Magic Knight Rayearth Brings Back “Yuzurenai Negai” as Insert Song, Gets First Digital Release After 32 Years

Naomi Tamura’s “Yuzurenai Negai,” the opening theme from the 1994 Magic Knight Rayearth TV anime, has returned as an insert song in Episode 1 of the new anime, which aired in the early hours of October 8 on the TV Asahi network. The song has also received its first digital release, 32 years after its original 1994 release. Tamura said she was “very honored” to have the song featured in the new production.

Quick Summary

- “Yuzurenai Negai,” Naomi Tamura’s opening theme for the 1994 anime, was used as an insert song in Episode 1 of the new Magic Knight Rayearth.
- The song has begun its first-ever digital release, 32 years after it was originally released in 1994.
- “Yuzurenai Negai” sold more than one million copies and was selected for the 1995 NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen.
- The new anime is the first new Magic Knight Rayearth animation since the 1997 OVA, a gap of 29 years.
- Ayane Sakura, Rumi Okubo and Rie Takahashi voice the three new Magic Knights.

“Yuzurenai Negai” Returns in Episode 1

Episode 1 of the new Magic Knight Rayearth television anime aired in the early hours of October 8 on the TV Asahi network.

The production marks the first new Magic Knight Rayearth anime since the OVA released in 1997, making it the franchise’s first new animation in 29 years.

During the first episode, Naomi Tamura’s “Yuzurenai Negai,” originally used as the opening theme for the 1994 television anime, appeared as an insert song.

The song helped accompany the beginning of the new story.

First Digital Release Begins 32 Years After Original Launch

“Yuzurenai Negai” originally went on sale in 1994 and recorded sales exceeding one million copies.

The song was also selected for the 1995 NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen.

Now, 32 years after its original release, “Yuzurenai Negai” has received its first digital release.

Naomi Tamura Says She Is “Very Honored”

Commenting on the use of the song in the new anime, Naomi Tamura reflected on her connection to the series.

“I sang ‘Yuzurenai Negai,’ the opening theme for the 1994 TV anime Magic Knight Rayearth,” Tamura said.

She recalled the major plot twist in the 1994 version and noted that a new battle is now beginning in the Reiwa era.

“I’m very honored that ‘Yuzurenai Negai’ can be heard as an insert song in Episode 1 of the new Reiwa-era Magic Knight Rayearth, as a new door opens,” she said.

Tamura added that she hopes the song can encourage listeners as they move toward the future and their next journey.

About Magic Knight Rayearth

Magic Knight Rayearth is based on the fantasy manga by CLAMP, which was serialized in Nakayoshi from 1993 to 1995.

The original television anime aired from 1994 to 1995.

The story follows three second-year middle school students — Hikaru Shidou, Umi Ryuuzaki and Fuu Hououji — who are suddenly summoned from Tokyo Tower to the other world of Cephiro by Princess Emeraude.

To save the imprisoned princess, the three set out on an adventure as the legendary Magic Knights.

New Anime Features a Fully Recast Main Trio

The new Magic Knight Rayearth anime features an entirely new cast for its three main Magic Knights.

Ayane Sakura voices Hikaru Shidou, Rumi Okubo plays Umi Ryuuzaki, and Rie Takahashi voices Fuu Hououji.

FAQ

Q1. What song from the original Magic Knight Rayearth anime appears in the new series?
A1. Naomi Tamura’s “Yuzurenai Negai,” originally the opening theme for the 1994 TV anime, is used as an insert song in Episode 1 of the new series.

Q2. Is “Yuzurenai Negai” available digitally?
A2. Yes. The song has received its first digital release, 32 years after its original release in 1994.

Q3. When was the last new Magic Knight Rayearth anime before this series?
A3. The previous new animation was an OVA released in 1997, making the new production the first in 29 years.

Q4. Who voices the three Magic Knights in the new anime?
A4. Ayane Sakura voices Hikaru Shidou, Rumi Okubo voices Umi Ryuuzaki, and Rie Takahashi voices Fuu Hououji.

Source : ORICON NEWS