The highly anticipated anime film, Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid: A Lonely Dragon Wants to Be Loved (Japanese: Kobayashi-san Chi no Meidoragon: Samishigariya no Ryū), which premiered in Japanese theaters on June 27, 2025, has unveiled its non-credit opening, additional cast members, and a striking new visual. Directed by Tatsuya Ishihara at Kyoto Animation, the movie continues the beloved supernatural slice-of-life narrative, delving into new emotional depths and expanding the series’ lore.
A Glimpse at the Opening and New Melodies
Fans can now experience the film’s non-credit opening sequence, which features the energetic theme song “Namida no Parade” (Parade of Tears) performed by the popular band fhána. This musical accompaniment sets the tone for the cinematic adventure, hinting at the blend of heartwarming moments and dragon-sized conflicts that define the franchise. Beyond the opening, the film also incorporates the ending theme “Bokutachi no Hibi” (Days of Us) by Sachiko Kobayashi and an insert song titled “Negaigoto” (Wish) by kotringo, enriching the film’s emotional landscape.
Expanding the Dragon Maid Family: New and Returning Voices
The film introduces pivotal new characters to the vibrant world of Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid, brought to life by a talented roster of voice actors. Fumihiko Tachiki joins the cast as the formidable Kimun Kamui, Kanna’s father, whose arrival serves as a central catalyst for the film’s plot. Nobunaga Shimazaki voices Azad, another new addition to the dragon realm. In a notable casting change, Shiori Sugiura takes over the role of Ilulu, replacing Tomomi Mineuchi, who retired from voice acting in 2022. Additionally, Shinya Takahashi and Azusa Tadokoro lend their voices to new fairy characters, further populating the magical world.
The returning ensemble cast ensures the beloved characters maintain their familiar charm and chemistry. Mutsumi Tamura reprises her role as the titular Miss Kobayashi, alongside Yūki Kuwahara as Tohru and Maria Naganawa as Kanna. Other fan-favorite voice actors returning include 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.
A Visual Feast: New Artwork Revealed
Accompanying the film’s premiere and cast announcements, a striking new collaboration visual has been unveiled. This artwork, co-created by the original manga author Coolkyoushinja and anime character designer Miku Kadowaki, offers a dynamic glimpse into the film’s narrative. The visual features characters drawn by Coolkyoushinja, including Kanna, Kobayashi, Tohru, and Ilulu, contrasted with Kimun Kamui and Azad, drawn by Kadowaki, who appear on the verge of a confrontation. This visual, along with another new key visual previously revealed at AnimeJapan 2025, provides fans with an exciting preview of the film’s artistic direction and central conflict.
The Narrative Unfolds: Kanna’s Dilemma
Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid: A Lonely Dragon Wants to Be Loved centers on Kanna Kamui as her peaceful life with Miss Kobayashi and the other dragons is disrupted by the arrival of her father, Kimun Kamui, the leader of the Chaos Forces. He insists that Kanna return to the Dragon World to rectify a past mistake, sparking a major dilemma for the young dragon who is torn between her biological family and her newfound human bonds. As a war brews between the forces of Chaos and Harmony, Miss Kobayashi, Tohru, and their friends endeavor to mend the strained relationship between Kanna and her father, striving to unite the two worlds. Meanwhile, Ilulu uncovers a hidden force at play, manipulating the escalating conflict, adding another layer of intrigue to the unfolding story.
The film opened in 199 theaters across Japan, offering audiences the option of immersive 4DX and MX4D screenings for an enhanced cinematic experience. Crunchyroll has acquired the theatrical rights for the film worldwide, excluding Asia, promising an international release for fans eager to see this new chapter in the Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid saga.
