The cat dragon anime will return for a second broadcast season in 2027, production committee partners confirmed following the Japanese television finale on September 19, 2026 [3]. Animation studio OLM will produce the continuation of author Amara’s light novel adaptation, while international streaming platform Crunchyroll verified that it will simulcast the upcoming season across its licensed global territories [1]. The production schedule grants dedicated development time for the woodland fantasy chronicle [2].
Cat Dragon Anime Sets Season 2 Return
Tokyo MX broadcast the twelfth episode on September 19, concluding the inaugural television run for the cat dragon anime across domestic networks. The series originally began streaming early in Japan on the ABEMA and d Anime Store platforms on June 27, 2026, running a week ahead of terrestrial television. Broadcasters BS NTV, Yomiuri TV, Nagasaki Culture Broadcasting, and satellite channel AT-X carried the fantasy episodes throughout the summer season, reaching viewers across regional Japanese television markets [2]. Following the finale, the official website debuted a teaser trailer announcing that season two will premiere in 2027 [4].
Broadcasters concluded the initial twelve-episode run on schedule, immediately securing a 2027 broadcast window [3]. Domestic television networks confirmed the renewal [2].
Original author Amara and novel illustrator Mai Okuma celebrated the television renewal by publishing dedicated commemorative sketches, joining manga artist Izumi Sasaki in thanking viewers who followed the adaptation [3]. Character designers Rie Nishino and Chiaki Kurakazu also published celebratory artwork on the franchise’s official X account [1]. Why did the production committee announce the continuation so rapidly? Sustained engagement across broadcast and digital formats encouraged partners to greenlight the sequel without prolonged delay [2].
Studio OLM Retains the Creative Team
Director Jin-Koo Oh, recognized for directing the animated sports drama Oi! Tonbo (also known simply as Tonbo!), oversaw the first twelve episodes at animation studio OLM and will continue guiding the production team [2]. Scriptwriter Mitsutaka Hirota, whose notable screenplay portfolio features Rent-A-Girlfriend and Edens Zero, returns to manage series composition and script development with credits including This Monster Wants to Eat Me [1]. Character designers Rie Nishino and Chiaki Kurakazu established the visual framework that translated Mai Okuma’s light novel illustrations into expressive animated models for television broadcast. Music composer Takahiro Obata, known for scoring The Promised Neverland, created the fantasy soundtrack, collaborating closely with sound director Noriyoshi Konuma of The Dangers in My Heart to produce gentle acoustic arrangements suited to the woodland setting [2].
Animation firm Studio OLM managed visual production across the initial season, balancing detailed animal movements with expansive forest scenery [3]. The studio maintained an unhurried, character-driven pace that matched the literary tone of the source novels [1]. Key animators drafted distinct physical behaviors for individual feline characters, lending distinct personalities to the woodland community [2].
Core creative leadership remains intact for the upcoming continuation. Production notes released by the Cat and Dragon Production Committee indicate that the continuity of senior personnel aims to preserve visual consistency across seasons [3]. Retaining the original creative staff ensures the cat dragon anime maintains its signature production standards as animation begins for 2027 [1].
Forest Lore and Uncle Wings’ Journey
The narrative unfolds deep inside an ancient forest, where an orphaned dragon egg hatches after the parents perish before the creature emerges [2]. A maternal feline encounters the lone infant by pure chance, deciding to take in the winged orphan rather than abandoning it. The domestic feline adopted him [1]. Welcoming the unexpected newcomer, the cat family embraces the hatchling as a slightly unusual sibling who can fly and breathe fire [2].
Grateful for the feline mother’s devotion, the growing beast pledges to guard the woodland boundary against hostile incursions [1]. The feline clan gives their protector the affectionate moniker Uncle Wings (the endearing nickname used by feline kin), while surrounding human villages gradually learn of the mythical guardian and speak of the cat dragon [2]. Can a predatory dragon truly integrate into a peaceful feline family? As human settlements begin establishing peaceful contact with magic-wielding cats, the guardian slowly overcomes his wariness toward humanity, expanding the lore that defines the cat dragon anime across fantasy audiences [1]. Humankind calls him cat dragon [2].
Gentle emotional pacing distinguishes the story within modern fantasy adaptations [3]. While contemporary fantasy continuations like Returner’s Magic Season 2 arrive on autumn broadcast slates with fast-paced dungeon progression, Amara prioritizes domestic warmth and interspecies empathy [1]. The contrast in narrative scale resonated strongly with domestic viewers seeking restorative storytelling [3].
Voice Cast and Season 1 Themes
Veteran voice actor Takehito Koyasu portrays central protagonist Nekoryu (the titular winged protector), bringing distinctive emotional weight to the cat dragon anime voice cast [2]. Prolific voice actress Kikuko Inoue plays Mama-nyan (the caring feline matriarch), anchoring the domestic warmth of the woodland home [1]. Supporting cast members include Fuka Izumi as Shirotae, Show Hayami as Kurobane, Noriaki Sugiyama as Haibuchi, and Maki Kawase voicing Chiikuro. Shinnosuke Tokudome voices Kurotama, while Atsumi Tanezaki portrays Gally [2].
Human and royal roles feature Chika Anzai as Anne Rossa, Junya Enoki as Stan, Yu Serizawa as Haneko, Makoto Koichi as Prince, and Kazuya Ichijo portraying King. Beyond the court, Hinata Tadokoro voices Greater Daemon, while Yoji Ueda plays Monsha-Mosha IV. Cast lists also encompass Saho Shirasu as Mike-Mike, Natsuki Hanae as Monaruka (Black), and Tomohisa Aso voicing Pomupora [2]. Each actor delivered understated comedic performances [1].
Music directed the emotional texture of the broadcast run. Singer suis from the Japanese rock band yorushika performed the opening theme song “Nekohi” (translating as Cat Day), introducing a playful cadence. Vocalist lia from the ensemble shallm contributed the closing theme “Tadaima no Basho” (A Place to Call Home), rounding out each broadcast with comforting melodies [2].
Print Circulation Surpasses 1.4 Million Copies
Amara originally published the fantasy chronicle as a web novel on the self-publishing website Shosetsuka ni Naro between September 2013 and June 2014. Japanese publisher Takarajimasha recognized the story’s literary appeal, issuing the debut hardcover volume illustrated by Mai Okuma on April 22, 2016 [1]. Takarajimasha released the ninth light novel volume in November 2025 and issued the tenth volume in August 2026, propelling overall franchise print circulation past 1.4 million copies in Japan [2].
Manga artist Izumi Sasaki launched a serialized comic adaptation on the Kono Manga ga Sugoi! web portal in September 2017. Digital distribution expanded to the Manga Box platform in April 2020, reaching wider smartphone demographics. The print release expanded steadily. Takarajimasha released the thirteenth compiled book volume on July 24, 2026, reinforcing the commercial stability supporting the cat dragon anime franchise as print sales climbed [2].
Global distribution remains anchored by streaming platform Crunchyroll, which streamed the first season across international territories and confirmed simulcast distribution for the second season. Western fans tracking upcoming broadcast schedules can review the wider Crunchyroll anime release schedule for fall 2026 as regional platforms prepare their programming lineups. Crunchyroll confirmed the international broadcast [1]. The production committee targets comprehensive animation refinement before the cat dragon anime returns to international viewers in 2027 [3].
- ONLINE NEWS Moo, W. (2026, September 19). The Cat and the Dragon Returns for 2nd Season in 2027. Anime Trending. [Article Link]
- ONLINE NEWS Loo, E. (2026, September 19). The Cat and the Dragon Anime Gets 2nd Season in 2027. Anime News Network. [Article Link]
- ONLINE NEWS Jovanovic, M. (2026, September 19). The Cat and the Dragon Season 2 Announced for 2027. Anime Corner. [Article Link]
- PRESS RELEASE Takarajimasha. (2026, September 19). TV anime ‘Neko to Ryu’ season 2 decision special teaser PV [Video]. YouTube. [Article Link]
