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The Villainess Is Adored by the Prince of the Neighbor Kingdom Anime Announces January 2026 Premiere
The highly anticipated television anime adaptation of The Villainess Is Adored by the Prince of the Neighbor Kingdom is officially scheduled to premiere in January 2026. Based on the light novel series written by Puni-chan and illustrated by Akeno Naruse, the upcoming anime promises to bring the romance and intrigue of the original story to life with a full TV production. A new key visual, returning voice cast, staff details, and studio information have been confirmed via official announcements.
The Villainess Is Adored by the Prince of the Neighbor Kingdom Anime: Overview
The Villainess Is Adored by the Prince of the Neighbor Kingdom tells the story of Tiararose Lapis Clementille, a woman who is reincarnated into the otome game Lapis Lazuli Ring. Slated to play the role of the game’s villainess, her fate unexpectedly changes when the crown prince of a neighboring kingdom proposes to her, turning her adversarial future into one potentially filled with romance and hope. The anime is based on the popular web novel originally serialized on the user-generated content site Shōsetsuka ni Narō before being published by B’s Log Bunko. The light novel series currently spans 14 volumes.
Confirmed Premiere Window and Production Studio
The anime’s premiere has been firmly scheduled for January 2026, marking a significant milestone in the franchise’s development. The television series is being produced by Studio DEEN, a well-established animation studio known for a number of acclaimed series including Fate/stay night and KonoSuba. With Studio DEEN at the helm, viewers can expect polished animation and production quality that match the elegance and charm of the story’s romantic fantasy elements.
Main Staff Behind the Anime Adaptation
Takayuki Hamana, known for his work on The Prince of Tennis, will serve as director of the series, bringing extensive experience in character-driven storytelling and dynamic visual composition. The series composition is being handled by Yoshimi Narita, whose previous credits include Shikimori’s Not Just a Cutie. Character designs are in the hands of Majiro, well regarded for work on titles such as Barakamon. This talented crew brings together a diverse set of skills aimed to faithfully adapt and expand the world introduced in the source material.
Returning Cast Members from the Visual Novel Game
Fans of the franchise’s previous adaptation as a visual novel game by Operahouse will be pleased to learn that the anime will feature the returning voice cast from the Nintendo Switch and Steam game, released on March 21, 2024, which included English subtitles. The confirmed cast includes:
- Mai Fuchigami as Tiararose Lapis Clementille (known for her role as Miho Nishizumi in Girls und Panzer)
- Yuichiro Umehara as Aquasteed Marineforest (notable as Goblin Slayer in GOBLIN SLAYER)
- Takuya Sato as Hartknights Lapis-Lazuli Lacmouth (Sabnock Sabro in Welcome to Demon School! Iruma-kun)
- Yumiri Hanamori as Akari (Ai Hayasaka in Kaguya-sama: Love Is War)
The continuation of the game’s original cast ensures consistency in characterization and tone, enriching the on-screen chemistry and staying true to the voice work fans have come to love.
Key Visual and Character Designs
A new promotional key visual was also released alongside the premiere announcement. The visual showcases the primary cast—including Tiararose, Aquasteed, Hartknights, and Akari—highlighting both the romantic and fantasy elements that define the series. Individual character visuals were also unveiled, offering fans a closer look at the detailed character designs crafted by Majiro. These designs capture the elegance and sophistication of the noble world in which the story unfolds.
Light Novel and Game Adaptations
The anime adaptation builds upon the success of the original light novel and its visual novel game counterpart. Authored by Puni-chan and featuring illustrations by Akeno Naruse, the light novel continues to be published under the B’s Log Bunko label. With 14 volumes available to date, the series has cultivated a robust fan following both domestically and internationally.
The visual novel game, developed by Operahouse and released on Nintendo Switch and Steam on March 21, 2024, introduced many fans to the story in interactive form. Featuring full voice acting and English subtitles, the game expanded the reach of the narrative and built anticipation for a full animated adaptation. Now with a full anime series on the horizon, fans can immerse themselves in the story from multiple formats.
Confirmed Release Platforms and Availability
As of now, the specific streaming platforms and television networks for the anime’s January 2026 premiere have not yet been officially announced. Additional details regarding international streaming or licensing will likely be revealed as the release date approaches through the anime’s official channels and industry distributors.
Conclusion
The Villainess Is Adored by the Prince of the Neighbor Kingdom anime is shaping up to be a prominent romantic fantasy title for the 2026 season. Combining a compelling narrative with an experienced staff, returning voice talent, and high production values from Studio DEEN, the series is poised to captivate both longtime fans and first-time viewers alike. With its confirmed release in January 2026, audiences can look forward to an elegant and heartfelt story set against a backdrop of courtly intrigue and surprising romance.
