‘Reiwa no Dara-san’ Releases Non-Credit Opening Video; Fan Art Contest Announced with Director Rihito Suzuki as Judge

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The TV anime Reiwa no Dara-san has officially unveiled its non-credit opening sequence, giving fans a closer look at the series’ unique blend of supernatural mystery, comedy, and heartfelt storytelling. The opening video is now available on the anime’s official social media platforms following the premiere of Episode 1.

Alongside the opening release, the production team has also announced the anime’s first official fan art contest, inviting artists and cosplayers from around the world to celebrate the series through their own creative works. The contest will be personally judged by director Rihito Suzuki, with exclusive Reiwa no Dara-san merchandise awaiting the grand prize winner.

‘Reiwa no Dara-san’ Continues to Capture Attention

Based on the manga by Tomotsuka Haruomi, Reiwa no Dara-san is serialized on Kadocomi and Nico Nico Manga. Since its debut, the series has earned praise for combining Japanese folklore, occult horror, slice-of-life comedy, and emotional storytelling into one unforgettable experience.

Rather than presenting a traditional horror story, the anime balances eerie supernatural elements with warm family moments and humorous character interactions, creating a refreshing take on the genre.

Its distinctive tone has already made it one of the most talked-about supernatural anime of the Summer 2026 season.

What Is Reiwa no Dara-san About?

The story follows siblings Hinata Mitsukiya and Kaoru Mitsukiya, members of the Mitsukiya family, who have protected a mysterious mountain and its sacred traditions for generations.

One stormy day, the siblings venture into a forbidden area deep within the mountains, where they unexpectedly encounter Yamatagi Madara, an ancient cursed deity feared by locals.

However, instead of treating him as a terrifying monster, the siblings affectionately nickname him “Dara-san.”

Their unexpected friendship transforms the lonely deity’s life while gradually uncovering the hidden history surrounding the mountain, ancient curses, and Dara-san’s tragic past.

The series skillfully shifts between laugh-out-loud comedy, supernatural mystery, emotional drama, and folklore-inspired horror, making it accessible to both horror fans and viewers looking for a heartfelt character-driven story.

Non-Credit Opening Showcases Both Comedy and Mystery

Following Episode 1’s broadcast on July 2, the anime staff released the full non-credit opening animation, allowing fans to appreciate every visual detail without text overlays.

The opening sequence highlights the cheerful chemistry between Dara-san and the Mitsukiya siblings through colorful dance scenes and playful everyday moments.

At the same time, observant viewers will notice several darker visual clues hidden throughout the sequence.

Brief shots hint at:

  • Dara-san’s mysterious past
  • Ancient legends surrounding the mountain
  • Emotional events yet to unfold
  • Supernatural forces lurking behind the story

These contrasting visuals perfectly reflect the anime’s balance between comedy and suspense while teasing the emotional journey waiting ahead.

Opening Theme: “Daradara♡Dancing”

The energetic opening theme song, “Daradara♡Dancing,” is performed by the anime’s main cast:

  • Dara-san (CV: Mutsumi Tamura)
  • Hinata Mitsukiya (CV: Minami Tsuda)
  • Kaoru Mitsukiya (CV: Momoka Terazawa)
  • Narrator (CV: Masaki Terasoma)

The catchy song complements the anime’s lighthearted atmosphere while subtly hinting at the deeper emotional story hidden beneath its colorful exterior.

Song Credits

  • Lyrics: Ryohei Matsufuji (Sixth Floor)
  • Composition: Shiki (Sixth Floor)
  • Arrangement: Ryo Noguchi & Yuuko Fukumori (Sixth Floor)

The opening theme is now available on major digital music streaming platforms.

First Official Fan Art Contest Announced

To celebrate the anime’s premiere, the production committee has launched the very first Reiwa no Dara-san Fan Art Contest.

Fans are invited to submit original works inspired by the series, making this an excellent opportunity for artists and cosplayers to showcase their creativity while interacting with the growing Dara-san community.

Director Rihito Suzuki will personally select the winning entry.

The grand prize winner will receive a special set of exclusive Reiwa no Dara-san merchandise.

How to Participate

Fans can enter by following these simple steps:

  • Follow the anime’s official X (formerly Twitter) account.
  • Create an original illustration or cosplay inspired by Reiwa no Dara-san.
  • Post the artwork using the official hashtag:

#Dara-sanIllustration

The contest is open to both digital and traditional illustrations, as well as cosplay entries.

Submission Deadline

August 28, 2026, at 11:59 PM (JST)

Additional contest rules and eligibility details are available through the anime’s official social media channels.

Main Staff

The anime is produced by an experienced creative team that brings together talent from across the industry.

  • Original Work: Tomotsuka Haruomi
  • Director: Rihito Suzuki
  • Series Composition: Noboru Kimura & Yasutomo Yamada
  • Character Design: Koichi Kikuta
  • Animation Studio: Asahi Production

The combination of strong direction, expressive character designs, and atmospheric animation has already earned praise from viewers following the premiere episode.

Main Voice Cast

The series features an accomplished voice cast, including:

  • Mutsumi Tamura as Dara-san
  • Minami Tsuda as Hinata Mitsukiya
  • Momoka Terazawa as Kaoru Mitsukiya
  • Aoi Koga as Shu Hatsusegawa
  • Tomokazu Sugita as Naomichi Fudeki
  • Mai Aizawa as Miwa Isobe
  • Saori Hayami as the Elder Shrine Maiden
  • Hochu Otsuka as Orochi
  • Masaki Terasoma as the Narrator

Their performances bring both the comedic and emotional moments of the series vividly to life.

Why Fans Are Excited

Following its premiere, Reiwa no Dara-san has quickly attracted attention for its unusual mix of genres.

Unlike conventional horror anime, the series combines:

  • Japanese folklore
  • Supernatural mystery
  • Slice-of-life comedy
  • Emotional family drama
  • Lovable characters
  • Heartwarming friendships

The newly released opening sequence further highlights this balance by blending cheerful visuals with subtle hints about the darker mysteries yet to be revealed.

The launch of the fan art contest also encourages viewers to become part of the growing community surrounding the anime.

Final Thoughts

With its colorful non-credit opening, memorable theme song, and exciting fan art contest, Reiwa no Dara-san continues to build momentum as one of the standout supernatural anime of Summer 2026.

Whether you’re drawn to Japanese folklore, supernatural comedy, emotional storytelling, or beautifully animated character moments, the series offers a fresh and entertaining viewing experience.

As the story unfolds and Dara-san’s mysterious past gradually comes to light, fans can also join the celebration by creating artwork or cosplay and participating in the anime’s first official fan art contest before August 28, 2026.

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