by Netflix has unveiled the third official trailer and an expanded voice cast for its upcoming original animated feature THE RIBBON HERO, which is scheduled to premiere worldwide on August 8, 2026.
One of the biggest highlights of the announcement is the feature-length anime voice acting debut of Nijisanji VTubers Tsukino Mito, Runrun, and Debidebi Debiru, who will each play key supporting characters in the film. Their participation marks the first time all three talents have appeared in a full-length animated movie.
Inspired by Osamu Tezuka’s legendary manga Princess Knight, the film has already generated significant attention in Japan and overseas, thanks to its modern reinterpretation of one of manga’s most influential classics.
A Modern Reimagining of Osamu Tezuka’s Princess Knight
THE RIBBON HERO is based on Princess Knight (Ribbon no Kishi), one of the most iconic works created by the late manga pioneer Osamu Tezuka.
Rather than serving as a direct adaptation, the movie presents a fresh interpretation inspired by the original story while introducing new characters, settings, and conflicts for modern audiences.
When the teaser visual was first released, the project quickly became a trending topic across Japanese social media, ranking:
- No. 1 on Yahoo! Japan Trends
- No. 3 on X (formerly Twitter) Japan Trends
The strong online response highlighted the excitement surrounding both Tezuka’s legacy and the film’s stylish new direction.
Selected for the Annecy International Animation Film Festival 2026
Adding to its growing reputation, THE RIBBON HERO has also been selected for screening in the Annecy Presents section of the Annecy International Animation Film Festival 2026, widely regarded as the world’s most prestigious animation festival.
Director Yuki Igarashi is also scheduled to participate in a panel discussion during the event, introducing the film to an international audience and sharing insights into its production.
The Annecy selection has further increased anticipation among anime fans and animation professionals worldwide.
Third Trailer Highlights Sapphire’s Journey
The newly released trailer focuses on Sapphire, the film’s courageous protagonist.
Forced to flee her homeland, Sapphire gradually forms deep bonds with new companions while working at a mining settlement.
As the mysterious force known as Nergal continues to attack and spread despair throughout the land, many people lose hope and abandon any attempt to resist.
Sapphire, however, refuses to surrender.
In one of the trailer’s most emotional moments, she declares:
“No…! I won’t let it end like this!”
She then transforms into the legendary Ribbon Hero, determined to protect those around her.
The trailer showcases:
- Dynamic transformation sequences
- Stylish action choreography
- Emotional character interactions
- Large-scale battles against Nergal
- Beautiful cinematic animation
- Growing trust between Sapphire and her companions
It also teases the mysterious character Velvet, whose true motives remain unknown and whose ominous words suggest that an even greater conflict lies ahead.
Five New Supporting Characters Revealed
Netflix has also introduced the five companions who work alongside Sapphire at the mining site.
Together, these characters gradually become Sapphire’s closest allies as they challenge overwhelming odds in hopes of changing Goldland’s future.
Nijisanji VTubers Make Their Feature Anime Debut
One of the film’s biggest announcements is the casting of Tsukino Mito, Runrun, and Debidebi Debiru, all members of ANYCOLOR Inc.’s Nijisanji virtual talent group.
Although each has participated in various entertainment projects throughout their careers, THE RIBBON HERO marks their first voice acting roles in a feature-length anime film.
The announcement has been warmly received by both anime fans and the VTuber community.
Cast Comments
Tsukino Mito (Hecate)
Tsukino Mito shared that working on a film inspired by Princess Knight was both exciting and a tremendous responsibility.
She described Hecate as an emotional, honest, and determined woman and expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to honor a work that has inspired generations of readers.
She hopes audiences will enjoy experiencing Hecate’s story through her performance.
Runrun (Chick)
Runrun said it was a great honor to portray one half of the twin duo alongside Debidebi Debiru.
Although it was the first time performing alongside professional voice actors in a feature film, the welcoming recording environment helped ease those nerves.
Runrun hopes audiences will enjoy Chick’s energetic personality and determination despite the character’s small stature.
Debidebi Debiru (Tack)
Debidebi Debiru admitted being surprised upon receiving the casting offer.
While recording, the performer carefully considered Tack’s emotions and relationship with Chick, making the experience both challenging and enjoyable.
Fans are encouraged to watch how the twins grow throughout the story.
Yoshimasa Hosoya (Rock)
Veteran voice actor Yoshimasa Hosoya described Rock as someone with a stylish appearance but an old-fashioned heroic spirit.
Despite overwhelming odds, Rock consistently risks himself to protect his friends, embodying the classic image of a courageous hero.
Hosoya noted that voicing the character reminded him of traditional heroes from the Showa and Heisei eras.
Yusuke Tezuka (Chorogi)
Yusuke Tezuka explained that Chorogi may appear timid and awkward at first, but he also possesses kindness and sincerity.
He encouraged viewers to pay attention to the film’s heartfelt dialogue, warm friendships, and beautiful visual storytelling.
An All-Star Creative Team
The film brings together an impressive lineup of creators from across the anime industry.
Director – Yuki Igarashi
Yuki Igarashi makes his highly anticipated feature film directorial debut with THE RIBBON HERO.
He previously earned widespread recognition for:
- Creating the ending animation for Jujutsu Kaisen Season 1
- Directing Star Wars: Visions – The Ninth Jedi: Child of Hope (Norausa Ropp and Hizaura Ocho), praised for its cinematic action and emotional storytelling
Known for his expressive animation and strong visual direction, Igarashi is regarded as one of the industry’s rising creative talents.
Character Design
Original character designs are handled by Kei Mochizuki, whose previous work includes character illustrations for popular titles such as:
- Fate/Grand Order
- Touken Ranbu ONLINE
Additional character design collaboration comes from Mai Yoneyama, recognized for her work on:
- Cyberpunk: Edgerunners
- LAZARUS
Animation character designs are supervised by Kazunari Aragaki, while Cedric Errol serves as the film’s art director.
Animation production is being handled by OUTLINE, the studio led by director Yuki Igarashi.
Production Staff
The film’s production team includes:
- Director: Yuki Igarashi
- Original Work: Based on Princess Knight by Osamu Tezuka
- Script Cooperation: Junko Komura
- Original Character Design: Kei Mochizuki
- Character Design Collaboration: Mai Yoneyama
- Animation Character Design: Kazunari Aragaki
- Art Director: Cedric Errol
- Nergal Design: okama
- Art Direction: Masanobu Nomura
- Color Design: Natsumi Watanabe
- CG Director: Akane Nagamine
- Director of Photography: Hikaru Fukuda
- Editing: Junichi Uematsu
- Music: Akatsuki Kanzaki (MONACA) & Ryuichi Takada (MONACA)
- Sound Director: Keiichiro Miyoshi
- Sound Production: Tohokushinsha
- Production: Twin Engine
- Animation Studio: OUTLINE
What to Expect from THE RIBBON HERO
The film combines classic fairy tale-inspired storytelling with contemporary animation techniques, creating an adventure filled with action, emotion, and hope.
Audiences can expect:
- A modern reinterpretation of Princess Knight
- Gorgeous cinematic animation
- Stylish transformation sequences
- Emotional character development
- High-energy action scenes
- A memorable orchestral soundtrack
- Strong themes of courage, friendship, and standing against oppression
At its core, the story asks whether ordinary people can overcome overwhelming power when they choose to stand together.
Release Date
THE RIBBON HERO will begin streaming exclusively on Netflix worldwide on August 8, 2026.
With its celebrated source material, acclaimed production team, and the highly anticipated feature anime debuts of Nijisanji’s Tsukino Mito, Runrun, and Debidebi Debiru, the film is shaping up to be one of the most talked-about anime movies of 2026. Its selection for the Annecy International Animation Film Festival further highlights the project’s growing international recognition and positions it as a title that anime fans around the world will be eager to watch.
