Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid: A Lonely Dragon Wants to Be Loved Reveals Creditless Opening Video, Additional Cast
From the moment the official trailer hit the screens, Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid: A Lonely Dragon Wants to Be Loved shot to the top of anime watchlists across the globe. For long-time fans of the series, this latest installment offers more than just a continuation—it’s a nostalgic journey laced with warmth, tenderness, and unexpected emotional resonance.
At the heart of this new chapter lies Tohru, a dragon yearning not just for acceptance, but for love in a world that feels increasingly alien. Her search transforms the story from a fantasy narrative into a moving tale of belonging and emotional growth. Coupled with the return of fan-favorite voices, the introduction of intriguing new characters, and an evocative soundtrack, this film is poised to both entertain and profoundly touch its viewers.
An Exciting Start and the Reveal of the New Staff
With the film’s recent debut in Japan, the official website delivered a delightful surprise for fans: a creditless version of the opening sequence. By removing all text and names, viewers are able to fully absorb the animation and music without distraction—allowing the artistic intent to shine through unfiltered.
Adding to the excitement was the unveiling of several new voice actors who have joined the cast. This announcement has only intensified anticipation, suggesting that fresh dynamics and deeper character moments await fans in this long-awaited continuation.
A Heartfelt Opening: “Parade of Tears”
What kind of song could break your heart from the very first scene? “Parade of Tears” (Japanese title: Namida no Parade), the film’s emotional opening theme, may very well be the answer. Performed by the renowned band fhána, known for their soul-stirring anime tracks, the song sets a gentle yet melancholic tone that perfectly mirrors the themes of love and loneliness at the core of the film.
Equally powerful is the original score by Masumi Ito, a composer celebrated for her ability to weave deep emotion into her melodies. With music production handled by Lantis and Heart Company, every musical moment in the film is designed to immerse the audience in a richly emotional experience.
Production Team: Familiar Direction with an Original Touch
Great storytelling requires great storytellers—and this film is in expert hands. Director Tatsuya Ishihara, who previously brought Season 2 (Dragon Maid S) to life, returns to guide this new adventure. The original creator, Coolkyousinnjya, provides the story’s heartfelt foundation, blending humor and humanity in a style that has come to define the series.
Screenwriter Yuka Yamada returns as well, bringing with her a nuanced understanding of the characters and their emotional complexities. The visual and artistic direction remains just as carefully curated, ensuring that both the emotional and aesthetic elements of the film remain faithful to its roots.
Core Staff Includes:
- Original Work: Coolkyousinnjya
- Director: Tatsuya Ishihara
- Series Director: Yasuhiro Takemoto
- Screenplay: Yuka Yamada
- Character Design & Chief Animation Director: Miku Kadowaki
- Art Director: Shingo Kasai
- Color Design: Naomi Takahashi
- Prop Design: Hiroshi Karata
- Director of Photography: Hiroki Ueda
- 3D Director: Rin Yamamoto
- Sound Director: Yota Tsuruoka
- Music: Masumi Ito
- Music Production: Lantis / Heart Company
- Animation Production: Kyoto Animation
- Production: Dragon Maid Committee
- Distribution: Shochiku
Adding a special layer of artistic charm, the official website also showcased a stunning collaborative illustration between Coolkyousinnjya and character designer Miku Kadowaki. The image beautifully captures the tender, emotional essence of the film.
Voice Cast: A Blend of Familiar and New Faces
Fans will be delighted to know that the original voice cast is returning to reprise their beloved roles—preserving the emotional continuity that defines the series. Alongside them, new voice actors breathe life into fresh characters, enriching the world of Dragon Maid with new energy and perspectives.
- Maria Naganawa as Kanna Kamui
- Mutsumi Tamura as Miss Kobayashi
- Yuki Kuwahara as Tohru
- Yuki Takada as Elma
- Minami Takahashi as Lucoa (Quetzalcoatl)
- Shiori Sugiura as Ilulu (replacing Tomomi Mineuchi, who retired in 2022)
- Daisuke Ono as Fafnir
- Yuichi Nakamura as Makoto Takiya
- Emiri Kato as Riko Saikawa
- Kaori Ishihara as Shota Magatsuchi
- Sachiko Kobayashi as Felicitas
- Fumihiko Tachiki as Kimun Kamui
- Nobunaga Shimazaki as Azad
- Shinya Takahashi & Azusa Tadokoro as the Fairies
Notably, Sachiko Kobayashi also lends her voice to the film’s heartfelt ending theme, “Bokutachi no Hibi” (Days of Us), while artist kotringo provides the gentle insert song “Negaigoto” (Wish), further enriching the film’s emotional texture.
A Familiar Cast Ensures Emotional Continuity
One of the most powerful tools in storytelling is consistency—and this film embraces that truth wholeheartedly. By retaining the core voice cast, the production team ensures a seamless emotional experience that feels like coming home. These voices have carried the emotional weight of the story since the beginning, and their return brings with it a sense of authenticity and warmth that fans will immediately recognize.
- Mutsumi Tamura as Kobayashi
- Yuki Kuwahara as Tohru
- Maria Naganawa as Kanna
- Yuki Takada as Elma
- Minami Takahashi as Lucoa
- Daisuke Ono as Fafnir
- Yuichi Nakamura as Makoto Takiya
- Emiri Kato as Riko Saikawa
- Kaori Ishihara as Shota Magatsuchi
Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid: A Lonely Dragon Wants to Be Loved is shaping up to be more than just a new entry in a beloved series—it’s a deeply emotional, beautifully crafted work of art. With a talented team, a powerful soundtrack, and a cast that fans already cherish, this film invites viewers not just to watch, but to feel. Whether you're a long-time fan or a curious newcomer, this story of a dragon seeking love may just touch your heart in ways you didn't expect.
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