The latest production from Kinema Citrus, Goodbye, Lara (Sayonara Lara), is drawing attention for its commitment to traditional craftsmanship. The series' opening sequence features authentic cel-drawn animation, a stylistic choice that director Takushi Koide highlighted during his recent appearance at Anime Expo. Koide maintains that despite the industry's digital shift, there remains significant untapped potential in hand-drawn, traditional methods.
To complement the visual aesthetic, the opening theme song, "Sayonara Lara," is performed by the popular group Ikimono-gakari. The production team, via their official social media, encouraged viewers to pay close attention to the sequence, which includes handwritten credits alongside the cel-animated shots.
Goodbye, Lara offers a unique spin on the classic Hans Christian Andersen tale, The Little Mermaid. The narrative follows a mermaid who, after making a forbidden wish for human love and subsequently perishing, is reborn 200 years later in modern-day Lake Biwa. The Shiga Prefecture setting holds personal significance for Koide, as it is the director's hometown.
The series premiered on Japanese television starting July 5 across Tokyo MX, BS Asahi, YTV, and AT-X. International viewers can catch the series as it airs on Crunchyroll, following its early premiere at Anime Central this past May.
