Fans of enchanting fantasy are in for a treat! The highly anticipated TV anime adaptation of the beloved light novel series, ‘The Cat and the Dragon,’ has just dropped a wealth of exciting new information. This includes a mesmerizing new trailer that offers a glimpse into its world, stunning new key art that sets the magical tone, and the full reveal of its talented cast. Mark your calendars, as the series is set to begin its broadcast in Japan in July 2026.
A fantastic lineup of voice actors will be bringing the unique characters to life. The newly announced cast members include Kikuko Inoue as Mamanyan, Fuka Izumi as Shirotae, Sho Hayami as Kurobane, Noriaki Sugiyama as Haibuchi, Maki Kawase as Chiikuro, and Shinnosuke Tokudome as Kurotama.
The journey of ‘The Cat and the Dragon’ began back in September 2013 on the Shosetsuka ni Naro website, captivating readers with its imaginative tale. Since then, Takarajimasha has been publishing the print version of the series in Japan, with nine volumes delighting fans so far. The creative minds behind the original light novels are Amara, who pens the story, and Mai Okuma, who illustrates its charming world. Additionally, an engaging manga adaptation, illustrated by Izumi Sasaki, is also published by Takarajimasha.
Bringing this magical story to the screen is an experienced team at animation studio OLM. Jin Gu Oh is at the helm as director, with Mitsutaka Hirota handling the series composition, ensuring a coherent and compelling narrative. Character designs by Rie Nishino and Chiaki Kurakazu promise visually appealing characters, while Takahiro Obata will compose the music, setting the perfect atmosphere for this fantasy adventure.
At its heart, ‘The Cat and the Dragon’ tells the endearing story of a fire-breathing dragon. This particular dragon, despite its inherent fiery nature and initial dislike for humans, was raised with love by a kind mother cat in a peaceful forest. Affectionately known as ‘Uncle Wing,’ the dragon serves as a watchful guardian over a community of curious felines. These cats embark on various adventures, from one joining a human prince on a quest to another enjoying people-watching in the bustling city. Through these encounters and observations, Uncle Wing’s heart gradually softens, slowly warming up to the world of humans. It’s a heartwarming tale of acceptance, family, and finding your place.