The highly anticipated anime film, Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid: A Lonely Dragon Wants to be Loved, has recently unveiled its non-credit opening sequence, expanded its cast roster, and released captivating new visuals ahead of its theatrical debut. The film, which premiered in Japanese theaters on June 27, 2025, has garnered significant attention, promising an emotional and action-packed continuation of the beloved series.
A Glimpse into the Opening: “Namida no Parade”
Fans can now experience the vibrant and evocative non-credit opening sequence of Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid: A Lonely Dragon Wants to be Loved. This visual treat features the film’s opening theme song, “Namida no Parade” (Parade of Tears), performed by the renowned Japanese pop rock band fhána. fhána has a long-standing connection with the Dragon Maid franchise, having provided theme songs for both previous television anime seasons, including “Aozora no Rhapsody” for the first season and “Ai no Supreme!” for the second. The new song is described as an “endlessly enjoyable and sad song with a gorgeous brass sound,” echoing the familiar yet evolving musical style of the series. The full music video for “Namida no Parade,” alongside the ending theme, was released on YouTube in conjunction with the film’s Japanese premiere.
Beyond the opening, the film’s musical landscape is further enriched by Sachiko Kobayashi performing the ending theme, “Bokutachi no Hibi” (Days of Us), and kotringo contributing an insert song titled “Negaigoto” (Wish). Sachiko Kobayashi, a veteran singer well-known in the otaku community for her unique collaborations, officially joins the Dragon Maid musical family, marking a significant and delightful addition for fans.
Expanding the Dragon Maid Family: New and Returning Voices
The film introduces new characters integral to its narrative, with their voice actors now confirmed. Fumihiko Tachiki joins the cast as Kimun Kamui, a pivotal figure revealed to be Kanna’s real father. Nobunaga Shimazaki also lends his voice to a character named Azad. Additionally, Shinya Takahashi and Azusa Tadokoro are set to voice fairies, further diversifying the magical ensemble.
A notable change in the voice cast sees Shiori Sugiura taking over the role of Ilulu, succeeding Tomomi Mineuchi who retired from voice acting in 2022. This transition ensures the character’s continued presence while honoring the past contributions.
The core cast members from the beloved series are set to reprise their roles, guaranteeing a sense of familiarity and continuity for long-time fans. Mutsumi Tamura returns as the titular Miss Kobayashi, with Yūki Kuwahara as Tohru and Maria Naganawa as Kanna. The returning ensemble also includes Yūki Takada as Elma, Minami Takahashi as Lucoa, Daisuke Ono as Fafnir, Yūichi Nakamura as Makoto Takiya, Emiri Katō as Riko Saikawa, and Kaori Ishihara as Shōta Magatsuchi.
Visual Splendour: New Key Art and Character Focus
Several new visuals have been released, offering tantalizing glimpses into the film’s artistic direction and key characters. A new teaser visual, unveiled earlier in the year, prominently features Kanna, Kobayashi, and Tohru holding hands, hinting at the strong bonds at the heart of the story. More recently, a new key visual was showcased at AnimeJapan 2025, providing a fresh perspective on the film’s aesthetic. Furthermore, a series of eight character visuals has been released, highlighting both established favorites and the new antagonist, offering fans a closer look at the updated designs and the dynamic art style from Kyoto Animation. A special collaboration visual, featuring artwork by original manga creator Coolkyoushinja and character designer Miku Kadowaki, was also revealed to celebrate the film’s release.
The Narrative Unfolds: Kanna’s New Challenge
The film’s plot centers on a significant development in Kanna’s life. A sudden visitor arrives, who is none other than Kanna’s biological father, Kimun Kamui. This unexpected reunion throws Kanna into a conflict, as she is torn between her loyalty to her friends in the human world and her father’s demands, which involve her return to the Dragon World to rectify a past mistake. The narrative teases a brewing war between the Chaos and Harmony factions within the dragon realm. Miss Kobayashi, ever the steady anchor, endeavors to mend the fractured relationship between Kanna and Kamui. Meanwhile, Ilulu discovers a clandestine force manipulating the escalating conflict, setting the stage for a dramatic and emotionally charged adventure.
Production Excellence: Kyoto Animation at the Helm
Kyoto Animation, the renowned studio behind the beloved anime series, is producing Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid: A Lonely Dragon Wants to be Loved. Tatsuya Ishihara, who directed Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid S and Love, Chunibyo & Other Delusions!, is at the helm as director. The script is penned by Yuka Yamada, known for her work on Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid S, and Miku Kadowaki serves as both character designer and chief animation director, roles she also held for the second season. The late Yasuhiro Takemoto, who directed the first season of the anime, is credited posthumously as the series director, acknowledging his foundational contribution to the franchise.
The film opened in 199 theaters across Japan on June 27, 2025, offering immersive 4DX and MX4D screenings for an enhanced viewing experience. For international audiences, Crunchyroll has secured the worldwide theatrical rights (excluding Asia), with plans to screen the film in North America in Japanese with English subtitles. Further details regarding global territories and release dates are expected to be announced, promising a wider reach for this anticipated cinematic event. The film continues the narrative drawn from Coolkyoushinja’s ongoing Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid manga, which began serialization in 2013 and continues to expand its beloved universe.
