On September 17, a preview screening for episodes 1 and 2 of the new Cat’s Eye anime, set to stream exclusively on Disney+’s “Star” starting September 26, was held in Tokyo.

Overview

-Yumiri Hanamori cast as Ai, the youngest sister in the new Cat’s Eye anime.
-Her parents are longtime fans, celebrating her casting with the iconic theme song.
-Details from the audition process and Hanamori’s reflections.
-The history of Cat’s Eye as Tsukasa Hojo’s debut manga and its global legacy.
-Streaming details for the new series on Disney+.

Yumiri Hanamori, who voices Ai, the youngest of the three sisters, appeared at the event wearing an orange dress inspired by Ai’s leotard. She shared that her parents are longtime fans of the original series, recalling: “My mother loved the theme song, so I often heard its chorus at home. I even thought, ‘Even if I fail the audition, I can brag to my parents that I tried.’”

An Audition with Pressure and Heart

Hanamori reflected on the audition process: “There was already the incredible legacy of the original Cat’s Eye, so I wanted to honor that atmosphere. They asked me to perform my version of Ai. I enjoyed acting, but I left with no confidence in my performance.”

When she landed the role, Hanamori immediately told her parents: “I’m Ai in Cat’s Eye!” Their response was full of excitement: “‘You’re Ai-chan, right?!’ When I said yes, they sang the theme song to me. They were happier than for any other project I’ve been part of.” Hanamori expressed her gratitude during the event, shouting, “Thank you, Mom!”

A Legendary Work Returns

Cat’s Eye, Tsukasa Hojo’s debut manga, was serialized from 1981 to 1984 in Weekly Shonen Jump. The story follows the three beautiful sisters Hitomi, Rui, and Ai, who secretly operate as the art-thieving “Cat’s Eye.” The manga was a hit, leading to a 1983 TV anime adaptation. Its mix of stylish heists and the romance between Hitomi and detective Toshio captivated fans worldwide.

The franchise enjoys enduring popularity across Japan, Asia, and the West. In 2022, an exhibition celebrated its 40th anniversary. The new anime marks a long-awaited revival, with Part 1 (Episodes 1–6) streaming from September 26 to October 31, and Part 2 (Episodes 7–12) streaming from December 26, 2025, to January 30, 2026.

Other cast members at the event included Mikako Komatsu (Hitomi), Ami Koshimizu (Rui), Takuya Satō (Toshio Utsumi), and comedy trio 3-Ji no Heroine (Maki Fukuda, Yumecchi, Kanade).

FAQ

Q1: When does the new Cat’s Eye anime stream?
Part 1 (Eps. 1–6) streams Sept. 26–Oct. 31, 2025. Part 2 (Eps. 7–12) streams Dec. 26, 2025–Jan. 30, 2026.

Q2: What is the story of Cat’s Eye?
It follows three sisters—Hitomi, Rui, and Ai—who secretly work as the elegant art-thief trio “Cat’s Eye,” balancing heists with personal relationships.

Q3: Who is producing and streaming the anime?
The new adaptation streams exclusively on Disney+ via its “Star” brand.

Q4: Who are the main voice actors?
Yumiri Hanamori (Ai), Mikako Komatsu (Hitomi), Ami Koshimizu (Rui), Takuya Satō (Toshio), plus comedy group 3-Ji no Heroine.

Q5: Which characters will play central roles?
The Cat’s Eye sisters (Hitomi, Rui, Ai) and Toshio Utsumi, with the sisters’ dual lives at the heart of the story.

Q6: What is the original source material?
The anime is based on Cat’s Eye, Tsukasa Hojo’s debut manga (1981–1984), serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump.

Source : ORICON NEWS