Ahead of its July 2026 premiere, the Red River anime has revealed its ending theme song. The song, “Reunion,” will be performed by Miisha Shimizu, giving fans another reason to look forward to the long-awaited adaptation of Chie Shinohara’s classic shōjo manga.
With the ending theme song now revealed, the Red River anime’s soundtrack is complete ahead of its July 2026 premiere. Combined with its experienced creative team and faithful adaptation of Chie Shinohara’s manga, the series continues to build excitement before its debut.
Red River’s 24-Year Journey to Anime
Red River is finally getting its first TV anime adaptation, more than 20 years after the manga finished serialization. The announcement also coincides with creator Chie Shinohara’s 45th anniversary as a manga artist, making it a special milestone for longtime fans.
Originally serialized in Sho-Comi from 1995 to 2002, Red River was collected into 28 volumes and became one of the best-selling shōjo manga of its era, with more than 20 million copies in circulation as of 2019. The series also won the 2001 Shogakukan Manga Award in the shōjo category, cementing its place as a classic of the genre.
When the anime was first announced back in February 2026, Shinohara herself shared an emotional statement. She said, Thank you so much for adapting Red River into an anime. I am truly overjoyed. It has been 24 years since the series ended. I never imagined that after such a long time, there would be people who remembered it and would create an anime adaptation. And to be able to deliver it to everyone is such happiness. What a fortunate work this is.
Why Millions Fell in Love With Red River
Red River follows Yuri, an ordinary teenager who is suddenly transported to ancient Anatolia after becoming the target of a plot by Queen Nakia of the Hittite Empire. She is rescued by Prince Kail, but her arrival sets off a chain of events that changes her life forever.
Mistaken for the reincarnation of the war goddess Ishtar, Yuri is drawn into a world of royal politics, war, and power struggles. As she adapts to life in the ancient kingdom, she forms new alliances while trying to find a way back home.
Set during the reign of King Suppiluliuma I, when the Hittite Empire was one of the most powerful civilizations in the ancient world, Red River blends real history with fantasy.
The Creative Team Behind the Red River Anime
The Red River anime brings together an experienced creative team to adapt Chie Shinohara’s beloved manga. Kōsuke Kobayashi is directing the series, with Yoriko Tomita handling the scripts. Character designs are by Kenji Fujisaki, while Tatsunoko Production is in charge of the animation.
The music is composed by Yoshihisa Hirano, with Hiroto Morishita serving as sound director. To ensure the anime stays true to its historical setting, the production has also enlisted historical consultants Kimiyoshi Matsumura and Daisuke Yoshida from the Japanese Institute of Anatolian Archaeology. Their involvement reflects the team’s commitment to faithfully bringing the rich world of Red River to the screen.
The Red River Anime Soundtrack Comes Togethe
The Red River anime’s soundtrack is coming together ahead of its July 2026 premiere. The opening theme, “Akatsuki no Sora” (Dawn Sky), is performed by Hiroki Nanami, who also voices Yuri’s childhood friend and love interest, Satoshi Himuro, and serves as the series narrator.
The newly announced ending theme, “Reunion,” will be performed by Miisha Shimizu. Together, the two songs help define the anime’s musical identity, while composer Yoshihisa Hirano’s score is expected to bring the world of Red River and its emotional story to life.
The Red River Anime Is Almost Here
Red River will premiere on NTV’s AnichU programming block on July 7, airing at 25:35 JST (1:35 a.m. on July 8), followed by a broadcast on BS NTV on July 8.
International fans will also be able to watch the series on Crunchyroll, which has confirmed the anime as part of its Summer 2026 simulcast lineup. Meanwhile, Viz Media has made the manga more accessible by re-releasing it in 3-in-1 omnibus editions, giving both longtime fans and new readers a chance to experience the story before the anime premieres.
With the opening and ending theme songs now revealed and the premiere just around the corner, Red River is set to introduce Chie Shinohara’s classic manga to a new generation of anime fans this summer.
