by Kinema Citrus’ 15th Anniversary Original Anime Unveils New Footage.
The highly anticipated original TV anime Goodbye, Lala (Sayonara Lala) has released its third main promotional video and a brand-new key visual ahead of its July 2026 premiere. Produced to celebrate the 15th anniversary of animation studio Kinema Citrus, the series offers a fresh reimagining of Hans Christian Andersen’s classic fairy tale The Little Mermaid.
Set against the beautiful backdrop of Shiga Prefecture and Lake Biwa, Japan’s largest freshwater lake, the anime follows the extraordinary journey of a mermaid princess who is resurrected 200 years after her tragic fate and given a second chance to discover the meaning of love, identity, and belonging.
The newly released promotional video provides fans with a deeper look into the story’s emotional themes, introducing new characters, dramatic conflicts, and breathtaking visuals that blend fantasy with modern Japanese life.
A Modern Reimagining of The Little Mermaid
Unlike traditional adaptations of The Little Mermaid, Goodbye, Lala takes the classic story in a completely new direction.
The story centers on Princess Lala, a mermaid who once sacrificed everything for love. After her tragic ending centuries earlier, she is unexpectedly revived in modern-day Japan through the power of a forbidden potion created by the mysterious witch Grace.
Reborn as a human in Shiga Prefecture, Lala begins a new life near Lake Biwa. Despite living in a completely different era, she remains driven by the same desire that defined her past life: finding “true love.”
As she explores the human world, Lala experiences everyday joys, forms new friendships, and gradually discovers emotions she never fully understood during her first life.
New PV Highlights Lala’s Emotional Journey
The third promotional video opens with Lala softly saying:
“I’d like to see them just once.”
This line immediately establishes her lingering fascination with humans and the life she once longed to have.
The trailer then showcases her peaceful daily life with Mari Otsu and her family, who welcome the mysterious newcomer into their home. Warm moments of friendship and family life are contrasted with darker scenes that hint at future challenges.
One particularly emotional moment features Lala’s fourth older sister, Lisa, coldly warning:
“A mermaid and a human can never truly love each other.”
Her words introduce one of the central conflicts of the series, forcing Lala to question whether love between different worlds is truly possible.
The trailer beautifully portrays Lala’s internal struggle as she navigates her dual identity as both a mermaid and a human, while searching for a place where she truly belongs.
New Ending Theme Song Announced
The production team also announced that rising singer-songwriter Hana Hope will perform the anime’s ending theme song, “Hearts Glow.”
Known for her emotional vocals and expressive performances, Hana Hope’s music is expected to complement the anime’s themes of love, loss, hope, and personal growth.
Fans can expect the ending theme to provide an emotional conclusion to each episode while reflecting Lala’s evolving journey.
New Key Visual Introduces Major Characters
Alongside the promotional video, a stunning third key visual was unveiled.
The artwork places Lala at the center of the story while introducing several important characters who influence her journey.
Featured in the visual are:
Princess Lala – The mermaid princess seeking true love.
Mari Otsu – A cheerful and energetic girl who becomes one of Lala’s closest companions.
Luca – A mysterious boy who bears a striking resemblance to the prince Lala fell in love with 200 years ago.
Rowan – The Great King of the Sea and Lala’s father.
Lala’s sisters – Members of the royal mermaid family who carry different perspectives on humanity.
Grace – The enigmatic witch whose forbidden magic brings Lala back to life.
The Otsu Family – The family that supports Lala as she adjusts to life in the human world.
The visual highlights the contrast between the vibrant human world and the mystical ocean kingdom, reinforcing the anime’s central theme of two worlds colliding.
Additional Cast Members Revealed
The anime has also announced two new cast members joining the production:
Lisa (Voiced by Minami Tsuda)
Lisa is Lala’s fourth-oldest sister. While she deeply cares about her family, she is skeptical of relationships between mermaids and humans. Her cautious worldview creates tension with Lala’s hopeful outlook.
Kota (Voiced by Kazuomi Yamamoto)
Kota is a close companion of Lisa and plays an important role in the unfolding story. While details about his character remain limited, he is expected to be closely connected to the mermaid world and its secrets.
Strong Connection to Shiga Prefecture
One of the most unique aspects of Goodbye, Lala is its strong connection to Shiga Prefecture.
The anime serves as a love letter to the region, incorporating real-world locations, businesses, and tourist attractions into the story.
Organizations and companies collaborating with the anime include:
Shiga Location Office
Heiwado
Cheerio Japan
Club Harie
Hisada Kogeisha
Cheesecake Shop Andeken
Biwako Valley
Shiga Agricultural Park Blume no Oka
Shiga Prefectural Lake Biwa Museum
West Japan Railway Company (JR West)
These collaborations help create an authentic setting while promoting local culture and tourism.
Celebrating Kinema Citrus’ 15th Anniversary
Goodbye, Lala is a particularly important project for animation studio Kinema Citrus, as it was created to commemorate the studio’s 15th anniversary.
The studio is widely known for producing critically acclaimed anime such as:
Made in Abyss
The Rising of the Shield Hero
My Happy Marriage
Barakamon
With Goodbye, Lala, the studio is returning to its roots by delivering an original story that combines emotional storytelling, fantasy elements, and stunning visual artistry.
Production Staff
The anime is led by an experienced creative team:
Director: Takashi Koide
Series Composition: Anna Kawahara
Character Design: Shiori Tani
Music: Yuma Yamaguchi
Animation Production: Kinema Citrus
Notably, director Takashi Koide is a native of Shiga Prefecture, adding a personal touch to the anime’s depiction of the region.
Broadcast Information
TV Broadcast Schedule
TOKYO MX: Starting July 5, 2026
Every Sunday at 12:30 AM
Also airing on:
BS Asahi
Yomiuri TV
AT-X
Why Goodbye, Lala Could Be One of Summer 2026’s Most Unique Anime
While many seasonal anime focus on action, fantasy battles, or romance, Goodbye, Lala stands out through its blend of classic fairy tale storytelling, modern Japanese culture, and emotional character drama.
The series explores universal themes such as:
Love and loss
Identity and self-discovery
Family bonds
Cultural differences
Second chances
The meaning of happiness
Combined with Kinema Citrus’ acclaimed animation quality and the beautiful scenery of Lake Biwa, the anime has the potential to become one of the most memorable original series of Summer 2026.
Final Thoughts
With its newly released promotional video, stunning key visual, expanded cast announcements, and heartfelt story inspired by The Little Mermaid, Goodbye, Lala is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated original anime of 2026.
As Princess Lala begins her second life in modern-day Shiga, viewers can look forward to a touching tale of love, hope, and self-discovery. Whether you’re a fan of fantasy, romance, or emotionally driven storytelling, Goodbye, Lala promises a unique and unforgettable viewing experience when it premieres this July.
