Classic 1990s Series Unveils Anime Release Date With a New Look

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Shojo manga and anime, while very popular with many fans, haven’t achieved the same widespread recognition as Shonen, which has been the dominant force in the anime and manga world for decades. Despite consistently offering original and compelling stories, Shojo series often fly under the radar internationally. The 1990s were a particularly strong period for Shojo, producing many beloved classics that are still enjoyed today. Sadly, many critically acclaimed Shojo series haven’t been adapted into anime. One example is Red River, a supernatural fantasy manga by Chie Shinohara, which ran in Shogakukan’s Sho-Comi magazine from 1995 to 2002, but has largely been forgotten over time.

The manga was highly praised by both fans and reviewers, and in 2000, it won the Shojo category of the 46th Shogakukan Manga Award. Over thirty years after it first appeared, an anime adaptation has been greenlit and is scheduled to debut in Summer 2026. With the premiere date getting closer, details are being released, including the date itself, a new key visual, and information about the voice actors.

When Will Red River Premiere?

The anime series will start airing on Japanese television on July 7th at 25:35 JST. While it’s not yet known where you’ll be able to stream it, an announcement is likely coming soon, as the premiere is only a few months away. Crunchyroll, the biggest anime streaming service, is the most probable platform to acquire the streaming rights. A trailer hasn’t been released, but a beautiful new image featuring the main characters has been shared.

The anime is being made by the animation studio VAP, working with Tatsunoko Production. Tatsunoko Production is a long-standing Japanese studio, founded in 1962, and is famous for well-regarded shows like Ping Pong the Animation and Neon Genesis Evangelion.

Red River Unveils New Cast of Characters

The official website of the anime reveals the list of new characters along with their voice actors.

  • Kikkuri, voiced by Tomohiro Ono
  • Hadi, voiced by Shiki Aoki
  • Ryui, voiced by Natsumi Kawaida
  • Shala, voiced by Misato Matsuoka
  • Kash, voiced by Haruki Ishiya
  • Rusafa, voiced by Junya Enoki
  • Mittannamuwa, voiced by Shinichiro Kamio

Many of the characters play smaller, yet important, parts in the story. Kikkuri is particularly notable—he’s a steadfast companion who has known Kyle since they were children. Hadi is also a key character, a talented young woman skilled in combat.

What Is The Plot of Red River?

Yuri Suzuki is a typical girl who’s just finished her exams and had her first kiss with a friend she’s been close to for years. But right as she’s excited to start college and a new relationship, she suddenly finds herself thrown into a different time.

Yuri suddenly finds herself in the Hittite Empire, a powerful kingdom from 14th century BC. She quickly becomes involved in a struggle for the throne and meets Prince Kyle, a strong contender to become the next ruler. This marks the start of her adventure as she tries to find her place in this new world and win over the people.

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2026-05-22 04:43