Kyoto Animation announced its first-ever hybrid live-action and anime film: Sachiko Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid: The Lonely Dragon. The “film,” slated for release on June 27, stars iconic Japanese singer Sachiko Kobayashi in a surreal crossover revival of Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid. Please note: this is not a real release but a joke presented by the studio.

A special visual accompanied the reveal, showing Kobayashi reaching out with determination toward a somber Kanna, surrounded by familiar faces like Tohru and Ilulu. The visual blends live-action imagery with traditional anime aesthetics in a way that blurs fantasy and reality—perfect for a tongue-in-cheek celebration of both Kobayashi and Kyoto Animation’s creativity.

Kobayashi, famed for her extravagant Kōhaku Uta Gassen performances, is affectionately known online as a “final boss” for her stage presence and lavish costumes. In this fictional scenario, she finally enters the world of anime herself, leading to the “return” of Sachiko Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid to the big screen after four years.

Kobayashi shared an over-the-top comment in character:

“It’s been a while! The ever-tired, ever-grand Kobayashi is back. This time, it’s me and little Kanna taking on the multiverse in The Lonely Dragon. I’m ready to go all out! I’ll be waiting for you in theaters—get ready for the greatest moment of your life!”

Director Tatsuya Ishihara also chimed in, playing along with the joke:

“W-w-what?! It’s Kyoto Animation’s first-ever live-action plus anime hybrid! It was full of new challenges for me. While ‘Kobayashi’ is partly CGI, her performance is mostly live-action. Blending her naturally with Tohru and the others was tough, but our team pulled it off beautifully. Can Kobayashi save Kanna? And who’s the real final boss?! Look forward to it!”

The “film” is described as a moving story of love and hope between Kobayashi and the dragons she lives with. It supposedly follows the events of Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid S, which aired four years ago as a TV series.

While completely fictional, the announcement delighted fans with its absurd yet oddly compelling concept—proving once again that both Kyoto Animation and Sachiko Kobayashi know how to have fun on April 1st.

Source : ORICON NEWS