Tezuka Osamu’s Princess Knight Inspires New Anime Film THE RIBBON HERO, Streaming Globally on Netflix This August

It has been announced that the anime film THE RIBBON HERO will stream worldwide on Netflix this August. Based on Tezuka Osamu’s iconic manga Princess Knight, this is the first new animated adaptation of the concept since the original short anime screened at Tezuka Osamu World in 1999. Alongside the announcement, a teaser visual, main staff details, and creator comments have been revealed.

Princess Knight is a fantasy story centered on Princess Sapphire, a royal who possesses both a boy’s and a girl’s heart and fights as the Ribbon Knight. Originally published in 1953 in the manga magazine Shojo Club, the work later appeared in Nakayoshi and Shojo Friend. It was adapted into a television anime between 1967 and 1968, and later into a short original anime screened in 1999.

Acclaimed Creators Bring a Modern Vision

The film is directed by Yuki Igarashi, widely recognized as one of the industry’s most versatile animators. He gained attention for single handedly animating the ending sequence of Jujutsu Kaisen Season 1, and his directorial debut, Star Wars: Visions “Lop and Ocho”, received high praise for its storytelling and dynamic action. This project marks his first feature length directorial work.

Character design concepts are handled by Kei Mochizuki, known for designing popular characters in games such as Fate/Grand Order and Touken Ranbu ONLINE. Mai Yoneyama, who worked as an ending director on Cyberpunk: Edgerunners and LAZARUS, joins as a collaborator on character concepts. Animation character design is led by Issei Arakaki, while Cedric HEROLE serves as art director.

Animation production is handled by OUTLINE, the studio led by Igarashi. Known for its expressive characters and striking animation style, the studio brings together a team of accomplished creators to depict the story of a hero who chooses to defy a harsh fate, combining delicate world building with refined action.

Teaser Visual Highlights a New Heroine

The teaser visual, newly illustrated by Kei Mochizuki, features the story’s heroine. A large red ribbon evokes the legacy of Princess Knight, standing out as a powerful symbol.

The tagline, “I don’t want to be the person others expect me to be,” reflects the heroine’s internal conflict as she struggles to resist external expectations and choose her true self. Her expression captures emotions that cannot be easily put into words, leaving a strong impression.

While story details remain undisclosed, anticipation continues to grow over how Tezuka Osamu’s timeless classic, featuring the cross dressing heroine Sapphire, will be reimagined for a modern audience.

Staff Comments

■Director: Yuki Igarashi
I created this work with deep respect for Tezuka Osamu’s Princess Knight and for Ichizo Kobayashi of the Takarazuka Revue, which inspired its roots. They overcame hardships such as pandemics and war to create works that became the foundation of our culture. I hope audiences today will enjoy this thrilling and emotionally stirring form of classic entertainment.

■Character Concept: Kei Mochizuki
I constantly thought about two things: how to fully honor Tezuka Osamu, and what is necessary to design a new version of this work as a modern illustrator. I aimed to balance both without leaning too heavily in either direction, while still expressing my own style. It is truly an honor to be involved in such a delicate yet powerful project for my first anime work.

■Character Concept Support: Mai Yoneyama
Since this project is based on Princess Knight, a work I watched as a child, it is a great honor to be involved even in a small way. I hope you look forward to THE RIBBON HERO, which will be reborn with expressions only creators of this era can achieve.

■Animation Character Design: Issei Arakaki
I have always admired Igarashi’s work, so I casually helped out during the early stages of the project. But Mochizuki’s designs were incredible, and Cedric’s work was equally impressive. Before I knew it, I stayed longer than intended and somehow ended up in charge of character design. Things like that happen. I am truly glad to be part of this project.

■Art Director: Cedric HEROLE
I was surprised when I was first introduced to the project. I did not expect the characters to take on such a stylish tone compared to the original. I challenged myself to create a unique world that matches the characters. It was exciting to explore many different ideas. I hope the film leaves viewers with a mix of impressions, such as warmth with a hint of unease, unexpected elements, and a sense of having taken a journey.

Source : ORICON NEWS