satomi Watanabe
Music: Yuki Kajiura, Takumi Ozawa, Shiho Terada
Planning & Production: UNLIMITED PRODUCE by TMS
Animation Production: E&H production

The first thing that caught my attention was the fact that the main staff is mostly made of women, which is awesome. Although the director does not have a lot of works in her portfolio, she’s a woman and that is the highest position on an anime staff. It will be the first time Magic Knight Rayearth has a female director — and quite honestly, maybe even the first time for any CLAMP anime adaptation as far as I can remember… It will be interesting to see a TV Anime adaptation of Magic Knight Rayearth from a woman’s perspective this time around. UPDATE: Yui Miura is a man. “Yui” is typically used for women so I thought it was a female director. What a bummer.

Other female names on the list are Satomi Watanabe (character designer), Shiho Terada and Yuki Kajiura (music). I’m not a fan of Yuki Kajiura’s work on Tsubasa Chronicles (I know I’m in minority here), but she’s very popular so I’m sure a lot of people are happy. I watched the PV and the music does not appeal to me (I don’t like all these choirs she always adds to the songs…). I had strong Tsubasa Chronicles memories hitting me and that’s… not good.

Ohkawa-sensei is not listed as series composition. Somehow I also expected this. I mean, of course I would love her to be in the staff, and she might still be invited to write a few episodes, but if the plan is to follow the original manga as close as possible, there is not much need to have her there. The source material should serve as main guidance.

I was surprised to see a different studio other than TMS animating it. I understand that TMS is in charge of the overall production and planning but the actual animation will be done by E&H production, which is a studio founded by a former director of MAPPA.

CLAMP have also left a message and drew a new illustration for this occasion!

We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the production team for taking the time to reflect on, cherish, and continue the story of Magic Knight Rayearth, which began in 1993, here in 2026.
It was also a true honor to be among the first to witness the wonderful performances of the new cast and to hear the beautiful music.
We, too, will cherish and watch over the journey of Hikaru, Umi, and Fuu as they travel through Chepiro, together with all of you.

CLAMP

Clef looks so nice!!! I wish the three girls were not in their chibi forms but oh well, I was not expecting a new illustration from CLAMP at all, so this is really nice. The message and the illustration are clear indicators that CLAMP are supporting this project (unlike TOKYO BABYLON 2021 where they almost didn’t say anything).

The animation itself looks good. The one I have more problems with is Umi. It was like that since the first key visual they revealed where we could see their faces and it’s also here in the PV. Fuu and Hikaru are very good in my opinion, but there is something about Umi’s eyes or face that seems off to me. I guess I’ll just have to deal with it…

Here’s wishing for a very successful run! May this adaptation be made with the utmost respect that any CLAMP work deserves, and may this anime bring CLAMP’s popularity even higher.

The official website for the upcoming new Magic Knight Rayearth TV Anime has been launched!

We also learned that the new project will air on Asahi TV channel in 2026, although no specific date has been given.

With this announcement, we also have a second key visual, the first one where we can see the three girls from upfront.

Official website: https://rayearth-anime.com
Official X account: https://x.com/rayearth_info

I am really happy with Hikaru and Fuu’s designs, they look close to the manga (including Hikaru’s hair color, as we had seen already in the first key visual), but I’m not sure about Umi’s face…

It seems the “old” logo is back. I wasn’t sure if they would keep the same iconic logo or if they would do a brand new one (it would have been a bad idea, in my opinion). So it’s great that the old logo is back, even if it has some minor changes. Also, I loved the fact that in this new key visual they are replicating CLAMP’s “whiteout” technique to make it more “glossy/shiny”. It definitely makes you think about the manga and I wonder if this will be applied to the actual anime as well (not sure if it might work).

I was also expecting to have some information about the staff but alas, not this time!

And we now know for a fact that the new project is indeed a TV anime, as it strongly suggested.

I am currently in Tokyo for the CLAMP Exhibition so I could not post this earlier (although I did make a post about it on X), but the official Magic Knight Rayearth account on X announced today that a new anime project is in the works in celebration of its 30th anniversary!

◤Launching a new project for Magic Knight Rayearth!◢

In celebration of "Magic Knight Rayearth”anime’s 30th anniversary, a new animation project has been launched!https://t.co/qeRzp1O1wy

Stay tuned! #魔法騎士レイアース pic.twitter.com/7Prk83ev10

— 魔法騎士レイアース（公式） (@rayearth_info) July 2, 2024

The full PV and Key Visual will be shown at the CLAMP Exhibition, which opens tomorrow in Tokyo.

Given that the preview video was posted on TMS’s YouTube channel, it is safe to say that the new anime will be animated by the same studio that animated the original series.

Stay tuned for more info!

I am not sure at this point what to think about this. I am not exactly surprised as there were some rumors and speculation that this could happen (the official X account was one big hint, plus all the recent wave of goods). I just don’t want it to be worse than the original series. Hopefully this will introduce CLAMP to a new and younger audience.

This is the first CLAMP anime adaptation to get a remake, and that is quite something. Similarly, Rayearth was CLAMP’s first anime adaptation for the TV. I’ll be watching closely the next announcements as they come!