Netflix Announces 'THE RIBBON HERO' Based on Osamu Tezuka's 'Princess Knight', Saya (Lalande) Cast as Sapphire
Netflix has announced that the animated film 'THE RIBBON HERO', based on Osamu Tezuka's classic 'Princess Knight', will stream exclusively worldwide on August 8, 2026. Yuki Igarashi directs, with Saya (Lalande) voicing the protagonist, Sapphire.
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- 📰 Published: May 27, 2026 at 06:00
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The Netflix film 'THE RIBBON HERO' is based on the classic manga 'Princess Knight' (Ribbon no Kishi) by Osamu Tezuka. Following the release of its teaser visual last month, which trended at #1 on Yahoo! and #3 on X (formerly Twitter) in Japan, the project has garnered significant attention. It has also been selected for screening in the 'Annecy Presents' category at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival 2026, further raising international expectations.
Netflix has set the exclusive global release date for August 8, 2026 (Saturday). Along with this announcement, the main visual, the first trailer, and the voice actor for the protagonist have been revealed, accompanied by comments from the cast.
Yuki Igarashi, a highly versatile animator in the industry, serves as director. Igarashi gained attention for his sophisticated single-handed key animation for the 'Jujutsu Kaisen Season 1' ending sequence and received high acclaim both domestically and internationally for his directorial debut, 'Star Wars: Visions - Lop and Ochō' for its detailed storytelling and intense action scenes. This film marks Igarashi's first feature-length directorial work.
The character designs were created by Kei Mochizuki, known for designing popular characters in games such as 'Fate/Grand Order' and 'Touken Ranbu Online'. Character design collaboration includes Mai Yoneyama, who served as ending director for 'Cyberpunk: Edgerunners' and 'LAZARUS'. Additionally, Kazunari Arakawa handles animation character design, and Cedric Herole serves as art director.
The animation is produced by OUTLINE, the studio led by director Igarashi, known for its compelling character work and overwhelming animation quality. A team of talented creators has assembled to depict the story of a hero who decides to resist a harsh fate, blending a delicate worldview with sophisticated action.
Main visual and the first trailer have been unveiled.
Additionally, a comment from Saya (Lalande), who voices the protagonist Sapphire, has arrived.
The newly released main visual resembles a painting. At the center is Sapphire's transformed figure, holding a sword with a look of determination. In the middle, the pre-transformed Sapphire with her signature big red ribbon appears alongside three new characters. The story will explore the background of why Sapphire takes up the sword and the meaning behind the catchphrase 'Feelings'.
The first trailer also launched.
The video begins with scenes of a devastated kingdom, soldiers, and a painful cry from a wounded Sapphire. In a moment of desperation, Sapphire encounters something—she gains the power to transform when wrapped in a ribbon. Having found a reason to survive, she declares her resolve to help those in need. While positive imagery is shown, a character with an ominous smile also appears.
Will the hero, born with the cry of 'Princess Knight is here!', be able to reclaim the world? Expectations are high for the story's development.
Furthermore, the voice actor for the protagonist Sapphire was announced. Sapphire is played by Saya (Lalande), who is taking on her first voice acting challenge in a feature-length film. In her comment, Saya reveals that the director told her there were overlapping parts in Sapphire's upbringing and background with her own. She says, 'I haven't had a job since turning 30 where I could struggle and enjoy a challenge so much as this. I would be very happy if you watched it!'
With much of the project still under wraps, anticipation continues to grow.
Netflix has set the exclusive global release date for August 8, 2026 (Saturday). Along with this announcement, the main visual, the first trailer, and the voice actor for the protagonist have been revealed, accompanied by comments from the cast.
Yuki Igarashi, a highly versatile animator in the industry, serves as director. Igarashi gained attention for his sophisticated single-handed key animation for the 'Jujutsu Kaisen Season 1' ending sequence and received high acclaim both domestically and internationally for his directorial debut, 'Star Wars: Visions - Lop and Ochō' for its detailed storytelling and intense action scenes. This film marks Igarashi's first feature-length directorial work.
The character designs were created by Kei Mochizuki, known for designing popular characters in games such as 'Fate/Grand Order' and 'Touken Ranbu Online'. Character design collaboration includes Mai Yoneyama, who served as ending director for 'Cyberpunk: Edgerunners' and 'LAZARUS'. Additionally, Kazunari Arakawa handles animation character design, and Cedric Herole serves as art director.
The animation is produced by OUTLINE, the studio led by director Igarashi, known for its compelling character work and overwhelming animation quality. A team of talented creators has assembled to depict the story of a hero who decides to resist a harsh fate, blending a delicate worldview with sophisticated action.
Main visual and the first trailer have been unveiled.
Additionally, a comment from Saya (Lalande), who voices the protagonist Sapphire, has arrived.
The newly released main visual resembles a painting. At the center is Sapphire's transformed figure, holding a sword with a look of determination. In the middle, the pre-transformed Sapphire with her signature big red ribbon appears alongside three new characters. The story will explore the background of why Sapphire takes up the sword and the meaning behind the catchphrase 'Feelings'.
The first trailer also launched.
The video begins with scenes of a devastated kingdom, soldiers, and a painful cry from a wounded Sapphire. In a moment of desperation, Sapphire encounters something—she gains the power to transform when wrapped in a ribbon. Having found a reason to survive, she declares her resolve to help those in need. While positive imagery is shown, a character with an ominous smile also appears.
Will the hero, born with the cry of 'Princess Knight is here!', be able to reclaim the world? Expectations are high for the story's development.
Furthermore, the voice actor for the protagonist Sapphire was announced. Sapphire is played by Saya (Lalande), who is taking on her first voice acting challenge in a feature-length film. In her comment, Saya reveals that the director told her there were overlapping parts in Sapphire's upbringing and background with her own. She says, 'I haven't had a job since turning 30 where I could struggle and enjoy a challenge so much as this. I would be very happy if you watched it!'
With much of the project still under wraps, anticipation continues to grow.
FAQ
When will 'THE RIBBON HERO' be released?
It will be available for streaming exclusively worldwide on Netflix starting August 8, 2026.
What is Saya Lalande known for?
She is a comedian from the duo 'Lalande,' and is also active as an actress and vocalist in a band.
Why is this film attracting attention?
It reimagines Osamu Tezuka's classic work using modern animation techniques by a prominent director and has been selected for the Annecy International Animation Film Festival.