Thirty-two years later, the melody of “Yuzurenai Negai” plays again. Episode 1 of the 2026 Magic Knight Rayearth surprised viewers by using the legendary 1994 opening song as an insert song, and according to Oricon, the keyword “Rayearth” immediately hit No. 1 on Japan’s X trends.
Quick facts
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Episode 1 aired | Wednesday night, October 7, 2026, 11:45 p.m. Japan time, TV Asahi |
| Episode 1 insert song | “Yuzurenai Negai”, Naomi Tamura (1994) |
| Digital release of the song | First time, from October 8, 2026 |
| Studio, director | E&H production, Yui Miura |
| Length | Two consecutive cours |
| Where to watch in Southeast Asia | Crunchyroll |
A generation’s song comes back
“Yuzurenai Negai” was the opening song of the 1994 Magic Knight Rayearth anime, written and performed by Naomi Tamura. Released on November 9, 1994, the single reached No. 7 on Oricon’s weekly chart, sold over a million copies and took Tamura onto the Kohaku stage in 1995. Only now is the song getting its first digital release, from Universal Music on October 8.
Naomi Tamura said it was a great honor to have the song used as an insert song in episode 1 of the Reiwa-era Rayearth, writing: “A new battle has begun in the Reiwa era.” Tamura also said the hope is that the song can give listeners more strength on their next journey.
Japanese social media erupts
According to Oricon, after episode 1 aired, the keyword “Rayearth” hit No. 1 on Japan’s X trends. At the same time, keywords such as Princess Emeraude, Zagato, Cephiro and CLAMP also appeared on the trends list. On the review aggregator Anime News Network, the first reviews of episode 1 were fairly positive too.
About the 2026 Magic Knight Rayearth
The new anime is produced by E&H production and directed by Yui Miura. It airs in TV Asahi’s IMAnimation W slot every Wednesday at 11:45 p.m. and runs for two consecutive cours. The three leads, Hikaru, Umi and Fuu, are voiced by Ayane Sakura, Rumi Okubo and Rie Takahashi. The new opening theme is “Otome no Tsurugi” by Toaka.
Outside Japan, Crunchyroll streams the anime in many regions, including Southeast Asia, every Wednesday at 8:30 a.m. Pacific Time, which is 10:30 p.m. the same day in Vietnam. See also OtaHub’s preview of the remake.
Why does Rayearth matter?
Magic Knight Rayearth is a manga by the group CLAMP, serialized in Nakayoshi magazine from 1993, about three Tokyo schoolgirls summoned to the world of Cephiro to become Magic Knights. TMS’s 1994 to 1995 TV anime is famous for the plot twist at the end of its first season, something Naomi Tamura recalled when talking about the 1994 version. The 2026 anime is the first new Rayearth anime in 29 years, since the 1997 OVA.
OtaHub’s take
Reusing “Yuzurenai Negai” is a smart move: a first episode has only a few minutes to win viewers over, and a melody tied to the childhood of millions does that faster than any action scene. But it also adds pressure: if later episodes cannot stand on their own, the nostalgia will fade quickly. For viewers in Vietnam, this is a good chance to revisit a 1990s anime landmark with fresh visuals.
FAQ
What is “Yuzurenai Negai”?
It is the opening song of the 1994 Magic Knight Rayearth anime, written and performed by Naomi Tamura, released on November 9, 1994 and sold over a million copies.
When does Magic Knight Rayearth 2026 air?
From the night of Wednesday, October 7, 2026 at 11:45 p.m. Japan time on TV Asahi, one episode a week, running for two consecutive cours.
Where can I watch Magic Knight Rayearth 2026 in Southeast Asia?
Crunchyroll streams the anime in many regions, including Southeast Asia, every Wednesday at 8:30 a.m. Pacific Time (10:30 p.m. Wednesday in Vietnam).
Who makes the Magic Knight Rayearth 2026 anime?
Studio E&H production, directed by Yui Miura. The three leads are voiced by Ayane Sakura (Hikaru), Rumi Okubo (Umi) and Rie Takahashi (Fuu).
Sources: Oricon, Mantan Web, Mynavi, Anime News Network, Final Weapon, official Magic Knight Rayearth site (rayearth-anime.com), Japanese Wikipedia.
