by The upcoming original TV anime Goodbye, Lara (Sayonara Lara) has launched a brand-new seasonal project titled “Spending the Four Seasons with Lara and Mari.” To celebrate the beginning of the series’ promotional campaign, the anime’s official team has unveiled its first Spring-themed visual along with a special voice drama video featuring newly recorded dialogue from the main cast.
Designed to showcase the everyday bond between the story’s two heroines, the new project offers fans a heartwarming glimpse into Lara and Mari’s peaceful life together before the anime’s official premiere. The first installment captures the beauty of spring in Shiga Prefecture, blending breathtaking scenery with emotional storytelling inspired by the changing seasons.
A New Seasonal Project Begins
“Spending the Four Seasons with Lara and Mari” is a special promotional project that will accompany Goodbye, Lara, throughout the year.
Rather than focusing on the anime’s main storyline, the project presents original illustrations and newly recorded voice dramas inspired by each of Japan’s four seasons:
- Spring
- Summer
- Autumn
- Winter
Each release will explore the growing friendship between Lara and Mari, allowing fans to experience quieter moments from their daily lives while highlighting the natural beauty of Shiga Prefecture.
The newly released Spring Edition serves as the project’s opening chapter.
Stunning Spring Visual Showcases Cherry Blossoms and Friendship
The newly illustrated key visual, created by Kinema Citrus, depicts Lara and Mari enjoying the arrival of spring beneath rows of cherry blossom trees.
Bathed in soft sunlight beside a peaceful lakeside, the illustration beautifully captures the warmth and optimism of the season.
Lara, the mermaid princess, smiles gently with her eyes closed as cherry blossoms bloom around her.
Standing beside her is Mari Otsu, whose bright eyes and cheerful expression reflect her excitement about sharing one of her favorite places with her new friend.
In a touching detail, the artwork also shows the two girls from behind as they stand quietly by the water’s edge, emphasizing their growing bond and the peaceful everyday moments they now share.
The visual perfectly conveys the gentle atmosphere that Goodbye, Lara aims to deliver.
New Voice Drama Brings the Characters to Life
Accompanying the artwork is a newly recorded voice drama featuring:
- Kana Hishikawa as Lara
- Nana Kawaishi as Mari Otsu
The script was written by Anna Kawahara, who also serves as the anime’s series composition writer.
The short story follows Lara as she experiences the beauty of spring on land for the very first time.
Looking at rows of blooming cherry blossom trees, Lara asks Mari:
“Is this the place you wanted to show me?”
Mari warmly replies:
“Yes. I used to come here all the time when I was little.”
Through this heartfelt conversation, Mari introduces Lara to the scenery she treasured while growing up in Shiga Prefecture.
Lara Discovers the Beauty of Spring
Having spent her previous life beneath the sea, Lara finds herself fascinated by the unfamiliar beauty of the human world.
As she admires the cherry blossoms, she begins recalling memories from her childhood beneath the ocean.
Lara remembers colorful schools of pink fish swimming near the Sea King’s castle whenever the water became warmer.
She gently compares the drifting cherry blossom petals to those graceful schools of fish, revealing how nature on land reminds her of the ocean she once called home.
This comparison beautifully connects the two worlds that define Lara’s life and reinforces one of the anime’s central themes: finding familiar emotions in unfamiliar places.
A Touch of Comedy
Despite the emotional atmosphere, the voice drama also includes a charming comedic moment.
While enjoying spring, Lara unexpectedly develops hay fever, leaving Mari both surprised and concerned.
Watching Lara struggle with sneezing and seasonal allergies, Mari smiles and jokingly remarks:
“You’re really experiencing spring in the human world now.”
The playful exchange highlights the chemistry between the two protagonists while adding a touch of everyday humor to the emotional story.
About Goodbye, Lara
Goodbye, Lara is an original television anime produced by Kinema Citrus as part of the studio’s 15th anniversary celebration.
The studio is widely known for producing acclaimed series such as:
- Made in Abyss
- My Happy Marriage
- The Rising of the Shield Hero
- Revue Starlight
Unlike adaptations based on manga or novels, Goodbye, Lara tells an entirely original story inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s classic fairy tale, The Little Mermaid.
A Modern Reimagining of The Little Mermaid
The anime presents a unique reinterpretation of the famous fairy tale.
Long ago, Princess Lara, a beloved mermaid princess, fell deeply in love with a human prince.
In order to be with him, she accepted a dangerous magical potion from the witch Grace, transforming herself into a human.
However, the spell carried a terrible condition:
Unless Lara found true love, she would disappear forever and become sea foam.
Unable to fulfill her wish, Lara eventually vanished beneath the waves.
A New Beginning 200 Years Later
The story takes an unexpected turn two centuries later.
After 200 years, Lara is mysteriously revived in Lake Biwa, Japan’s largest freshwater lake, located in Shiga Prefecture.
Given a second chance at life, she once again begins searching for the meaning of love while adapting to a world completely different from the one she once knew.
Her encounter with Mari Otsu, a modern-day girl born and raised in Shiga, marks the beginning of a touching new friendship that gradually changes both of their lives.
Production Staff
The anime is directed by Takashi Koide, a native of Shiga Prefecture, making this his directorial debut.
His personal connection to the region plays an important role in depicting Lake Biwa and its surrounding landscapes with authenticity and affection.
Animation production is handled by Kinema Citrus, whose reputation for beautiful backgrounds and emotionally driven storytelling has generated considerable anticipation for the project.
Main Voice Cast
The series stars:
- Kana Hishikawa as Lara
- Nana Kawaishi as Mari Otsu
Their newly recorded performances in the Spring voice drama offer fans an early taste of the heartfelt chemistry between the two heroines.
Why Fans Are Excited
The launch of “Spending the Four Seasons with Lara and Mari” allows audiences to connect with the characters beyond the main story.
Instead of focusing on dramatic plot developments, the project highlights the quiet beauty of everyday life through changing seasons, heartfelt conversations, and stunning artwork.
The combination of original illustrations, exclusive voice acting, and seasonal storytelling has already attracted attention from anime fans eager to experience the emotional atmosphere that Goodbye, Lara promises to deliver.
As future installments explore summer, autumn, and winter, viewers can look forward to discovering even more about Lara and Mari’s growing friendship.
Final Thoughts
With the debut of “Spending the Four Seasons with Lara and Mari,” Goodbye, Lara offers fans a beautiful introduction to its emotional world ahead of the anime’s release. The first Spring installment perfectly captures the warmth of friendship, the beauty of Japan’s changing seasons, and Lara’s wonder as she experiences life on land for the first time.
Featuring gorgeous artwork by Kinema Citrus, newly recorded performances from Kana Hishikawa and Nana Kawaishi, and an original story written by Anna Kawahara, the project showcases the gentle, heartfelt tone that defines the series. As Lara and Mari continue their journey through spring, summer, autumn, and winter, fans can look forward to many more touching moments that celebrate friendship, nature, and the promise of new beginnings.
