Kyoto Animation's latest anime "Sparks of Tomorrow" is confirmed for broadcast in 2026! Voice actors Yuma Uchida and Sora Amamiya have been announced as part of the cast, with their comments now available.
The first promotional video (PV), first key visual, and staff information have also been released.
This announcement was made during the "Kyoto Animation 2026 New Work Presentation Stage" at the "7th Kyoto Animation Fan Appreciation Event: We Are Now!! - The World of KyoAni Exhibition," hosted by Kyoto Animation.
▲ The first key visual
<The following content is quoted from the official announcement>
KyoAni's Latest Work "Sparks of Tomorrow" Confirmed for 2026 TV Anime Adaptation!
Set in an alternate early 20th-century Kyoto where only steam engines exist, this adventure story follows a boy's despair after losing his brother, with whom he shared the dream of an "Age of Electricity," and a girl's devout life filled with longing and regret for her late mother. Their encounter sets a transformative journey in motion.
The narrative revolves around the "20th Century Electrical Catalog" and witnesses the characters confronting past regrets to reclaim their former dreams and true selves in a tale of rebirth.
Kyoto Animation (KyoAni) is an animation production company renowned for works like the "Violet Evergarden" and "Free!" series. In 2025, KyoAni released the film "Miss Kobayashi's Dragon Maid: A Lonely Dragon Wants to Be Loved" and the anime series "CITY THE ANIMATION." They also announced the theatrical release of "Sound! Euphonium: Ensemble Contest" Part 1 for spring 2026.
Staff Information
Minoru Ohta (Kyoto Animation), who previously directed various Kyoto Animation productions and served as musical instrument animation director for “Sound! Euphonium 3,” makes his directorial debut with this work.
Tatsuhiko Urahata, known for scripting the “Violet Evergarden” series and serving as series composition and scriptwriter for “Baki,” is responsible for series composition.
Kohei Okamura, character designer and chief animation director for “Free! The Final Stroke,” takes on the same roles here.
Takaaki Suzuki, who advised and supervised the “Violet Evergarden” series and “Girls und Panzer,” handles world setting.
Finally, Hitomi Koto, who is new to anime soundtrack production, will compose the music.
Comment from Minoru Ota (DIRECTOR):
This work begins with all the characters having experienced some form of setback, and tells a story of "Regeneration" as they rise again through repeated encounters and clashes. The characters, baring their emotions and advancing with single-minded determination, are sure to ignite a great passion within your hearts. And the matte-finished setting further emphasizes the drama of those who live there, creating a fresh and enjoyable visual experience.
Please witness this new frontier in the world of Kyoto Animation with your own eyes.
Comment from Tatsuhiko Urahata (Series Composition):
Over 20 years have passed since the dawn of the 21st century, but the story we bring you this time takes place over a century before that, at the very beginning of the 20th century.
In a world slightly different from ours, a brother who dreamed of the Century of Electricity, and his younger brother, Kihachi, who pursues the dream his brother left behind.
And Inako, who forges a new life for herself after meeting Kihachi.
Set in the unfamiliar Kyoto of the early 20th century, please enjoy the story they weave!
Illustration from Kohei Okamura (Character Design & Chief Animation Director):
Comment from Takaaki Suzuki (Worldview Setting):
When creating the work "Sparks of Tomorrow," we focused our efforts on how to present a world that closely resembles the one we know, yet is somehow different—a world that could have existed—without straying from the story's theme, while simultaneously making the characters and world as captivating as possible. We hope viewers will feel inspired to visit "that world."
Comment from Hitomi Koto (Music):
I am Hitomi Koto. I am in charge of the music.
Living life often involves doubt and anxiety. We question various information, people's words, our own hearts, and sometimes even ourselves. Yet in this modern age where all manner of speculation abounds, doubt is necessary. However, what sustains the human heart, now as ever, is belief. A strong belief, when overlapped, can lead to miracles unimaginable alone.
And so, I suppose, people have always managed to bounce back throughout the ages.
"Sparks of Tomorrow" is a work that feels like a quiet flame burning somewhere deep within the heart, one that has been silently illuminating us all along, reminding us of things we must never forget.
I hope that I can sometimes walk alongside and sometimes give a gentle push to the scenes of life woven by Kihachi and the others through music. And may a light be kindled in the hearts of everyone who watches.
Cast Information
The protagonist Kihachi Sakamoto is voiced by Yuma Uchida (known for voicing Megumi Fushiguro in "Jujutsu Kaisen", Jun Yodaka in "Medalist", and others).
The heroine Inako Momokawa is voiced by Sora Amamiya (known for voicing Kanade Hisaishi in "Sound! Euphonium", Aqua in "KonoSuba: God's Blessing on This Wonderful World!", and others).
Comment from Yuma Uchida (as Kihachi Sakamoto):
Here is the text from the image, which is a comment by Yuma Uchida who voices Kihachi Sakamoto:
I have been given the opportunity to portray Kihachi Sakamoto.
This work is set in an era when steam, not electricity, was the dominant force. From the time of the audition, I was directed to be mindful of capturing the spirit of this era.
I remember feeling determined to build my performance with delicate care. I'll do my very best to make it enjoyable for everyone!
"Sparks of Tomorrow"
Please watch it!
Comment from Sora Amamiya (as Inako Momokawa):
When I saw the concept art during the audition, the illustrations were truly beautiful, and the character's lines in the script were so endearing and earnest that I felt a strong urge to be part of this project and play Inako!
Amidst the whirlwind of the Electrical Catalog and the quest for the Age of Electricity, the thoughts of various people collide. Just when you think it's getting serious, it throws in some wild gags. It is truly a vibrant work!
For me, this play has a fresh atmosphere, and even after landing the role, every episode is a continuous challenge. I'll do my best to portray Inako who values her belief and is straightforward in an appealing way!
First PV Released!
The debut promotional video for Kyoto Animation's new work has been released, showcasing challenging art backgrounds in an impressionistic style, coupled with detailed animation. The video generously uses cuts that convey the world of the work and also reveals the character voices of Kihachi Sakamoto and Inako Momokawa.
■Anime "Sparks of Tomorrow" - 1st PV
First Key Visual Released!
The first key visual, simultaneously released with the PV, depicts Kihachi and Inako with intense gazes amidst the steam-filled streets of Kyoto. Created by character designer Kohei Okamura, this visual powerfully hints at the imminent start of their adventure!
Related News
Accompanying this announcement, the official anime website and social media channels—X (both Japanese and English), Instagram, Threads, and TikTok—have been launched. An ongoing follow & repost campaign on the official X account offers a chance to win cast-signed posters and original postcards from the stage appearances. Be sure to follow the account and participate!
"Kyoto Animation 2026 New Work Presentation Stage" Archive Now Available!
*Archive available until: Tuesday, November 4, 2025, 10:00 AM JST
About "Sparks of Tomorrow"
2026 Broadcast Confirmed!
Tagline
This Encounter is Electrical―
Work Summary
A Tale of Adventure for Boys and Girls Who Dreamed of the Age of Electricity in a World Shrouded in Smoke!
Introduction
──This was a little while ago.
Kyoto in the early 20th century, having evolved differently from the history we know today.
In a world where only steam engines had advanced, the city was shrouded in smoke.
A boy who lost his brother, with whom he had dreamed of the "Age of Electricity," and now lives with deep suspicion.
A girl who keeps her dreams for the future and her regrets for her deceased mother hidden in her heart, now living a devout life.
The boy and girl meet while seeking the secret of the "20th Century Electrical Catalog," which depicted their dreams.
Surpass who you are now and break through the dreams you once had!
This is the story of <regeneration>.
Staff
ORIGINAL WORK: Based on the novel “Sparks of Tomorrow” by Hiro Yuki KA Esuma Bunko/Kyoto Animation
DIRECTOR: Minoru Ota
SERIES COMPOSITION: Tatsuhiko Urahata
Character Design & Chief Animation Director: Kohei Okamura
WORLDVIEW SETTING: Takaaki Suzuki
MUSIC: Hitomi Koto
ANIMATION STUDIO: Kyoto Animation
Cast
Kihachi Sakamoto: Yuma Uchida
Inako Momokawa: Sora Amamiya
Official Site
Official X (@denkimokuroku)
Official Instagram
Official Threads
Official TikTok
Official X English ver. (@Sparks_of_Tmr)
Official Bluesky English ver.
Recommended Hashtag: #二十世紀電氣目録 #ユーレカエヴリカ #sparks_of_tomorrow
©Hiro Yuki, Kyoto Animation/Sparks of Tomorrow Production Committee
*Some parts of this text have been translated using machine translation
