The highly anticipated television anime adaptation of Amara's fantasy light novel series, "Neko to Ryuu" (The Cat and the Dragon), is gearing up for its grand premiere! Excitement is building as the official website recently dropped a wealth of new information, including details about the supporting cast and a brand new promotional video. Fans should mark their calendars, as this enchanting tale is set to debut on Tokyo MX at 9:00 p.m. on July 4, followed by broadcasts on BS NTV and Yomiuri TV. This announcement has set the stage for what promises to be one of the summer season's most captivating new fantasy anime.
"Neko to Ryuu" Unveils Stellar Supporting Cast
The world of "The Cat and the Dragon" is coming to life with a talented lineup of voice actors joining the previously announced main cast. These crucial supporting roles will add depth and vibrancy to the unfolding narrative, bringing beloved characters off the pages of Amara's light novel and Izumi Sasaki's manga adaptation. The newly revealed cast members are:
- Haneko: Voiced by Yuu Serizawa, an acclaimed voice actress known for her dynamic performance as Lammis in "Jidou Hanbaiki ni Umarekawatta Ore wa Meikyuu wo Samayou" (Reborn as a Vending Machine, I Now Wander the Dungeon). Her portrayal of Haneko is highly anticipated, promising to capture the character's unique charm and personality.
- Prince: Brought to life by Makoto Koichi, whose versatile voice acting talents have been showcased in roles such as Minami Okuda in "Toumei Otoko to Ningen Onna" (Transparent Man and Human Woman). Koichi's casting as the Prince suggests a character of considerable importance to the series' plot, likely interacting closely with the titular Cat and Dragon.
- King: Portrayed by veteran voice actor Kazuya Ichijou, recognized for his impactful performance as Balbatos in "Akuyaku Reijou Tensei Ojisan" (The Villainess's Father Transmigrated as an Uncle). Ichijou's experience lends gravitas and authority to the role of the King, a character who will undoubtedly play a pivotal part in the fantasy kingdom's unfolding events in "Neko to Ryuu."
These additions to the cast significantly bolster the anime's potential, bringing a wealth of experience and talent to the "The Cat and the Dragon" adaptation.
The Creative Minds Behind the "Neko to Ryuu" Anime
A strong production team is essential for any successful anime adaptation, and "Neko to Ryuu" is no exception. The series boasts an impressive array of industry veterans and talented artists dedicated to translating Amara's fantasy world to the screen. The key staff members leading this ambitious project include:
- Director: Jin-Gu Oh, who is helming the anime at the renowned studio OLM. OLM is widely respected for its extensive portfolio of popular and visually stunning anime, ensuring a high level of animation quality and narrative direction for "Neko to Ryuu."
- Series Composition: Mitsutaka Hirota is responsible for the series composition. His previous work on hit titles like "Kanojo, Okarishimasu" (Rent-A-Girlfriend) demonstrates his skill in crafting engaging and coherent narratives, a vital component for adapting the intricate story of "The Cat and the Dragon."
- Character Design: The visual essence of "Neko to Ryuu" is in the capable hands of Chiaki Kurakazu and Rie Nishino. Kurakazu, known as an animation director for "Pokemon (2023)," brings a fresh perspective, while Nishino, with her experience on "Nanatsu no Taizai: Kamigami no Gekirin" (The Seven Deadly Sins: Imperial Wrath of the Gods), adds a layer of expertise in fantasy character aesthetics. Together, they are designing characters that promise to be both expressive and faithful to the original illustrations.
- Music Composition: The atmospheric score for "The Cat and the Dragon" is being composed by Takahiro Obata. His previous work on the acclaimed series "Yakusoku no Neverland" (The Promised Neverland) showcases his ability to create compelling and memorable musical landscapes that enhance storytelling, a crucial element for a fantasy adventure like "Neko to Ryuu."
This robust team ensures that every aspect of the "Neko to Ryuu" anime, from its animation to its emotional depth, is handled with meticulous care and creative vision.
Dive Into The World of "The Cat and the Dragon" Source Material
The "Neko to Ryuu" anime is based on a beloved light novel series that has captivated readers for years. Amara began serializing this fantasy light novel on the popular Shousetsuka ni Narou website in September 2013, quickly garnering a dedicated readership. Takarajimasha then began publishing the light novel in print format in April 2016, featuring enchanting illustrations by Mai Okuma. The series continues to grow, with the ninth volume of the light novel having been released in November 2025.
Further expanding the universe of "The Cat and the Dragon," a manga adaptation by Izumi Sasaki began its serialization on the Kono Manga ga Sugoi! Web in September 2017. This manga offers a visual interpretation of Amara's world, drawing in even more fans. The 12th volume of the manga adaptation was also released in November 2025, providing a rich pool of material for the anime to draw upon and ensuring plenty of story for new viewers to explore if they wish to delve deeper into the origins of "Neko to Ryuu."
"Neko to Ryuu" Anime Premiere: Mark Your Calendars!
All eyes are now on July 4, the official premiere date for "Neko to Ryuu." The series will air on Tokyo MX at 9:00 p.m. JST, making it an exciting early evening watch for fans in Japan. Following its initial broadcast, viewers can also catch the anime on BS NTV and Yomiuri TV, ensuring wide accessibility for this highly anticipated fantasy adventure. The newly released promotional video offers a tantalizing glimpse into the anime's stunning visuals, character interactions, and the epic scope of "The Cat and the Dragon" world. Fans are encouraged to watch the PV to get a taste of what's to come and build their excitement for the upcoming debut.
With a compelling story, a talented cast, and a skilled production team, "Neko to Ryuu" is set to be a standout anime this summer season. Prepare to be swept away into a magical world where a cat and a dragon's destinies intertwine. Don't miss the premiere on July 4! We can't wait to see how this beloved fantasy tale unfolds on screen.
