Kadokawa has announced a new cast member for the upcoming original anime series, Goodbye, Lara (Sayonara Lara), in a recently released video. Nana Kawaishi will join the cast, portraying the character Mari Otsu. This announcement follows an earlier reveal of Hana Hishikawa in the titular role of Lara.
The anime, which reimagines Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Little Mermaid,” is slated to premiere in 2026.
Nana Kawaishi Joins as Mari Otsu
The latest announcement from Kadokawa confirmed Nana Kawaishi’s involvement in Goodbye, Lara as Mari Otsu. The reveal was accompanied by a character visual for Mari, alongside a “human” visual for Lara. Kawaishi’s role as Mari Otsu marks a significant addition to the anime’s cast as production continues toward its 2026 release.
Hana Hishikawa as the Titular Lara
Previously, it was confirmed that Hana Hishikawa would voice the main character, Lara. Hishikawa’s role as the mermaid protagonist is central to the series’ narrative, which draws inspiration from “The Little Mermaid.” The story follows a mermaid who, after failing to find love with a human prince and turning into sea foam, is reborn 200 years later in modern-day Japan’s Lake Biwa, determined to find true love.
Production Details and Creative Team
Goodbye, Lara is an original anime television series created and animated by Kinema Citrus, celebrating the studio’s 15th anniversary.
Key Staff Members
- Director: Takushi Koide, making his directorial debut, is at the helm of the series. Koide previously served as an assistant director for Shoujo Kageki Revue Starlight.
- Series Composition: Anna Kawahara is overseeing the series scripts.
- Character Design: Shiori Tani is responsible for the character designs.
- Music: Yuma Yamaguchi is composing the music for the series.
The series was initially announced at the 2024 Anime Central convention in Chicago, Illinois. The setting of Lake Biwa is particularly significant as it is director Takushi Koide’s hometown.
The Story of ‘Goodbye, Lara’
The narrative of Goodbye, Lara is a unique take on Hans Christian Andersen’s classic fairy tale, “The Little Mermaid.” It centers on a mermaid who, after her initial tragic pursuit of human love, dies and is reborn two centuries later. This new life finds her in modern-day Japan, specifically in Lake Biwa, where she endeavors to navigate the human world and fulfill her wish for true love.
