Saori Hayami Takes On Emeraude in New Magic Knight Rayearth Anime
Big news just dropped for the upcoming Magic Knight Rayearth (2026) anime: Saori Hayami, known for Demon Slayer, is stepping into the iconic role of Princess Emeraude. Fans of CLAMP's groundbreaking mahou shoujo series have waited years for this revival, and this casting is a major statement.
Joining her are Yuuki Ono (Beastars) as the enigmatic Zagato and Mika Kikuchi (Tsubasa Chronicle) as the adorable Mokona. These additions round out a stellar voice cast for the new adaptation, which already includes Naomi Ohzora, Akari Kito, and Miyu Tomita as the titular Magic Knights Hikaru, Umi, and Fuu.
The series, set to premiere in October 2026 on TV Asahi's "IMAnimation W" frame, hails from E&H Production with Yui Umemoto (Ninja Kamui) directing. Magic Knight Rayearth broke ground in the '90s by fusing magical girl tropes with epic fantasy and mecha action. Its return marks a significant moment for both long-time fans and a new generation.
“Saori Hayami, known for Demon Slayer, is stepping into the iconic role of Princess Emeraude.”
Catzye Take
This casting news really elevates the excitement for Magic Knight Rayearth (2026). Saori Hayami has a fantastic range, and her take on Emeraude will be a pivotal performance. With the original series blending fantasy, mecha, and magical girl elements so uniquely, fans should watch to see if this new production leans into its roots or tries a fresh approach.
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