Red River Episode 1 Story & Preview Cuts Released: A Young Girl Summoned Across Millennia to the Ancient Orient

The story and preview images for Episode 1 of the TV anime Red River (JP: 天は赤い河のほとり, Sora wa Akai Kawa no Hotori) have been revealed. This episode will air on Wednesday July 8 at 12:00 AM (JST), and will later be available on various international streaming platforms.

Episode 1 Story

Yuri Suzuki is an ordinary girl living in modern Japan. However, strange, water related incidents suddenly begin occurring around her.

One day, while on a date with her boyfriend, a hand suddenly emerges from a puddle, grabbing her and dragging her beneath the water.

Though Yuri desperately struggles and manages to break free from the hand, she opens her eyes to find herself in the 14th century BCE Hittite Empire.

Her life is instantly targeted by Queen Nakia, who schemes to use Yuri as a human sacrifice. Just as danger closes in, she is rescued by Prince Kail.

Teaser Trailer

Introduction

The long awaited first television anime adaptation of the masterpiece by Chie Shinohara, a legendary master of shojo manga who has delivered numerous classic titles to the world, is finally here!

Approximately 30 years have passed since its serialization began in 1995 in Shogakukan's Sho-Comi magazine. With a cumulative circulation exceeding 20 million copies as of January 2026, including digital editions, this monumental pinnacle of shojo manga continues to be loved worldwide and is now coming to life as an anime once more!

Yuri Suzuki is an ordinary girl living in modern Japan. One day, during a date with her boyfriend, she is suddenly grabbed by a mysterious hand that appears from a puddle and is dragged underwater.

When she wakes up, she finds herself in the 14th century BCE Hittite Empire. She was summoned across space and time as a sacrifice due to the conspiracy of Queen Nakia, who seeks to eliminate the other princes to ensure her own son inherits the throne.

In this ancient land, Yuri crosses paths with Prince Kail, the leading candidate for the imperial succession. Hidden under his protection as a concubine, Yuri eventually captures the hearts of the people and wins fame as the goddess of war, Ishtar.

As the time limit to return to modern Japan approaches, Yuri finds herself entangled in the Queen's machinations and conflicts with neighboring nations. Amidst it all, she struggles with her growing love for Kail, whom she has unexpectedly fallen for. Which path will Yuri ultimately choose?

Source : Red River Official