If you’ve been captivated by the 2026 anime Goodbye, Lara, you’ve likely wondered about the Goodbye, Lara studio behind its stunning visuals and emotional depth. The Goodbye, Lara studio, Kinema Citrus, has poured its 15 years of expertise into this original tale, blending a classic fairy tale with a modern Japanese setting. As of August 2026, the series is already halfway through its first season, and the voice cast is winning over fans worldwide.
This article will take you behind the scenes of the Goodbye, Lara studio, explore the creative team, and break down the full voice cast—both Japanese and English. Whether you’re a longtime anime fan or just discovering this mermaid’s new journey, you’ll find everything you need to know right here.
The Goodbye, Lara Studio: Kinema Citrus’s 15th Anniversary Project
Kinema Citrus is the award-winning animation studio that brought Goodbye, Lara to life. Founded in 2008, the studio has built a reputation for visually striking, character-driven works like Made in Abyss, The Rising of the Shield Hero, and Barakamon. For its 15th anniversary, the Goodbye, Lara studio decided to create something entirely original—a modern reimagining of Hans Christian Andersen’s The Little Mermaid.
The project was first announced at Anime Central 2024 in Chicago, alongside another original work, Ninja Skooler. According to director Takushi Koide, Goodbye, Lara was a passion project he had wanted to make for years. The Goodbye, Lara studio took the unusual step of setting the story in Shiga Prefecture, Koide’s hometown, which gave the anime a deeply personal touch. This local flavor extends to the casting, with the studio deliberately selecting voice actors from the region to capture authentic dialects and daily life.
The series premiered on July 6, 2026, on Tokyo MX and other networks, and is being streamed internationally by Crunchyroll. The Goodbye, Lara studio has already produced six episodes as of mid-August 2026, delivering a blend of heartfelt drama, supernatural twists, and slice-of-life humor.
Quick Facts About the Goodbye, Lara Studio Production
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Studio | Kinema Citrus (the Goodbye, Lara studio) |
| Anniversary | 15th anniversary project |
| Director | Takushi Koide |
| Series Composition | Anna Kawahara |
| Character Design | Shiori Tani |
| Music | Yuma Yamaguchi |
| Original Network | Tokyo MX, BS Asahi, ytv, AT-X |
| Premiere Date | July 6, 2026 |
| Episodes So Far | 6 (as of August 2026) |
| Streaming | Crunchyroll |
Meet the Voice Cast of Goodbye, Lara
The Goodbye, Lara studio assembled a stellar voice cast for both the Japanese and English dubs. The dual-language performances bring out the emotional complexity of each character, from the naive mermaid princess to the hardened boxer who becomes her guide.
Main Character Voice Cast
| Character | Japanese Voice Actor | English Voice Actor | Role Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lara | Hana Hishikawa | Brianna Knickerbocker | The resurrected mermaid princess seeking true love to restore her fallen kingdom |
| Mari Otsu | Nana Kawaishi | Anairis Quiñones | A national-level boxer and high school girl who shelters Lara in modern-day Ōtsu |
| Grace (Gon-chan) | Rica Fukami | Tiana Camacho | The banished sea witch and Lara’s aunt, now disguised as a pet fish owned by Mari |
| Lisa | Minami Tsuda | Cat Protano | Lara’s older sister, searching for her while hiding a traumatic past as a captive in a human museum |
| Kota | Kazutomi Yamamoto | Jonathon Ha | Lisa’s companion who freed her from captivity; once an anglerfish, now a human after stealing Grace’s potions |
| Luca | Ayumu Murase | Kieran Regan | A boy Lara meets after resurrection; he bears a striking resemblance to the prince she once loved |
Supporting Characters (Otsu Family)
| Character | Japanese Voice Actor | English Voice Actor | Role Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yoshiya Otsu | Tomohiro Ōno | John Patneaude | Mari’s older brother, a student who often skips class |
| Makoto Otsu | Mitsuaki Madono | Bill Millsap | Mari and Yoshiya’s father, a freelance photographer |
| Ema Otsu | Nanae Sumitomo | Tara Sands | The grandmother, a church pastor who lovingly watches over the family |
| Rowan | Masaki Terasoma | Brook Chalmers | The Sea King, Lara’s father, who harbors a deep resentment toward humans |
The casting process for the Goodbye, Lara studio was particularly thoughtful. At a special screening in Otsu City Hall on June 30, 2026, the team revealed that Nana Kawaishi (Mari) was chosen from local voice actresses to authentically represent Shiga’s culture and dialect. This attention to regional detail is a hallmark of the Goodbye, Lara studio’s approach.
The Creative Team Behind the Goodbye, Lara Studio
Beyond the voice cast, the Goodbye, Lara studio relied on a tight-knit team of creators to shape the anime’s unique identity.
| Role | Name |
|---|---|
| Director | Takushi Koide |
| Series Composition | Anna Kawahara |
| Character Design | Shiori Tani (also known for Star Wars: Visions shorts) |
| Music Composer | Yuma Yamaguchi |
| Opening Theme | "Sayonara Lara" by Ikimonogakari |
| Ending Theme | "Hearts Glow" by Hana Hope |
Director Takushi Koide’s personal connection to Shiga Prefecture deeply influenced the setting. The Goodbye, Lara studio even used traditional cel animation for portions of the opening sequence, a nod to classic anime techniques that complements the tale’s timeless quality. The music, composed by Yuma Yamaguchi, weaves melancholic orchestral themes with modern J-pop sensibilities, mirroring Lara’s dislocation across centuries.
The opening theme “Sayonara Lara” by Ikimonogakari became an instant hit, its lyrics echoing Lara’s farewell to her undersea world. Meanwhile, Hana Hope’s “Hearts Glow” closes each episode with a gentle, hopeful tone—perfect for a story about rediscovering love.
How the Goodbye, Lara Studio Reimagined The Little Mermaid
The Goodbye, Lara studio didn’t just retell a fairy tale; it gave the story a bold, original continuation. The classic Andersen tale ends with the mermaid dissolving into sea foam after failing to win the prince’s love. In Goodbye, Lara, that moment is only the beginning.
Lara’s resurrection in Lake Biwa 200 years later is the result of a trial set by her aunt Grace, the sea witch. Now in modern Japan, she must navigate high school, smartphones, and convenience stores while searching for true love—all while a mysterious boy named Luca reminds her of the prince who broke her heart. The Goodbye, Lara studio blends supernatural intrigue with grounded character drama, exploring themes of trauma, identity, and the many forms love can take.
Lisa’s backstory is a prime example. Trapped for years as a museum exhibit, she developed severe nyctophobia (fear of darkness) and a deep distrust of humans. Yet her reunion with Lara and the kindness of the Otsu family slowly rekindle her hope. This nuanced storytelling shows the Goodbye, Lara studio’s commitment to mature, emotional arcs that go beyond the source material.
The concept trailer, released on YouTube, captures the poetic melancholy of the series: “Goodbye, my mermaid days / Goodbye, my undersea world / Goodbye, my prince charming.” These lines encapsulate the central tension between letting go of the past and embracing an uncertain future—a theme that resonates strongly with the Goodbye, Lara studio’s creative vision.
Where to Watch and What’s Next
Goodbye, Lara is currently streaming worldwide on Crunchyroll, with new episodes airing weekly. The Goodbye, Lara studio has confirmed that the first season will continue to explore Lara’s quest to restore her kingdom, with the stakes rising as more characters from her past resurface.
Early fan reception has been overwhelmingly positive. Community reports highlight the gorgeous animation, the nuanced performances of the English dub cast, and the clever use of Shiga’s real-life locations. Many viewers are already calling this one of the standout anime of the Summer 2026 season.
If you’re new to the series, you can catch up on all six aired episodes on Crunchyroll. The Goodbye, Lara studio also released a special concept trailer on YouTube, which offers a haunting preview of the show’s tone and visual style.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Goodbye, Lara studio? The Goodbye, Lara studio is the animation production company Kinema Citrus, which created the original anime Goodbye, Lara as part of its 15th anniversary celebration. The studio is known for works like Made in Abyss and The Rising of the Shield Hero.
Who are the main voice actors in Goodbye, Lara? The Japanese cast includes Hana Hishikawa (Lara), Nana Kawaishi (Mari), and Rica Fukami (Grace). The English dub features Brianna Knickerbocker, Anairis Quiñones, and Tiana Camacho, among others. The Goodbye, Lara studio prioritized local voice talent for authenticity.
Where can I watch Goodbye, Lara? Goodbye, Lara is available for streaming on Crunchyroll. The first episode aired on July 6, 2026, and new episodes continue to be released weekly. Check Crunchyroll’s official Goodbye, Lara page for the latest schedule.
Is Goodbye, Lara a direct adaptation of The Little Mermaid? No, it’s a modern reimagining with an original continuation. The Goodbye, Lara studio takes the classic fairy tale as a starting point, then leaps forward 200 years to explore what happens after the mermaid’s “death” and her resurrection in contemporary Japan.
For more details on the production and cast, visit the Crunchyroll announcement of Goodbye, Lara that first revealed the project.