KyoAni Ignites 'Sparks of Tomorrow' with Fresh Cast and Third Key Visual

Kyoto Animation has fired up anticipation for its long-gestating original project with a wave of new casting announcements and a vibrant third key visual. The studio released the fresh promo materials and supporting cast details on the same day it highlighted the pre-broadcast trailer, giving fans a clearer picture of the world just weeks before launch.

Veteran seiyuu join the ensemble in key family and supporting roles. Hiroshi Yanaka steps in as Jinemon Momokawa, the determined father of heroine Inako, while Mayumi Asano voices her mother Naeko. Daichi Endo portrays Bunshichi Yagura, Kihachi's uncle and owner of a Buddhist goods shop. Ayahi Takagaki takes on dual duties as the Momokawa family maid Tome, who also teaches shamisen, and Inari, a loyal ermine companion who stays close to Inako.

The story unfolds in an alternate early-20th-century Kyoto where steam power dominates and the air hangs heavy with smoke. Young dreamer Kihachi Sakamoto (Yūma Uchida) and sake brewer's daughter Inako Momokawa (Sora Amamiya) set out to recover the legendary "20th Century Electrical Catalog," a childhood notebook of inventions that could spark a new era. They face opposition from powerful steam interests represented by Yosuke Mizoe (Kōki Uchiyama) and grapple with family legacies and personal loss. Minoru Ōta makes his directorial debut, with Kohei Okamura serving as chief animation director and character designer.

Luna Goami performs the opening theme "Eureka Evrika," and Ginger Root handles the ending song "Soarin'." The series premieres July 5 on Tokyo MX, BS11, ABC TV, and TV Aichi, with new episodes streaming worldwide exclusively on Netflix at the same time. Early screenings have already taken place as part of a world premiere tour, including stops at Anime Expo.

For Kyoto Animation, the project represents a major milestone in its recovery and creative evolution, delivering intricate backgrounds and fluid animation to a tale centered on regeneration, invention, and chasing impossible dreams in a world on the cusp of change.