THE RIBBON HERO Wraps Evil Up In The Official Trailer
Netflix revealed the official trailer on Tuesday for The Ribbon Hero, based on Osamu Tezuka’s classic manga. The new animated movie is voice-led by half of the Lalande comedy duo, Saya, whose screen credits currently reside on the TV end of things with shows like TBS series, “Then You Try Making It!,” and NTV drama “Captured Airport”.
The Ribbon Hero is directed by Yuki Igarashi and launches worldwide on Netflix from August 8. Read on:
Osamu Tezuka’s classic manga “Princess Knight” is getting a new adaptation: THE RIBBON HERO will stream worldwide on Netflix on August 8, 2026. Alongside the announcement, Netflix also revealed the teaser trailer, the main key art of the film and the main voice actor.
The key art prominently features the transformed figure of the main character, Sapphire. At the center, we also see Sapphire in her pre-transformation form, marked by a striking red ribbon, alongside three new characters.
The trailer opens on harrowing scenes of the kingdom and its soldiers after a calamity struck, followed by a heart‑rending cry from a badly wounded Sapphire. Just when all seems lost, someone appears before her… And enveloped in ribbons, Sapphire gains the power to transform. Having found a reason to survive, she declares her resolve: to help everyone in need. While scenes of her fighting a monster unfold, we also catch a glimpse of a mysterious figure with a menacing smile. Can the newly born hero reclaim the world?
The voice cast for Sapphire has also been announced, with Saya (Lalande) voicing the character, marking her first leading role in a feature‑length animated production. Saya revealed that the director told her there were aspects of Sapphire’s background and upbringing that overlapped with her own. “Now that I’m over 30, I’ve never had a job where I struggled and enjoyed the challenge this much. I’d be so happy if you could watch it!” she shares.
Yuki Igarashi, regarded as one of the industry’s most versatile animators, directs the film. He first drew wide attention for the sophisticated animation he handled alone as key animator on the ending sequence of Jujutsu Kaisen Season 1. His directorial debut, Star Wars: Visions – Lop & Ochō, received high praise in Japan and abroad for its delicate storytelling and dynamic action scenes. THE RIBBON HERO marks Igarashi’s first time directing a feature-length film. Kei Mochizuki provides the original character designs, bringing experience from creating many fan-favorite characters for games such as Fate/Grand Order and Touken Ranbu. Mai Yoneyama, who served as ending director on Cyberpunk: Edgerunners and LAZARUS, joins as a collaborator on the character concepts. Kazunari Arakaki serves as animation character designer, while Cedric Herold takes on the role of art director. Animation is produced by OUTLINE, a studio led by director Igarashi and known for its compelling character designs and visually striking animation.
Introduction
Sapphire is the princess of a kingdom that no longer exists. Having lost everything in her homeland of Silverland to the calamity known as “Nergal,” she wanders in despair until she finally arrives in Goldland.
Though burdened by her past, she begins to find a glimmer of hope as she encounters the kindness of the people there. But as if to sneer at her peaceful new life, the calamity Nergal appears once more. The very despair that once reduced her homeland to ashes now threatens to steal the light from this land as well.
“I won’t lose anything ever again. And I won’t let anyone else lose anything either.” Brushing away her tears of sorrow, the girl takes up her sword. This is the story of a lone hero who ties her ribbon and resolves to defy her fate.
Production Information
Director: Yuki Igarashi
Inspired by “Princess Knight” by Osamu Tezuka
Script Associate: Komura Junko
Original Character Design: Kei Mochizuki
Character Design Cooperation: Mai Yoneyama
Animation Character Design: Issei Arakaki
Artistic direction: Cedric Herole
Nergal Design: okama
Art Director: Masanobu Nomura
Color Design: Natsumi Watabe
CG Director: Akine Nagamine
Compositing Director: Hikaru Fukuda
Editor: Junichi Uematsu
Music: Satoru Kosaki(MONACA), Ryuichi Takada(MONACA)
Sound Director: Keiichiro Miyoshi
Sound Production: TOHOKUSHINSHA FILM CORPORATION
Production: TWIN ENGINE
Animation: OUTLINE
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