by The official website for the original TV anime Sayonara Lala (Goodbye, Lala) has released the preview, synopsis, and advance stills for Episode 4, titled “The Princess and the Prince.” Alongside the episode preview, the production committee also announced several special promotional events, including a Shiga Prefecture Digital Rally and a Keihan Railway collaboration train, giving fans even more ways to experience the world of the anime.
As one of the most anticipated original anime of 2026, Sayonara Lala continues to blend fantasy, romance, and modern-day drama while celebrating the culture and scenery of Shiga Prefecture, the story’s primary setting.
Episode 4: “The Princess and the Prince”
Episode 4 follows Lala, the curious mermaid princess who has recently begun adjusting to life in the human world.
Wanting to understand what it truly means to be a “prince,” Lala secretly sneaks into Mari Otsu’s school in search of answers.
There, she meets two students who are admired throughout the campus:
- Himeka
- Oji
Their close relationship immediately captures Lala’s attention.
Believing that the pair may share the kind of destined romance she has always dreamed about, Lala becomes fascinated by their interactions and begins observing them closely.
The episode is expected to further explore Lala’s understanding of love, destiny, and human relationships while continuing her search for the “true love” that once slipped through her fingers.
Web Trailer Highlights Lala’s Innocent Charm
The newly released web trailer features narration by Lala and Mari Otsu, offering viewers a humorous glimpse into their growing friendship.
The preview begins with Mari discussing preparations for an upcoming school examination.
Curious, Mari asks:
“Can princesses study?”
Lala confidently responds that princesses can, of course, study.
However, her definition of “education” quickly reveals just how different life under the sea has been.
Instead of discussing mathematics or literature, Lala proudly explains that she has learned subjects such as:
- How to count an octopus’s legs
- The proper way to touch a sea anemone
- Other forms of knowledge expected of a mermaid princess
Completely bewildered, Mari responds by asking about quadratic equations, leaving Lala speechless and creating another charming comedic moment between the two friends.
The exchange perfectly captures the anime’s balance of lighthearted humor and heartfelt character interactions.
About Sayonara Lala
Sayonara Lala is an original television anime created as the 15th Anniversary Project of acclaimed animation studio Kinema Citrus, known for producing popular titles such as:
- Made in Abyss
- My Happy Marriage
- The Rising of the Shield Hero
- Revue Starlight
The series is inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s classic fairy tale, The Little Mermaid, but presents a completely original continuation of the story.
Director Takashi Koide, who hails from Shiga Prefecture, makes his television directorial debut with this emotionally driven fantasy.
The Story So Far
Long ago, Princess Lala lived happily beneath the sea with her father, the King of the Sea, and her sisters.
Everything changed after she fell in love with a human prince—a forbidden romance that defied the rules of the mermaid kingdom.
Determined to pursue her feelings, Lala accepted a magical potion from the witch Grace, transforming herself into a human.
The spell came with a heartbreaking condition:
If she failed to find true love, she would dissolve into sea foam forever.
Unable to fulfill her wish, Lala disappeared into the ocean.
Two centuries later, she is mysteriously reborn in Lake Biwa, giving her a second chance to experience life, love, and destiny in the modern world.
Episode 4 Staff
Script
Mai Inui
Storyboard
Takashi Koide
Episode Director
Yuki Koike
Chief Animation Directors
Yuki Tsunoda
Koto Nishizawa
The episode is expected to continue showcasing Kinema Citrus’ beautiful visual style while deepening the emotional themes surrounding love, identity, and fate.
Shiga Digital Rally Announced
To celebrate the anime’s connection with its real-world setting, the production committee has announced the “Shiga Digital Rally – Encountering Shiga, Discovering the Unknown.”
The special tourism campaign will run from:
August 6 – October 31, 2026
Fans who visit locations featured in the anime throughout Shiga Prefecture will be able to unlock exclusive digital rewards, including:
- Original voice content available only at each location
- Exclusive AR illustrations newly created by Kinema Citrus
- Special commemorative experiences tied to the anime
The rally will be divided into two phases:
- First Round: Beginning August 6
- Second Round: September 21 – October 31
Additional details and the official campaign website are expected to be released in early August.
Keihan Railway Collaboration Train
The celebration doesn’t end there.
A special Keihan Railway × Sayonara Lala collaboration train is also scheduled to begin operation on the Ishiyama–Sakamoto Line starting around August 9, 2026.
The themed train is expected to feature exclusive artwork inspired by the anime, allowing fans and tourists to enjoy a unique sightseeing experience while exploring the real-life locations that inspired the series.
Why Episode 4 Is Important
Episode 4 appears to mark another significant step in Lala’s emotional journey.
As she continues learning about human society, friendships, and romance, her innocent curiosity creates both touching and humorous moments that highlight the contrast between the underwater world she once knew and modern-day Japan.
At the same time, the newly announced Shiga tourism campaign demonstrates how Sayonara Lala is becoming more than just an anime—it is also serving as a cultural showcase for Shiga Prefecture and the scenic beauty surrounding Lake Biwa.
With a charming new episode, an interactive digital rally, exclusive AR content, and a themed railway collaboration, Sayonara Lala continues to expand its world beyond television, offering fans immersive ways to experience the story while eagerly anticipating what comes next for Princess Lala and her search for true love.
