The opening theme is performed by Ikimonogakari, the beloved J-pop group behind countless hits. Titled the same as the anime, "Sayonara Lara" pairs lead vocalist Kiyoe Yoshioka's soaring voice with Yoshiki Mizuno's lyrical melody and Seiji Kameda's arrangement, beautifully coloring the bittersweet tale of the mermaid princess Lara and the humans she encounters.
Ikimonogakari comments:
"It's truly difficult to choose and live one's own story. To leap into encounters, find your own words, face your fate, and even choose goodbyes. Courage, resolve, and the desire to live your own life — and then, eventually, it all returns to quiet calm, as if nothing had happened. Through our encounter with 'Goodbye, Lara,' we wrote what we could write now. Please enjoy the song together with the work."
[Music Info]
Opening Theme "Sayonara Lara"
Vocal: Kiyoe Yoshioka
Lyrics & Composition: Yoshiki Mizuno
Arrangement: Seiji Kameda
(EPIC Records Japan)
The second main PV shows Lara (VA: Hanana Hishikawa), her red hair flowing, gazing at the prince from beneath the sea while longing for the human world, being warned by the sea king Rowan that "you must not approach humans — this is a serious rule," and reaching for a shimmering potion offered by the witch Grace (VA: Rika Fukami). Warm everyday scenes follow with Lara running across the land alongside Mari Otsu (VA: Nana Kawaishi) and the people of Shiga. The video's climax features a tearful confession: "I've fallen in love — with a human, with you." The latter half hints at coming turmoil with an eerie voice declaring, "I'll find you, my beloved Lara."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-FVOUh7_obU
A star-studded set of additional cast members has also been announced for characters key to Lara and Mari's journey — the "Otsu family" and the ruler of the sea, Rowan.
[Additional Cast]
Shoya Otsu: Tomotaka Ono — Mari's older brother. A third-year at the same high school as Mari. Popular but skips class; his hobby is motorcycles.
Makoto Otsu: Mitsuaki Madono — Mari's father, a freelance photographer. Quiet but gently watches over Mari, Shoya, and Lara.
Ema Otsu: Nanae Sumitomo — Mari's grandmother who serves as pastor at the church next door. Watches over the children alongside Makoto.
Rowan: Masaki Terasoma — The great king of the sea and father of Lara and her six sisters. Loathes humans.
Tomotaka Ono (Shoya Otsu) comments:
"I'm Tomotaka Ono, playing Shoya Otsu. Shoya is Mari's older brother — a really great and cool guy! On set, I poured everything into matching the delicate atmosphere of this production. I'm excited to see how Lara gets entangled with the Otsu family! This is a truly wonderful work that carries the passion of the staff and the cast, centered on the two leads. Please look forward to the broadcast!"
Mitsuaki Madono (Makoto Otsu) comments:
"I'm Mitsuaki Madono, playing Mari's father, Makoto Otsu. He doesn't say much but speaks gently with his daughter and Lara, sometimes quietly watching over them. Having a daughter of my own, I related deeply and had many moments I could understand emotionally. The writers also crafted stories that only a photographer can tell, which I really enjoyed performing. It's a wonderful work — I hope everyone will watch it."
Nanae Sumitomo (Ema Otsu) comments:
"This work made me feel the director's deep love for Shiga. It's filled with so much 'tenderness.' I hope everyone enjoys it while layering different kinds of 'love' over it. She's unbeatable — except at boxing. I'm so happy to have played Ema, who's overflowing with love!"
Masaki Terasoma (Rowan) comments:
"I play Rowan, king of the sea. Father to the title character Lara, he loathes humans — the destroyers of the underwater world he protects. This is an original script, and I performed with the creators' passion close to my heart. Please be sure to watch!"
Additionally, a "Goodbye, Lara" special stage at the Chayamachi Oshi Festival 2026 has been confirmed. On Saturday, June 20, 17:00–17:40, Hanana Hishikawa (Lara), Nana Kawaishi (Mari Otsu), and Tomotaka Ono (Shoya Otsu) will appear on the "Chapura Stage" at MBS Headquarters M-Building 1F. A special advance screening of Episode 1 will also be held on May 12 in Tokyo (applications accepted through April 26).
[Title Info]
Title: TV Anime "Goodbye, Lara"
Broadcast: July 2026
Original Concept: Kinema Citrus
Director: Takashi Koide
Series Composition: Anna Kawahara
Character Design: Shiori Tani
Music: yuma yamaguchi
Music Production: KADOKAWA
Animation Production: Kinema Citrus
Production: "Goodbye, Lara" Partners
[Cast]
Lara: Hanana Hishikawa / Mari Otsu: Nana Kawaishi / Grace: Rika Fukami / Luca: Ayumu Murase
Shoya Otsu: Tomotaka Ono / Makoto Otsu: Mitsuaki Madono / Ema Otsu: Nanae Sumitomo / Rowan: Masaki Terasoma
Official Site: https://goodbyelara.com
Official X: @Goodbye_Lara
©Kinema Citrus / "Goodbye, Lara" Partners