The summer 2026 anime season brought a wave of fresh stories, but few have captured the imagination quite like the Goodbye, Lara original anime. This Kinema Citrus production reimagines Hans Christian Andersen's classic tale, throwing a mermaid princess into modern-day Japan. As the Goodbye, Lara original anime unfolds, viewers are treated to a poignant journey of love, loss, and rediscovery — one that blends fairy-tale tragedy with slice-of-life warmth.
What Is the Goodbye, Lara Original Anime?
The Goodbye, Lara original anime (Japanese: Sayonara Rara) is a brand-new television series created by studio Kinema Citrus to celebrate its 15th anniversary. First announced at Anime Central in Chicago in May 2024, the show premiered on July 6, 2026, and is already generating buzz as one of the most heartfelt original anime of the year. Rather than adapting an existing manga or light novel, the series delivers an entirely fresh narrative inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Little Mermaid” — but with a major twist.
Unlike the original fairy tale that ends with the mermaid dissolving into sea foam, this anime picks up where the tragedy left off. The mermaid princess Lara is resurrected 200 years later in Lake Biwa, Shiga Prefecture, and must navigate the strange world of contemporary Japan while searching for true love and a way to restore her fallen kingdom. The show combines fantasy, drama, and a touch of everyday life, making it accessible to both long-time anime fans and newcomers.
The Goodbye, Lara original anime is directed by Takushi Koide, who grew up in Shiga, and the series deliberately incorporates local landmarks, dialects, and cultural details to ground the magical premise in a real-world setting. The result is a story that feels both timeless and urgently modern.
The Story: From a Tragic Fairytale to a Modern Resurrection
The narrative begins in the deep, freezing waters of the north, where a kingdom of merfolk thrives. Lara, a beloved princess, dares to fall in love with a human prince — a forbidden desire that sets her on a dangerous path. She drinks a transformation potion brewed by the exiled sea witch Grace, trading her voice for legs and a chance to live on land. The catch? If she fails to experience true love, she will vanish into foam.
Tragically, the prince rejects Lara after discovering her true identity. She dissolves into the sea, and her kingdom collapses. But the story doesn’t end there. Grace, who is also Lara’s aunt, sets a trial: Lara is reborn 200 years later in Lake Biwa, Japan, with a second chance to find genuine love and save her people. The anime’s concept trailer captures this emotional arc with haunting lines: “Goodbye, my mermaid days. Goodbye, my undersea world. Goodbye, my prince charming.”
Now in the present day, Lara must adapt to a world of smartphones, high school, and instant ramen, all while grappling with the scars of her past. The Goodbye, Lara original anime isn’t just a retelling — it’s a sequel that asks what happens after the fairy tale fails.
Key Characters Driving the Narrative
The anime thrives on a rich cast of characters, each adding layers to the story. Below is a detailed breakdown of the main players.
| Character | Japanese Voice Actor | English Voice Actor | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lara | Hana Hishikawa | Brianna Knickerbocker | Mermaid princess resurrected in modern Japan; must find true love again to restore her kingdom. |
| Mari Otsu | Nana Kawaishi | Anairis Quiñones | High school boxer and national-level athlete who takes Lara into her home; teaches her the ropes of modern life. |
| Grace | Rica Fukami | Tiana Camacho | Banished sea witch and Lara’s aunt; now lives in a fish form named “Gon-chan” owned by Mari. |
| Lisa | Minami Tsuda | Cat Protano | Lara’s older sister, searching for her after the resurrection; traumatized by years of captivity as a museum exhibit. |
| Luca | Ayumu Murase | Kieran Regan | A boy Lara meets in the present day who bears a striking resemblance to her past prince. |
| Kota | Kazutomi Yamamoto | Jonathon Ha | Lisa’s acquaintance; originally an anglerfish, now human after stealing the remnants of Grace’s potions. |
| Rowan | Masaki Terasoma | Brook Chalmers | The Sea King, Lara’s father, who harbors deep resentment toward humans. |
The Otsu family — Mari’s brother Yoshiya (voiced by Tomohiro Ōno / John Patneaude), father Makoto (Mitsuaki Madono / Bill Millsap), and grandmother Ema (Nanae Sumitomo / Tara Sands) — provide a warm, grounding presence. Ema, a church pastor, gently watches over the household, while Makoto’s freelance photography hobby adds a touch of everyday flavor.
Casting choices reflect the show’s commitment to authenticity. Nana Kawaishi, who voices Mari, was selected from voice actresses from Shiga Prefecture to ensure the local dialect felt genuine. This attention to detail helps the Goodbye, Lara original anime feel rooted in a real place, even as it explores magical themes.
Production Excellence: Studio, Staff, and Music
The Goodbye, Lara original anime benefits from a top-tier production team. Kinema Citrus, known for works like Made in Abyss and The Rising of the Shield Hero, brings its signature blend of lush visuals and emotional storytelling. The core staff is as follows:
| Role | Staff Member |
|---|---|
| Director | Takushi Koide |
| Series Composition | Anna Kawahara |
| Character Designer | Shiori Tani |
| Music Composer | Yuma Yamaguchi |
| Animation Studio | Kinema Citrus |
One standout detail: portions of the opening sequence were drawn using traditional cel animation, a rare and painstaking technique that adds a nostalgic, handcrafted feel. The opening theme, “Sayonara Lara,” is performed by the beloved Japanese band Ikimonogakari, while the ending theme “Hearts Glow” comes from Hana Hope. Both tracks perfectly capture the series’ mix of melancholy and hope.
Koide’s personal connection to Shiga Prefecture shines through in every frame. The modern-day setting is based on the real Lake Biwa region, and local landmarks appear throughout the episodes. This gives the Goodbye, Lara original anime a distinct sense of place, making the fantasy feel tangible.
Where to Stream the Goodbye, Lara Original Anime
For viewers worldwide, the Goodbye, Lara original anime is available to stream on Crunchyroll, which licensed the series for international distribution. You can watch the Goodbye, Lara original anime on Crunchyroll with both subtitles and an English dub featuring the talented cast listed above. In Japan, the show airs on Tokyo MX, BS Asahi, ytv, and AT-X.
The first episode received a special early screening at Otsu City Hall on June 30, 2026, and was also showcased at Anime Expo 2026, underscoring the studio’s confidence in the project. With six episodes already released as of August 2026, the series is still airing, so there’s plenty of time to catch up.
What Sets This Mermaid Story Apart
What makes the Goodbye, Lara original anime stand out in a sea of fairy-tale adaptations? The table below compares key elements of Andersen’s original story with this bold reimagining.
| Aspect | Original “The Little Mermaid” | Goodbye, Lara |
|---|---|---|
| Mermaid’s Fate | Dissolves into sea foam and becomes a spirit of the air | Vanishes into foam, but is resurrected 200 years later |
| Setting | Fantasy undersea kingdom and a coastal European town | Lake Biwa, Shiga Prefecture, modern Japan |
| Love Interest | A single human prince | The original prince (in flashbacks) and a new boy, Luca |
| Witch’s Role | A straightforward antagonist who trades legs for voice | A complex character — Grace is Lara’s aunt and sets a trial for redemption |
| Ending | Bittersweet, religiously tinged | Open-ended, with a focus on rediscovery and second chances |
| Themes | Sacrifice, soul, unrequited love | Trauma, found family, self-worth, and cultural adaptation |
The anime also gives voice to merfolk who have suffered at human hands. Lisa’s backstory as a museum exhibit and her resulting nyctophobia (fear of darkness) add a layer of social commentary. The series doesn’t shy away from the darker aspects of the fairy tale but consistently offers hope and humor through Lara’s interactions with Mari and her family. This balance makes the Goodbye, Lara original anime a standout in the summer 2026 lineup.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Goodbye, Lara original anime about?
It’s a modern reimagining of “The Little Mermaid” where the mermaid princess Lara is resurrected in present-day Japan after the original fairy tale’s tragic ending. She must find true love and restore her fallen kingdom while adapting to life in the human world.
Is the Goodbye, Lara original anime based on a manga?
No, it’s an entirely original anime series created by Kinema Citrus for the studio’s 15th anniversary. There is no source manga or light novel.
Where can I legally watch the Goodbye, Lara original anime?
The series is streaming on Crunchyroll with English subtitles and an English dub. It also airs on Japanese television channels like Tokyo MX and BS Asahi.
How many episodes does the Goodbye, Lara original anime have?
As of August 2026, six episodes have aired. The series is still ongoing, so the total episode count has not yet been confirmed.
Who created the Goodbye, Lara original anime?
The anime was directed by Takushi Koide with series composition by Anna Kawahara, character designs by Shiori Tani, and music by Yuma Yamaguchi. The animation studio is Kinema Citrus.
The Goodbye, Lara original anime is more than a fairy tale remake — it’s a thoughtful, visually stunning exploration of what it means to love, lose, and start over. Whether you’re drawn by the Studio Kinema Citrus pedigree, the unique Shiga setting, or the promise of a second-chance romance, this series offers something truly special.