Goodbye, Lara premieres July 5, 2026. Watch the new trailer and explore cast, staff, and story details for Kinema Citrus’s original mermaid fantasy.
A brand new trailer has confirmed that Goodbye, Lara (Sayonara Lara), the original fantasy anime from Kinema Citrus, will premiere on July 5, 2026. The trailer also reveals the ending theme “Hearts Glow” performed by Hana Hope, setting an emotional tone for this modern reinterpretation of The Little Mermaid.
Table of Contents
- What Is Goodbye Lara
- When Is Goodbye Lara Premiering
- Who Is Making Goodbye Lara
- Who Is in the Goodbye Lara Cast
- What Is the Story of Goodbye Lara
- Where Does Goodbye Lara Take Place
What Is Goodbye Lara
Goodbye, Lara is an original anime inspired by the classic fairy tale The Little Mermaid. It follows a mermaid who makes a forbidden wish to be loved by a human, only to meet a tragic end. Two centuries later, she is reborn in modern day Japan, where she must learn to navigate the human world with no memory of her past life.
The series blends fantasy, romance, and emotional drama with a contemporary setting.
When Is Goodbye Lara Premiering
The anime will premiere on:
- Television: July 5, 2026
A streaming platform has not yet been announced, but details are expected closer to release.
Who Is Making Goodbye Lara
The series is animated by Kinema Citrus, known for:
- Made in Abyss
- My Happy Marriage
- The Rising of the Shield Hero
Key staff members include:
- Director: Takushi Koide
- Series Composition: Anna Kawahara
- Character Design: Shiori Tani
- Music: Yuma Yamaguchi
The production team suggests a visually expressive and emotionally grounded adaptation.
Who Is in the Goodbye Lara Cast
The cast features a mix of rising stars and veteran performers:
- Hana Hishikawa as Lara
- Nana Kawaishi as Mari Otsu
- Rica Fukami as Grace
- Ayumu Murase as Luca
The performances highlighted in the trailer emphasize warmth, vulnerability, and the emotional weight of Lara’s rebirth.
What Is the Story of Goodbye Lara
The story begins with a mermaid who wishes for human love, a desire that ultimately leads to her death. Two hundred years later, she awakens in Lake Biwa, reborn as a human girl named Lara.
Key narrative elements include:
- A mermaid’s forbidden wish
- Rebirth in modern Japan
- A journey of self discovery
- Emotional echoes of a forgotten past
- New relationships that challenge her understanding of humanity
The series explores themes of identity, longing, and the search for belonging across lifetimes.
Where Does Goodbye Lara Take Place
The story is set around Lake Biwa in Shiga Prefecture, a location chosen intentionally due to its connection to director Takushi Koide, who was born in the region.
The setting plays a central role in Lara’s rebirth and her gradual adaptation to the human world.
External Links
Kinema Citrus official website
https://kinemacitrus.co.jp/Lake Biwa tourism information
https://www.japan.travel/en/spot/2090/Hana Hope music catalog
https://www.sonymusic.co.jp/artist/hanahope/