The upcoming film Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid: A Lonely Dragon Wants to Be Loved has revealed a delightful addition to its cast: the renowned enka singer Sachiko Kobayashi! Set to premiere in Japan on June 27, 2025, this movie promises to bring a mix of heartwarming moments and emotional depth to the beloved series. Here’s everything you need to know about Kobayashi’s role and the film’s latest updates.
Sachiko Kobayashi to Voice Felicitas
Sachiko Kobayashi, celebrated for her illustrious career spanning over six decades, will be lending her voice to Felicitas, a dragon belonging to Kimun Kamui’s army. Felicitas leads a small force within the army, adding a new dynamic to the film’s storyline.
Kobayashi shared her excitement about the role: “Thanks to everyone, I, Kobayashi Sachiko, will have been working for 61 years this June. During that time I have had the opportunity to do a variety of jobs, including voice acting, but this was my first time playing the role of a dragon. It was a lot of fun! Speaking of dragons, they appear in many different worlds, but the pictures in ‘Miss Kobayashi’ are gentle and warm, and it made me feel very fuzzy. It’s a truly wonderful movie and anime. I hope you will watch it and feel warm inside.”
Ending Theme Song: “Bokutachi no Hibi”
In addition to her voice acting debut in the series, Sachiko Kobayashi is also performing the ending theme song for the film, titled “Bokutachi no Hibi” (Our Days). Kobayashi described the song’s main theme as “universal love,” aiming to encapsulate the efforts people make to understand each other and bridge their differences. Maria Naganawa, the voice actress for Kanna, will also perform a version of the song for the soundtrack.
Story and Focus
Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid: A Lonely Dragon Wants to be Loved centers around Kanna Kamui, a young dragon who finds herself torn between two worlds. The story explores themes of family, identity, and emotional connection, adding depth to the series’ signature cozy atmosphere.
The movie introduces a new antagonist and focuses on Kanna as she is torn between two families. In A Lonely Dragon Wants to Be Loved, the story will set up emotional and personal stakes, with the found family of Miss Kobayashi, Tohru the monstrous dragon maid and Kanna the dragon child enjoying everyday life together until Kanna’s biological father, Kimun Kamui, arrives to take his young daughter back home to the fantasy world from which they originated.
Returning Cast and Staff
The film boasts a stellar team, with Tatsuya Ishihara (known for Sound! Euphonium) directing at Kyoto Animation. Yuka Yamada is penning the script, and Miku Kadowaki is in charge of character designs and chief animation direction. The late Yasuhiro Takemoto, who directed the first season, is credited as series director, honoring his significant contributions to the anime.
Many familiar voices will be reprising their roles, including:
- Mutsumi Tamura as Kobayashi
- Yūki Kuwahara as Tohru
- Maria Naganawa as Kanna
- Yūki Takada as Elma
- Minami Takahashi as Lucoa
- Daisuke Ono as Fafnir
- Yūichi Nakamura as Makoto Takiya
- Emiri Katō as Riko Saikawa
- Kaori Ishihara as Shōta Magatsuchi
Shiori Sugiura is taking over the role of Ilulu, replacing Tomomi Mineuchi, who retired from voice acting in 2022.
New Additions to the Cast
Besides Sachiko Kobayashi as Felicitas, the film introduces new characters voiced by:
- Fumihiko Tachiki as Kimun Kamui
- Nobunaga Shimazaki as Azad
Production Details
Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid: A Lonely Dragon Wants to Be Loved is directed by Tatsuya Ishihara, with a script by Yuka Yamada. Miku Kadowaki is handling character designs and serving as chief animation director. The film is produced by Kyoto Animation, ensuring a high level of quality and faithfulness to the original manga.
Other key staff members include:
- Art Director: Shingo Kasai
- Color Designer: Naomi Takahashi
- Accessory Designer: Hiroshi Karata
- Director of Photography: Hiroki Ueda
- 3D Director: Rin Yamamoto
Where to Watch
Both seasons of Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid are available for streaming on Crunchyroll, along with a set of shorts.
Release Information
Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid: A Lonely Dragon Wants to Be Loved is scheduled to release in Japanese theaters on June 27, 2025. The film will be screened in 199 theaters across Japan, with immersive 4DX and MX4D screenings available.
A Heartwarming and Emotional Journey
Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid: A Lonely Dragon Wants to Be Loved promises to be an emotional and action-packed addition to the series. With Sachiko Kobayashi joining the cast and performing the ending theme, fans have even more to look forward to. Whether you’re a longtime follower or new to the series, this film is set to deliver a heartwarming and visually stunning experience. Be sure to catch it in theaters in Japan starting June 27, 2025!