The summer 2026 anime season continues to deliver strong content, and Red River stands out as one of the most talked-about new series. This adaptation of Chie Shinohara’s classic 1990s shojo manga has brought a beloved story to screens worldwide. Episode 5 is scheduled to arrive soon, and viewers are eager to continue following Yuri’s journey through the ancient Hittite Empire.
Episode 5 Release Date and Time
Red River episode 5 will release on Tuesday, August 4, 2026. The show follows a consistent weekly schedule with new episodes arriving every Tuesday.
The exact release times are as follows:
- Pacific Time: 10:40 a.m. PDT
- Mountain Time: 11:40 a.m. MDT
- Central Time: 12:40 p.m. CDT
- Eastern Time: 1:40 p.m. EDT
- Greenwich Mean Time: 5:40 p.m. GMT
The series premiered on July 7, 2026, with episodes releasing weekly. The first season will feature 12 to 13 episodes total. Episode 4 aired on July 28, 2026.
Where to Watch Episode 5
International viewers can stream Red River on Crunchyroll. The platform offers new episodes with English subtitles shortly after the Japanese broadcast.
The anime is available in multiple regions including North America, Central America, South America, Europe, Africa, Oceania, the Middle East, the CIS, and the Indian Subcontinent.
For viewers in Japan, the series airs on NTV and BS NTV. The show broadcasts on NTV’s “AnichU” programming block at 25:35 (effectively July 8 at 1:35 a.m.).
Red River is also available through the Crunchyroll Amazon Channel. A subscription to Crunchyroll is required to watch the series, as there are no free streaming options currently available.
The Story of Red River
Red River tells the story of Yuri Suzuki, a modern Japanese teenager who has just passed her college entrance exam and shared her first kiss with her childhood boyfriend. Her life takes a dramatic turn when a mysterious hand drags her through a puddle of water.
Yuri awakens in the Hittite Empire of the 14th century BCE, an ancient civilization in Anatolia (modern-day Turkey). She is captured by armed troops and taken to the Queen’s palace, where Queen Nakia plans to use her as a human sacrifice.
Prince Kail Muršili, the queen’s stepson and an heir to the throne, saves Yuri from this fate. Together, they navigate a world filled with assassins, royal conspiracies, and war. As Yuri’s actions earn her a reputation as the goddess Ishtar, she must choose between returning to her old life and embracing an uncertain future in a world where she does not belong.
What Happened in Episode 4
Episode 4, titled “Ishtar Incarnate” (or “L’Avatar d’Ishtar”), aired on July 28, 2026. The episode saw Kail and Yuri arrive at Arinna, where they face a battle against the Kaskas.
The episode continued building the political and romantic tensions that define the series. Yuri’s growing connection to Kail and her increasing role in the Hittite Empire’s affairs take center stage. The episode also advanced the overarching conflict with Queen Nakia, who remains determined to eliminate Kail and secure the throne for her own son.
Episode titles and story details for the series include:
- Episode 1: A Goodbye Kiss, a Hello Kiss (July 8)
- Episode 2: The Black Water (July 15)
- Episode 3: I Can’t Go Back, I Won’t Go Back (July 22)
- Episode 4: Ishtar Incarnate (July 29)
The Cast and Production Team
Red River features a talented voice cast:
- Mirai Tachibana as Yuri Suzuki
- Wataru Katō as Kail Muršili (later King Muršili II)
- Aya Uchida as Queen Nakia
- Shōya Chiba as Zannanza Hattušili
- Hiroki Nanami as Satoshi Himuro and narrator
- Tomoaki Maeno as Ilbani
- Kōji Yusa as Urhi
- Kōsuke Toriumi as Prince Mattiwaza
- Tomohiro Ōno as Kikkuri
- Shiki Aoki as Hadi
- Natsumi Kawaida as Ryui
- Misato Matsuoka as Shala
- Minami Takayama as Yuri’s mother
- Kazuhiko Inoue as Yuri’s father
The production team includes:
- Director: Kōsuke Kobayashi
- Series Scripts: Yoriko Tomita
- Character Designer: Kenji Fujisaki
- Music Composer: Yoshihisa Hirano
- Animation Studio: Tatsunoko Production
The opening theme song “Akatsuki no Sora” (Dawn Sky) is performed by Hiroki Nanami, and the ending theme “Reunion” is by Miisha Shimizu.
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Why You Should Watch This Anime
Red River brings a classic shojo manga to life after more than two decades. The original manga, written and illustrated by Chie Shinohara, was serialized in Shogakukan’s Sho-Comi magazine from 1995 to 2002 and won the 46th Shogakukan Manga Award in 2000.
The anime offers a blend of historical adventure, romance, and political intrigue that sets it apart from typical isekai stories. The Bronze Age Middle Eastern setting provides a fresh backdrop that is rarely explored in anime.
The relationship between Yuri and Kail develops naturally as they face danger together. Yuri’s growth from a confused teenager into someone who finds her place in a foreign world is a central theme that resonates with viewers.
The production team has brought in historical researchers from the Japanese Institute of Anatolian Archaeology to ensure accuracy in depicting the Hittite Empire. This attention to detail adds depth to the world-building.
For fans of shojo romance, historical drama, or anyone looking for something different from the usual fantasy fare, Red River delivers a story that has stood the test of time.
Episode 5 is expected to continue the momentum built in the first four episodes, with Yuri and Kail facing new challenges as the struggle for the Hittite throne intensifies.
Also Read: Victoria of Many Faces Episode 5: Release Date, Streaming Details and Story Recap
Thanks for reading! Stay tuned to VvipTimes for more anime news and updates on your favorite summer 2026 series.
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