The wait is over! Anime Central is thrilled to partner with KADOKAWA, Newtype, and Kinema Citrus to present the U.S. premiere of Goodbye, Lara, one of the most anticipated fantasy romance series debuting in July 2026.
First announced at Anime Central 2024, this is your chance to be among the very first fans in the country to experience this enchanting new series on the big screen. Don’t miss the rare opportunity to hear directly from Director Takushi Koide, Producer Sayaka Ueda, and Deputy Editor Momoko Hatooka, who will join us as special guests for an unforgettable event full of behind-the-scenes stories and insights into the making of Goodbye, Lara.
Stay tuned, premiere details are coming soon!
International Guests of Honor
About Takushi Koide
Takushi Koide is an animator and director at Kinema Citrus, known for his visually powerful and emotionally resonant work. He served as Assistant Director on Revue Starlight and directed the opening animation and a key episode of Made in Abyss: The Golden City of the Scorching Sun. Koide will make his directorial debut with Goodbye, Lara, an original animated film and the first entirely original project announced by Kinema Citrus. Notably, Goodbye, Lara was first revealed at Anime Central 2024, making his return in 2026 especially meaningful.
Sayaka Ueda
Sayaka Ueda is an anime producer whose career spans journalism and anime production. After graduating from university, she worked as a news reporter at Kansai Television in Osaka before joining KADOKAWA. She has served as Assistant Producer on Uncle from Another World, Delicious in Dungeon, and Made in Abyss, and as Producer on Overtake!, Grandpa and Grandma Turn Young Again, The Do-Over Damsel Conquers the Dragon Emperor, and I’ll Become a Villainess Who Goes Down in History. Her upcoming projects include Goodbye, Lara, Kusunoki’s Garden of Gods, Bride of the Barrier Master and Rebuild World.
About Momoko Hatooka
Momoko Hatooka serves as the Deputy Editor of Newtype, one of Japan’s most influential anime magazines published by KADOKAWA. With years of experience in anime journalism, she plays a key role in curating features, interviews, and editorial content that reflect the evolving landscape of anime culture and fandom.
Industry Partners
About Anime Central
Anime Central (ACen) is the largest anime, manga and Japanese popular culture convention in Chicago and the Midwest. Anime Central 2026 will take place from May 15-17 at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare and Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois.
