The long-awaited television anime adaptation of Kyoko Hikawa's classic fantasy series From Far Away (Kanata kara) will officially premiere on October 4, 2026. Studio DEEN leads the animation production under the direction of Noriyuki Abe, veteran director of classics such as Bleach, Yu Yu Hakusho, and The Heroic Legend of Arslan. Ahead of the broadcast, official production stills and story details for Episode 1, titled "Awakening" (Mezame), have been released.
A Shojo Fantasy Cornerstone
Serialized in Hakusensha's LaLa magazine from November 1991 to December 2002, From Far Away stands as a seminal entry in 1990s isekai fantasy. The manga accumulated over 4 million copies in circulation and earned the prestigious Seiun Award for Best Comic. Celebrating the 35th anniversary of the original work, this complete anime adaptation features script supervision directly from author Kyoko Hikawa, ensuring faithful character arcs and world-building.
Episode 1 Preview & World Lore
The story follows Noriko Tachiki, an ordinary high school student transported into a mysterious realm after following a golden bird from her dreams. Lost in an unfamiliar world without language or orientation, Noriko is rescued from a monster attack by Izark Kia Taji, a wandering warrior who travels alone.
Unbeknownst to Noriko, factions across the globe are hunting for the entity known as the "Awakening," whispered to awaken the destructive "Sky Demon." Realizing that Noriko is the Awakening and that he himself harbors the soul of the Sky Demon, Izark grapples with a fateful dilemma even as a fragile bond begins to form between them.
Production Staff & Voice Cast
- Original Work & Script Supervision: Kyoko Hikawa
- Director: Noriyuki Abe (Studio DEEN)
- Series Composition: Rika Takasugi
- Character Design: Eiji Abiko
- Music: Takeshi Hama
- Noriko Tachiki: Tomoyo Kurosawa
- Izark Kia Taji: Kentaro Kumagai
- Rachef: Yuichiro Umehara
- Keimos Lee Gouda: Eiji Takeuchi
