The wait is almost over for fans of heartwarming fantasy stories. The upcoming anime adaptation of the popular light novel series The Cat and the Dragon has dropped its first official trailer, and along with it comes the news everyone has been waiting for: the show is scheduled to premiere in July 2026. The new preview gives viewers their first real look at the stunning animation and the unique bond between a massive dragon and the cats who raised him.
The trailer, which was released in late 2025, offers a glimpse into a magical forest where a dragon lives among felines who can use magic. It highlights the gentle yet powerful relationship at the core of the story. Produced by the renowned animation studio OLM, known for their work on various high-quality series, the visuals in the teaser promise a world that is both enchanting and emotionally resonant.
The Story of a Dragon Who Thinks He Is a Cat
For those unfamiliar with the source material, The Cat and the Dragon (originally titled Neko to Ryลซ) began as a web novel written by Amara on the user-generated site Shลsetsuka ni Narล back in 2013. The story was so beloved that it was later turned into a series of light novels with illustrations by Mai ลkuma, published by Takarajimasha starting in 2016. The franchise has since expanded to include a popular manga adaptation illustrated by Izumi Sasaki.
The plot centers on a dragon who hatches inside a cave where a family of cats lives. Instead of eating him, the cats decide to raise the baby dragon as one of their own. As the years pass, the dragon grows to an enormous size and lives for centuries, while his cat siblings eventually pass away. Driven by a promise to protect his family, the dragon watches over the generations of cats that follow, developing a deep bond with them. However, his peaceful life changes after he witnesses humans harming cats. This leads to a conflict with adventurers, but a chance encounter with a new cat helps him find a different path and even develop a unique cat-like form. It is a story about family, found connections, and seeing the world through a different set of eyes.
Meet the Voice Cast and Creative Team Behind the Anime
The new trailer also confirmed a major name attached to the project. Legendary voice actor Takehito Koyasu will be voicing the main character, Nekoryลซ, the dragon raised by cats. Koyasu is one of the most recognizable voices in the industry, famous for roles like Dio Brando in JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure. His deep and versatile voice is expected to bring the perfect balance of power and gentle confusion to the dragon character.
The creative team behind the camera is equally impressive. The series is being directed by Jin Gu Oh, who has previously worked on projects like Tonbo!. Handling the series composition (the overall structure and flow of the story) is Mitsutaka Hirota, a writer known for his work on long-running series like Edens Zero and Rent-A-Girlfriend. Character designs are being handled by Rie Nishino and Chiaki Kurakazu, while the music is composed by Takahiro Obata, who fans will recognize from his acclaimed work on The Promised Neverland.
Where to Watch The Cat and the Dragon
The Cat and the Dragon is set to broadcast in Japan starting in July 2026 on networks including TOKYO MX and BS NTV. For international viewers, the series will be available for streaming on d Anime Store, which is a major platform for anime in Japan and is expanding its global reach. This means fans outside of Japan will have a legitimate way to watch the series as it airs.
For viewers in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and India, the anime is expected to be picked up by major global streamers like Crunchyroll or Netflix shortly after or simultaneously with the Japanese broadcast, though specific licensing deals have not been officially announced yet. Given the popularity of the source material, it is highly likely that a global streaming partner will be confirmed in the coming months leading up to the July 2026 release.
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The Popularity of the Original Story
The excitement for this anime is not coming out of nowhere. The original The Cat and the Dragon light novel and manga series have built a massive following over the years. By April 2025, the series had already surpassed 1 million copies in circulation, proving that the story of a cat-like dragon resonates with a large audience. The manga, illustrated by Izumi Sasaki, has been serialized since September 2017 and has compiled twelve volumes as of late 2025. The ninth volume of the light novel was also released in late 2025, showing that the franchise is still very active and growing.
The concept of a powerful dragon with the heart and mannerisms of a cat is a simple but effective hook. It combines the appeal of fantasy creatures with the universally loved behavior of household pets. The teaser trailer hints at this dynamic perfectly, showing the massive dragon interacting gently with much smaller cats, creating a visually striking and emotionally warm image.
As the July 2026 premiere date approaches, fans can expect more trailers, additional cast announcements, and key visuals. For now, the released trailer has done its job: building anticipation for what looks to be one of the most unique fantasy anime of the coming year.
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