by Kyoto Animation’s Highly Anticipated Original Anime Debuts This July
Kyoto Animation’s upcoming TV anime Twentieth Century Electric Catalog – Eureka Everyka – is set to premiere on July 5, 2026, on ABC TV, TOKYO MX, TV Aichi, and BS11. The series will also stream exclusively worldwide on Netflix from the same day, making it one of the studio’s most anticipated releases of the year.
Ahead of its official broadcast, a special Japan premiere event was held on June 14 at Shinjuku Piccadilly in Tokyo. Attendees were treated to a theatrical screening of Episodes 1–3, followed by a talk session featuring voice actors Yuma Uchida (Kihachi Sakamoto), Sora Amamiya (Inako Momokawa), and series director Minoru Ota.
The event offered fans an early glimpse into the anime’s unique world, impressive visuals, and emotional storytelling, while also providing fascinating insights into the production process.
Note: This report contains light spoilers for Episodes 1–3.
What is the Twentieth Century Electric Catalog – Eureka Everyka?
Based on the award-winning light novel by Hiroshi Yuki, which received an Encouragement Award at the 8th Kyoto Animation Awards, the series is set in an alternate world where steam technology has flourished while electricity remains an unrealized dream.
The story follows Kihachi Sakamoto, a young inventor fascinated by the possibilities of electricity. Together with his older brother Seiroku, he creates a mysterious document known as the Twentieth Century Electric Catalog, a record of inventions that could shape the future.
However, tragedy strikes when Seiroku leaves for war carrying the catalog and never returns.
Months later, Kihachi’s life changes when he meets Inako Momokawa, the daughter of a respected sake-brewing family. Inako unexpectedly entrusts him with the missing catalog, drawing them into a larger conflict involving industrial power, political influence, and dreams that could change the world.
At the center of this struggle is Yosuke Mitsuzoe, the ambitious heir to a powerful industrial conglomerate who seeks the catalog for his own purposes.
Cast and Director Discuss Overseas Reactions
Director Minoru Ota recently attended the anime’s world premiere in London and shared some memorable audience reactions.
According to Ota, international viewers responded enthusiastically to the series’s physical comedy.
“People kept telling me how funny the physical comedy scenes were,” he said.
Yuma Uchida agreed, noting that much of the humor comes from the constant movement and energy of the characters.
Meanwhile, Uchida also attended a premiere event in Thailand, where audiences reacted passionately to major story moments.
“The loudest reaction came at the end of Episode 1,” Uchida recalled. “When Yosuke said ‘My wife,’ the audience erupted.”
The cast expressed excitement at seeing fans from different countries connect with the story and characters.
Episode 1 Highlights: Inako’s Memorable Introduction
One of the most talked-about moments from Episode 1 is Inako’s dramatic introduction at a shrine, where she recites a traditional prayer.
Uchida praised Amamiya’s performance, describing it as one of the scene’s standout moments.
Amamiya admitted she felt nervous recording the sequence because it occurred before her character had even spoken regular dialogue.
“I wanted the prayer to feel natural, as if Inako recites it every day,” she explained. “I put a lot of thought into expressing her devotion and personality through that moment.”
The performance successfully establishes Inako as a gentle yet surprisingly passionate character.
Kihachi’s Love of Machines and Expressive Animation
Another highlight discussed during the event was Kihachi’s obsession with machinery.
The anime features numerous exaggerated facial expressions and comedic reactions whenever Kihachi becomes excited about technology.
Director Ota revealed that many of these expressions originated during the storyboard phase.
“They weren’t intended as jokes,” Ota explained. “They came naturally from the way the characters live their lives.”
Uchida added that he intentionally kept his voice performance grounded.
“The expressions are already strong visually, so I tried not to overact. I wanted Kihachi to feel genuine.”
This balance between realistic performances and expressive animation is one of Kyoto Animation’s greatest strengths.
Yosuke Mitsuzoe: Villain, Rival, or Something More?
One character who made an immediate impression on viewers is Yosuke Mitsuzoe, the wealthy industrial heir pursuing the Electric Catalog.
While audiences may initially view him as an antagonist, Director Ota offered an interesting perspective.
“I wanted him to feel relatable,” Ota explained. “At his core, he’s simply someone frustrated because he can’t get what he wants.”
The comment drew laughter from the audience, but it also hints at the complexity behind Yosuke’s character.
As the story progresses, viewers can expect to learn more about his motivations and ambitions.
Episode 2 Features High-Stakes Adventure
Episode 2 shifts the focus toward action and adventure as Kihachi and Inako attempt to protect the Electric Catalog from Yosuke.
One standout sequence involves the pair escaping via a giant kite.
Amamiya revealed that the recording process for this scene was unusual.
“Normally, we record overlapping dialogue separately, but for this scene, we recorded together,” she explained.
The result was a more natural and energetic performance that heightened the tension of the moment.
Uchida praised the collaborative approach, saying it helped him feel completely immersed in the scene.
Episode 3 Delivers an Emotional Turning Point
Episode 3 explores Kihachi’s growing self-doubt after Yosuke questions his abilities and dreams.
At his lowest point, Kihachi receives encouragement from Inako, who tells him:
“You are the person who will bring about the Age of Electricity.”
According to Amamiya, Inako’s words are driven entirely by her belief in Kihachi rather than logic or evidence.
“She simply followed her feelings,” Amamiya said.
Uchida described this as one of Inako’s greatest strengths.
“She has the power to push people forward through belief alone.”
This emotional moment serves as a key turning point for Kihachi’s character development.
The Stunning ‘Electric Full Moon’ Scene
The climax of Episode 3 features the breathtaking Electric Full Moon sequence, which quickly became one of the most talked-about scenes from the screening.
Director Ota revealed that creating a convincing light effect for a simple light bulb proved surprisingly difficult.
Because the series uses painterly backgrounds inspired by impressionist artwork, traditional digital lighting techniques were not suitable.
Instead, the production team developed a custom approach that allowed the light to appear naturally integrated into the hand-painted aesthetic.
The result is one of the most visually striking scenes in the anime so far.
Fun Segment: Future Inventions Inspired by the Electric Catalog
The event also featured a lighthearted segment where guests presented inventions they imagined might appear in the Electric Catalog.
Yuma Uchida’s Idea: Electric Administrator
A wearable AI assistant capable of:
- Real-time translation
- Traffic updates
- Daily fortune predictions
- Personal scheduling
Sora Amamiya’s Idea: Automated Health Manager
A smart home system that:
- Monitors stress levels
- Adjusts room temperature
- Prepares meals
- Draws baths automatically
- Helps users rest after work
Director Ota’s Idea: Denkidenshin
A device inserted into the back of the head that provides courage and confidence during social interactions.
The audience responded enthusiastically to all three concepts.
New Cast Members Announced
Several additional cast members were also revealed:
- Hiroshi Ienaka as Jin’emon Momokawa
- Mayumi Asano as Naoko Momokawa
- Daichi Endo as Bunshichi Yagura
- Ayahi Takagaki as Tome / Inari
These additions further strengthen an already impressive voice cast.
Opening and Ending Theme Songs Confirmed
Music plays an important role in establishing the series’ atmosphere.
Opening Theme
“Eureka Everyka” performed by Luna Goami
- Digital release: July 6, 2026
Ending Theme
“Soarin’” performed by Ginger Root
- Digital release: July 13, 2026
The opening song captures the spirit of discovery and innovation, while the ending theme offers a more reflective emotional tone.
Why This Anime Could Be Kyoto Animation’s Next Big Hit
Twentieth Century Electric Catalog – Eureka Everyka – combines many elements that fans have come to expect from Kyoto Animation:
- Beautiful hand-crafted visuals
- Strong character development
- Emotional storytelling
- Rich world-building
- Unique historical-fantasy setting
- Exceptional animation quality
The blend of technological wonder, personal dreams, and human relationships gives the series broad appeal for both longtime anime fans and newcomers.
Final Thoughts
Based on the first three episodes, Twentieth Century Electric Catalog – Eureka Everyka – appears poised to become one of the standout anime of Summer 2026.
With its imaginative alternate-history setting, compelling cast of characters, stunning art direction, and emotionally resonant storytelling, the series demonstrates why Kyoto Animation remains one of the most respected studios in the industry.
As Kihachi and Inako pursue their dreams in a world on the brink of technological transformation, viewers can look forward to an adventure filled with wonder, discovery, and heartfelt human drama.
Twentieth Century Electric Catalog – Eureka Everyka – premieres on July 5, 2026, on Japanese television and streams worldwide exclusively on Netflix.
