The heartwarming fantasy series, “The Cat and the Dragon” (Neko to Ryu), is officially getting a TV anime adaptation. The announcement, timed perfectly for “Cat Day” in Japan on February 22nd, has sent waves of excitement through fans of the original web novel and manga. A teaser visual and trailer have already been released, offering a glimpse into the enchanting world where a dragon is raised by cats.
A Feline-Infused Fantasy Takes Flight
“The Cat and the Dragon” began its journey as a series of short stories on the popular web novel platform Shosetsuka ni Naro, captivating readers from September 2013 to June 2014. Its popularity led to a print release by Takarajimasha in April 2016. The series further expanded with a manga adaptation by Izumi Sasaki, serialized on Takarajimasha’s Kono Manga ga Sugoi! Web since September 2017. To date, the light novel series has six volumes, while the manga boasts ten.
The story centers around a dragon affectionately nicknamed “Uncle Wing” raised by cats. Living deep within a forest teeming with magical creatures, he watches over his feline family. The narrative explores his interactions with the curious cats he lives with, including one that adventures with a human prince and another who enjoys observing people in the city. Over time, the dragon gradually opens his heart to humans, learning to coexist with them.
Celebratory Messages from the Creators
To celebrate the anime adaptation, original creator Amara and character designer Mai Okuma shared their excitement and offered special illustrations. Izumi Sasaki, the manga artist, also contributed a celebratory illustration.
Amara expressed gratitude to the fans: “Thanks to the many people who have loved The Cat and the Dragon, we have been given the opportunity for an anime adaptation. I would be delighted if you could enjoy this new world, which is different from the novel and manga.”
Mai Okuma reflected on her long-standing involvement with the series: “Congratulations on the anime adaptation of The Cat and the Dragon! About nine years ago, I had my first opportunity to work on The Cat and the Dragon. Now, seeing it develop into something so wonderful fills me with immense joy. I’ve even heard stories of the books being placed in school libraries—it’s such a heartwarming and gentle story that I love!”
Izumi Sasaki shared her enthusiasm in a more animated fashion: “It’s becoming an anime! They’ll move and talk! Uncle Feather! Mama Nyan! Kurobane! Shirotae! I’m excited to be able to see the world of The Cat and the Dragon that is unique to anime, which is different from both the novel and the manga. I’m really happy! I’m looking forward to it!”
Production Details and Future Announcements
While the announcement has been made, specific details regarding the anime’s staff, cast, and release date are still under wraps. The official website and associated social media accounts have launched, promising further updates in the near future. The announcement trailer features the voice of Nekoryu speaking in cat language, but the voice actor has not yet been revealed.
Fans can anticipate more information in the coming months as production progresses.
A Heartwarming Tale of Family and Acceptance
“The Cat and the Dragon” has resonated with audiences due to its heartwarming themes of family, acceptance, and the bridging of divides. The story’s success on Shosetsuka ni Naro, where it topped the daily rankings, is a testament to its appeal. The series’ ability to garner such attention as a short-form story is unusual.
The Appeal of “Nekoryū”
The central character, the dragon raised by cats, endears himself to readers with his unique upbringing and gentle nature. Known affectionately as “Uncle Wing,” he gradually warms up to humans despite initially harboring some reservations.
Exploring Themes of Coexistence
The narrative subtly explores themes of coexistence and understanding between different species, highlighting the importance of empathy and acceptance. The series’ emphasis on interspecies relationships makes it a unique addition to the fantasy genre.
Light Novel and Manga Details
The light novel series, written by Amara and illustrated by Mai Okuma, has six released volumes. Takarajimasha publishes both the light novel and manga versions. The manga adaptation by Izumi Sasaki has reached ten volumes.
Print Success
With the upcoming release of “Cat and Dragon: Dragon’s Matchmaking and Flying Cat” on March 5th, the total number of copies of the series in circulation will exceed one million. This milestone underscores the popularity and commercial success of the franchise.
“Cat Day” Launch
The anime announcement strategically coincided with “Cat Day” in Japan, celebrated on February 22nd. This date was selected due to the Japanese onomatopoeia for a cat’s meow, “nya-nya-nya,” which sounds similar to the numbers “two-two-two.”
A Perfect Fit
The “Cat Day” reveal further solidifies the series’ connection to its feline themes. It’s a fitting tribute to the central role cats play in the narrative.
Where to Follow Updates
Fans eager for more information can follow the official website and social media accounts dedicated to the anime adaptation. These platforms will likely provide updates on casting, staff announcements, and the official release date.
Community Anticipation
Online forums and social media platforms are already abuzz with discussions and fan theories about the upcoming anime. The anticipation within the anime community is palpable.
Other Cat-Themed Anime
The announcement of “The Cat and the Dragon” anime adaptation arrives amid a wave of interest in anime featuring feline characters.
“Nyaight of the Living Cat”
The upcoming anime “Nyaight of the Living Cat,” with Takashi Miike as executive director, features a comedic take on a zombie apocalypse where cats are the primary focus.
A Popular Trope
Cats have long been a popular trope in anime, often appearing as cute companions or mystical creatures. “The Cat and the Dragon” offers a fresh perspective by placing cats at the center of a heartwarming fantasy narrative.
Web Novel Origins
The series’ origins as a web novel on Shosetsuka ni Naro highlight the growing influence of online platforms in the anime industry. Many popular anime series started as web novels or manga before gaining mainstream recognition.
Accessibility and Creativity
Web novel platforms provide aspiring authors with a space to share their work and build an audience. This accessibility has led to a surge of creative and diverse stories entering the anime pipeline.
A Bright Future for “The Cat and the Dragon”
With its heartwarming story, charming characters, and strong source material, “The Cat and the Dragon” anime adaptation has the potential to become a beloved series within the anime community. The combination of fantasy elements and feline companionship is likely to resonate with a wide audience. The series’ emphasis on themes like family, acceptance, and bridging divides further solidifies its appeal in today’s world. As fans eagerly await further details, “The Cat and the Dragon” is poised to become a standout addition to the anime landscape.
