The Inspiration Behind the New Arc
The synopsis and preliminary scene cuts of Episode 01 (Episode 1) ``Kiss of Farewell and Encounter'' from the summer anime ``Heaven is a Red River'', which will begin broadcasting on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, have been released.
Historical Fantasy and Romance
``The Banks of the Red River'' is a historical fantasy based on the manga by Chie Shinohara, which was serialized in Shogakukan's ``Shoujo Comic'' from 1995 to 2002 and boasted immense popularity, with a total circulation of over 20 million copies, including the electronic version.
In addition to winning the girls' category at the 46th Shogakukan Manga Awards, it was also adapted into a stage play by the Takarazuka Revue in 2018, and this monumental work in girls' manga, which is still loved around the world, is the first Shinohara work to be made into a TV anime.
Meet the Characters
The story begins when Yuri, an ordinary girl living in modern-day Japan, is suddenly summoned to the Hittite Empire in the 14th century BC. Confused, Yuri meets Kyle, the prince who is seen as the most likely candidate to succeed the Empire's throne.
Yuri, who was taken into his care as his concubine, eventually won the hearts of the people and became known as Ishtar, the goddess of war.
Episode01 (Episode 1) “Kiss of Farewell and Encounter” Synopsis
Yuri, an ordinary girl living in Japan, suddenly begins to experience strange events related to water. Then one day, while on a date with her boyfriend, a hand emerges from a puddle and grabs her and drags her into the water.
Yuuri finally escapes from his grasp, but what he finds there is the Hittite Empire of the 14th century BC. Her life is targeted by Nakia, the empress who plans to sacrifice herself, but she is saved from danger by Kyle, the prince.
Episode 01 (1st episode) ``Kiss of Farewell and Encounter'' of the summer anime ``Heaven is a Red River'' will be broadcast on Nippon Television's ``AnichU'' slot and other channels from July 7th (Tuesday).
TV anime “Heaven is on the banks of the red river”
Broadcast information
Nippon Television: Broadcast every Tuesday at 25:29 AnichU slot from July 7th
BS Nippon TV: Broadcast every Wednesday at 24:00 from July 8th
*Broadcast time is subject to change.
Original information
Original work: Chie Shinohara “The sky is red on the banks of the river” (published by Shogakukan)
Publication of the original comic treasured version (10 volumes in total) has started!
Volumes (1) and (2) will be released at the same time around July 24, 2026 (Friday)!
STAFF
Director: Kosuke Kobayashi
Series composition: Yoriko Tomita
Character design: Kenji Fujisaki (Saki is "Tatsusaki")
Art director: Katsumi Saruya
Color design: Sachiko Tsuji
Director of Photography: Masashi Kamiki
Editing: Yoshihiro Ueno
Sound director: Hiroto Morishita
Music: Yoshihisa Hirano
Sound production: Team Kawadon
Historical research: Kimihito Matsumura, Daisuke Yoshida (Institute of Anatolian Archaeology, Affiliated with the Middle East Cultural Center)
Animation production: Tatsunoko Productions
CAST
Yuri (Yuri Suzuki): Mirai Tachibana
Kyle Mursili: Wataru Kato
Nakia: Aya Uchida
Zananza Hattusiri: Shoya Chiba
Il Bani: Tomoaki Maeno
Urhi: Koji Yusa
Kickly: Tomotaka Ohno
Hadi: Shiki Aoki
Rui: Natsumi Kawaida
Shara: Misato Matsuoka
Kash: Haruki Ishitani
Rusafa: Junya Enoki
Mittannamwa: Shinichiro Kamio
Mattiwaza (Black Prince): Kosuke Toriumi
Narration/Himuro: Hiroki Nanami
Theme song information
opening theme
Hiroki Nanami “Akatsuki no Sora” (King Records)
Lyrics: Hiroki Nanami
Composition/Arrangement: YASUHIRO (Yasuhiro)
(C) Chie Shinohara/Shogakukan/Anime “Heaven is a Red River” Production Committee
