The highly anticipated TV anime adaptation of Nekoko and Naji Yanagida’s fantasy light novel series, Reincarnated as a Dragon Hatchling (Tensei Shitara Dragon no Tamago Datta: Saikyō Igai Mezasanee), is officially slated to premiere in 2026. This announcement, made on Friday, July 25, 2025, by Hakuhodo DY Music & Pictures, was accompanied by the release of the anime’s first key visual, a teaser promotional video, and details regarding its main staff.
A New Isekai Adventure Hatches in 2026
Fans of the isekai genre have a new series to look forward to, as Reincarnated as a Dragon Hatchling prepares for its 2026 broadcast. The anime’s initial reveal on March 14, 2025, generated considerable excitement, with the unveiling of its main cast and a commemoration visual.
Key Visual and Teaser Video Highlights the Protagonist’s Evolution
The newly released key visual for Reincarnated as a Dragon Hatchling features the protagonist, Illusia, alongside the heroine, Myria, walking through a forest. The teaser promotional video offers a glimpse into Illusia’s journey, showcasing scenes of his evolution from an egg into a baby dragon and his interactions with various human characters and monsters within the fantasy world. This early look aims to build anticipation for the series’ upcoming debut.
From Helpless Egg to Mighty Dragon
The premise of Reincarnated as a Dragon Hatchling follows an unnamed protagonist who, after being reborn into a new world, finds himself at the very bottom of the food chain as a helpless, immobile egg. The narrative centers on his struggle to grow stronger and evolve in a perilous environment filled with dangerous, hungry beasts. Despite lacking traditional fighting skills or magic powers, his determination to become the strongest dragon drives the story.
Announced Staff to Bring the Fantasy World to Life
The creative team behind the Reincarnated as a Dragon Hatchling anime has been revealed. Yuta Takamura (known for JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Diamond Is Unbreakable) is set to direct the series. Tatsuhiko Urahata will handle the series composition. Hiroyasu Oda is credited with monster design, a crucial element for the fantasy-rich world, and Ko Ohtani will compose the music. The animation production is a co-production between GA-CREW and Felix Film.
Voice Cast Reprises Announced Roles
The previously announced main voice cast members will lend their talents to the anime:
- Illusia: Shunichi Toki
- Voice of God: Ami Koshimizu
- Myria: Miku Ito
Origins of the “Dragon Hatchling” Phenomenon
Reincarnated as a Dragon Hatchling originated as a web novel series written by Nekoko, first appearing on the Shōsetsuka ni Narō website in August 2015. The light novel adaptation, featuring illustrations by Naji Yanagida, began publication in December 2015 under Earth Star Entertainment’s Earth Star Novel imprint. In January 2021, the series transitioned to Square Enix’s SQEX Novel imprint. As of June 2022, sixteen volumes of the light novel have been released.
A manga adaptation, illustrated by Rio, started serialization on Earth Star Entertainment’s Comic Earth Star manga website in September 2017. This manga has been compiled into eight volumes as of January 2025. Both the light novel and manga adaptations are licensed in English by Seven Seas Entertainment.
