The highly anticipated anime film, Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid: A Lonely Dragon Wants to be Loved (Kobayashi-san Chi no Maid Dragon: Samishigariya no Ryū), has unveiled its non-credit opening sequence, expanded its cast roster, and released striking new visuals as it premiered in Japan on June 27, 2025. The movie opened in 199 theaters across Japan, offering immersive 4DX and MX4D screenings for an enhanced viewing experience. Crunchyroll has secured the worldwide theatrical rights for the film, excluding Asia, and plans to screen it in North America with Japanese audio and English subtitles.
Non-Credit Opening and Theme Songs Revealed
The film’s official website confirmed the reveal of the non-credit opening sequence. The popular band fhána performs the opening theme song, titled “Namida no Parade” (“Parade of Tears”). Further enriching the film’s musical landscape, kotringo performs the insert song “Negaigoto” (“Wish”), while veteran singer Sachiko Kobayashi lends her voice to the ending theme song, “Bokutachi no Hibi” (“Days of Us”). Sachiko Kobayashi also joins the cast as Felicitas, a dragon in Kimun Kamui’s army, marking her first time voicing a dragon despite a 61-year career in entertainment.
Expanded and Returning Voice Cast
The film introduces several new voices to its beloved ensemble. Fumihiko Tachiki takes on the role of Kimun Kamui, and Nobunaga Shimazaki voices Azad. Notably, Shiori Sugiura steps in to voice Ilulu, replacing Tomomi Mineuchi, who retired from voice acting in 2022. Additionally, Shinya Takahashi and Azusa Tadokoro are confirmed to be voicing fairies in the movie.
The returning core cast members reprise their roles, ensuring continuity for fans of the series. This includes Mutsumi Tamura as Kobayashi, Yūki Kuwahara as Tohru, and Maria Naganawa as Kanna. Other familiar voices returning are 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.
New Visuals and Production Team
Accompanying the new cast and opening details, the film has unveiled a series of captivating visuals. These include a collaboration visual created by the original manga artist Coolkyoushinja and character designer Miku Kadowaki. Additionally, new key visuals have been released, with an announcement in March 2025 at AnimeJapan 2025 unveiling a new key visual and additional cast. A set of eight character visuals depicting both existing favorites and a new antagonist were also revealed in May 2025.
The film is directed by Tatsuya Ishihara, known for his work on Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid S and Love, Chunibyo & Other Delusions!. Kyoto Animation is the animation studio behind the film, continuing their acclaimed work on the franchise. The late Yasuhiro Takemoto is credited posthumously as the series director. The screenplay is handled by Yuka Yamada, with Miku Kadowaki also serving as character designer and chief animation director.
