Magic Knight Rayearth Returns After 29 Years With New Anime—Cast Reveal Stirs Excitement; Ayane Sakura, Rumi Okubo, and Rie Takahashi Thrilled by CLAMP Illustration

A special event for the new television anime Magic Knight Rayearth, the first new installment in 29 years since the 1997 OVA, was held on the 28th at AnimeJapan 2026 at Tokyo Big Sight. Appearing on stage were Ayane Sakura as Hikaru Shidou, Rumi Okubo as Umi Ryuuzaki, and Rie Takahashi as Fuu Hououji—the three main Magic Knights.

When the cast was announced at the end of the main footage, a murmur spread throughout the venue. As the three actresses, representing the heroines’ respective colors, took the stage, they were greeted with loud applause. The roles were decided through auditions, and each expressed her joy at being selected.

They also revealed that dubbing is currently underway. During recording, while leaving final decisions to the sound director, the three actresses—having thoroughly read the original work—have also been making suggestions on how to approach their performances. Recalling their first recording session, Sakura wore a bright red knit sweater, while Okubo and Takahashi wore outfits subtly inspired by their characters’ image colors. They laughed as they shared how they had coordinated too closely, leading them to switch things up at the next session.

Additionally, when a message from CLAMP was read aloud, the three were thrilled. Okubo, in particular, who is a big fan of CLAMP’s works, was deeply moved. When it was announced that newly drawn illustrations would be revealed, Okubo crouched down in excitement before quickly regaining composure. However, once the illustrations were actually projected on the screen, she, along with Sakura and Takahashi, screamed with joy.

Throughout the event, the three engaged in lively and friendly conversation. At the end, each shared her passionate enthusiasm for the new Magic Knight Rayearth, bringing the stage event to a close.

Magic Knight Rayearth is based on the fantasy manga by CLAMP, serialized in Nakayoshi from 1993 to 1995. The TV anime aired from 1994 to 1995. Its theme song, “Yuzurenai Negai” by Naomi Tamura, recorded over one million copies in sales.

The story follows three second-year middle school students—Hikaru Shidou, Umi Ryuuzaki, and Fuu Hououji—who, during a school field trip to Tokyo Tower, are suddenly summoned by Princess Emeraude to another world called Cephiro. In order to rescue the imprisoned princess, they embark on an adventure as the legendary “Magic Knights.” The richly immersive world and themes that deeply explore the meaning of justice, love, and good versus evil have made the series highly popular.

The new anime is being produced to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the original TV anime’s broadcast in 1994. When the new anime project was announced in July 2024, it became a major topic online, with fans commenting, “Rayearth is my personal bible. I watched it in real time when I was in kindergarten, and even now as an adult, I still revisit both the anime and manga,” and “I’d love it if they kept the songs and voice actors the same.”

Source : ORICON NEWS