Minky Momo Returns With First New OVA in 32 Years
The revival of a 1980s magical-girl franchise after a three-decade gap, timed to a studio anniversary, tests whether nostalgia-driven reboots can attract both aging fans and a new audience without the original voice cast or creator.
Key Facts
- The OVA "Magical Princess Minky Momo: To the Dream of Longing: Duet of Sincerity" is the first new animated work in the Minky Momo series in 32 years.
- The OVA will be released in theaters nationwide on November 13, 2026, starting at Shinjuku Wald 9.
- Kurumi Yoki voices the protagonist Momo/Minky Momo, with Fukushi Ochiai as Dettabook, Natsumi Fujiwara as Chamocha, and Rie Kugimiya as Pipirupi.
- The project commemorates the 50th anniversary of Ashi Productions.
- Advance tickets with a limited flake sticker sheet bonus go on sale July 24, 2026.
Reporting from 2 sources: Denfaminicogamer, Anime Anime.
Ashi Productions announced on July 22 that it will release "Magical Princess Minky Momo: To the Dream of Longing: Duet of Sincerity," a completely new OVA and the first animated entry in the Minky Momo series in 32 years. The project commemorates the studio's 50th anniversary. A teaser trailer and key visual were released alongside the main cast. Kurumi Yoki voices the protagonist Momo/Minky Momo. Fukushi Ochiai plays the dog Dettabook, Natsumi Fujiwara plays the monkey Chamocha, and Rie Kugimiya plays the bird Pipirupi. The trailer opens with the incantation "Prirura prirura dejirinpa, doririmu doririmu dejipappa" and shows the land of dreams and hope called Dejinasa. The story follows Momo, who awakens as Minky Momo on her 12th birthday and collects dream energy to save Dejinasa from a crisis caused by humans losing hope. The key visual carries the catchphrase "Having dreams is wonderful," inheriting the theme of past series. The OVA is directed by Ayumu Watanabe, with a script by Deko Akao and character designs by Hiroshi Watanabe and Mari Tominaga. It will screen in theaters nationwide starting November 13 at Shinjuku Wald 9 and other venues. Advance tickets with a limited flake sticker sheet bonus go on sale July 24.
The OVA's story involves a smartphone given to Momo on her 12th birthday, a detail not present in the original series. The land of Dejinasa faces extinction because humans have stopped having dreams and hope. The king sends the three companions to find Minky Momo as a last resort. A mysterious app begins to spread in the city as Momo collects dream energy.
The key visual shows a grand piano releasing musical notes alongside the dreams Momo fulfills with magic. Two people play the piano together, hinting at the "Duet of Sincerity" in the title. The visual also depicts Momo against a clear blue sky and vast ocean, described as evoking "a nostalgic yet new beginning."
Kurumi Yoki, who voices Momo, previously played Tetia in "Witch Hat Atelier" and has worked on dubbing for overseas dramas and films. She said in a statement, "I would be happy if through this work, I can deliver dreams and courage to everyone's hearts." Fukushi Ochiai, voicing Dettabook, won the Best New Actor Award at the 12th Seiyu Awards in 2018. Natsumi Fujiwara, voicing Chamocha, is known for Damian Desmond in "SPY×FAMILY" and Ult in "Pokémon." Rie Kugimiya, voicing Pipirupi, has played roles including Kagura in "Gintama" and Happy in "Fairy Tail."
The music is composed by Tomoki Hasegawa. Sound direction is by Katsunori Shimizu, with sound production by Zack Promotion. The series original concept is credited to Takeshi Shudo. Distribution is handled by Movic and Gigli Box. The production committee is named FPMM Committee.
Synthesized by Yomimono from the 2 cited sources below, including Japanese-language reporting where cited, then editorially reviewed before publishing.