The new anime series Sparks of Tomorrow from Kyoto Animation is arriving very soon. Episode 1 will be available worldwide on Sunday, July 5, 2026. This marks the first anime from the studio since the 2019 arson attack. The show will stream exclusively on Netflix for global audiences.
The series is based on the light novel 20 Seiki Denki Mokuroku by Hiro Yuki. It is set in an alternate version of early 20th-century Kyoto. In this world, technology developed differently. Steam power became the main energy source instead of electricity. The city is covered in constant smoke from steam engines.
Episode 1 Release Time on Netflix
Sparks of Tomorrow Episode 1 will drop on Netflix at 3:01 AM EST on Sunday, July 5. For viewers in Japan, the episode airs on TV at 11:00 PM JST on the same day. The Netflix release time translates to:
- 12:01 AM PT (Pacific Time)
- 3:01 AM ET (Eastern Time)
- 8:01 AM BST (British Summer Time)
- 9:01 AM CEST (Central European Summer Time)
The show will follow a weekly release schedule. New episodes will arrive every Sunday on Netflix.
Where to Watch Sparks of Tomorrow
The series will be available for exclusive worldwide streaming on Netflix. It will not be on any other streaming platform for global audiences.
In Japan, the anime will also broadcast on television. The channels include:
- ABC TV
- TOKYO MX
- TV Aichi
- BS11
These Japanese networks will air new episodes weekly starting July 5.
Early Screening at Anime Expo
Fans in North America can watch the first two episodes early. Anime Expo 2026 will screen Episode 1 and 2 on July 3 at 10:00 AM in the JW Marriott Platinum Ballroom. The convention runs from July 2 to July 5 in California. This gives attendees a two-day head start before the Netflix premiere.
Episode 1 Story
The story of Episode 1 sets up the entire series. The main character is Kihachi Sakamoto. He records his ideas for future electrical inventions in a book called the 20th Century Electrical Catalog. He makes a promise with his older brother, Seiroku, to turn these dreams into reality.
Seiroku takes the catalog with him when he goes to war. He is killed in action, and the catalog is lost. Years pass, and Kihachi’s life becomes stagnant. His world changes when he meets Inako Momokawa. She is the daughter of a sake-brewing family.
Meanwhile, Yosuke Mizoe is also searching for the lost catalog. He is the heir to a powerful steam-industry company. He pressures Inako’s family into an arranged marriage in exchange for money. Inako runs away from Yosuke and reunites with Kihachi. She is carrying something that was thought to be lost forever—the 20th Century Electrical Catalog.
“Together, we’ll make the 20th century the Age of Electricity!”
Main Cast and Characters
The voice cast features well-known Japanese actors. The two leads are:
- Yuma Uchida as Kihachi Sakamoto
- Sora Amamiya as Inako Momokawa
Uchida is known for voicing Megumi Fushiguro in Jujutsu Kaisen. Amamiya is known for playing Chizuru Ichinose in Rent-A-Girlfriend.
The supporting cast includes:
- Koki Uchiyama as Yosuke Mizoe
- Daisuke Ono as Seiroku Sakamoto
- Shunsuke Takeuchi as Kengo Kuga
- Minako Kotobuki as Noriko Momokawa
- Hiroshi Yanaka as Jinemon Momokawa
- Mayumi Asano as Naeko Momokawa
- Daichi Endo as Bunshichi Yagura
- Ayahi Takagaki as Tome and Inari
Staff and Production
Minoru Ota is directing the anime. This is his first project as a director. He previously worked as a key animator on A Silent Voice, Violet Evergarden, and Liz and the Blue Bird.
Tatsuhiko Urahata handles series composition. Kohei Okamura is the character designer and chief animation director. Hitomi Koto composes the music.
The animation production is by Kyoto Animation. This is the studio’s first new anime series since the 2019 tragedy.
World Premiere Tour
The anime is holding a world premiere tour. It will stop in Japan, the United Kingdom, Thailand, and North America. The North American premiere happens at Anime Expo on July 3.
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What to Expect from the Series
The anime takes place in a steampunk version of Kyoto. The city runs entirely on steam power. Massive boilers constantly pump smoke into the air. The art style uses bold, impressionistic visuals.
The story follows Kihachi and Inako as they search for the Electrical Catalog. They must face their past losses and find hope for the future. The series explores themes of grief, dreams, and change.
Sparks of Tomorrow will have new episodes every week on Netflix. The total number of episodes has not been confirmed yet.
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