It has been announced that a completely new OVA (Original Video Animation) of the popular anime "Magical Princess Minky Momo," the first in approximately 32 years, is being produced and will be screened in theaters in 2026. The production is being held to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Ashi Productions, the company that produces the series. The title of the new work is "Magical Princess Minky Momo: Towards a Dream of Longing, A Duo of Sincerity," and it will be directed by Ayumu Watanabe and produced by Ashi Productions.
Hiroshi Watanabe, who served as the main animator, will be in charge of character design for the new film, while Mari Tominaga will be in charge of character design and Deco Akao will be in charge of the script. A teaser visual that pays homage to the previous film, depicting Momo riding on a crescent moon and spending time with her companions, and a special trailer looking back on the history so far have also been released.
"Magical Princess Minky Momo" depicts the adventures of Minky Momo, a princess from a dreamland, who descends to Earth and transforms into various adults such as a nurse, police officer, and astronaut. The first series aired from 1982 to 1983, and the second from 1991 to 1992. OVAs such as "Rondo in a Dream," "The Bridge to Dreams," and "The Station of Departure" were also produced. Ahead of the theatrical release of the new series, the first series will be rebroadcast on BS Nippon Television starting April 4th.
In the new story, Diginarsa, the land of dreams and hopes that maintains its existence through dream energy, faces the threat of extinction as humans lose their dreams and hopes, causing the dream energy to dwindle. As a last resort, the king sends his three companions (Chamocha, Dettabook, and Pipirupi) to ask Minky Momo for help. Momo, who gets a smartphone on her 12th birthday, awakens as Minky Momo after meeting her companions and resolves to save Diginarsa. As they steadily collect dream energy, a mysterious app begins to become popular, and the dreams of the children who talk about them are all "frivolous dreams" driven by the desire for approval or to gain numbers, causing Minky Momo and Momo to begin to question everyone's dreams.
◇Comments from director Ayumu Watanabe
For those who have dreamed with Momo before, it will be a nostalgic experience. For those who are dreaming with Momo for the first time, it will be something new. That's right. Momo is there for those who have dreams. Is there anyone out there who has a dream they're cherishing? A dream that you're about to give up on because you can't take that final step. A dream you've forgotten. A dream you want to see again. Whatever your dream may be, Momo will be there to support you. The wonder of chasing a dream. The joy of it coming true. And the sadness of a dream being shattered. Momo will be there for you through all of it, giving you hope. As a companion in chasing dreams. And for everyone to become companions. That is Momo's dream. Please embrace that passion!
◇Comment from character designer Hiroshi Watanabe
I am pleased to announce that I have once again been in charge of Momo's character design, following "Rondo in a Dream," "Magical Princess Minky Momo: Embracing Dreams," and "Departure Station." I am very happy to be continuing to create a legacy alongside Momo, with whom I have been continuously involved since my youth. I am also pleased that the birth of this new Momo will not only create memories but also weave a future. I am deeply grateful to Toyoo Ashida and Ashi Productions for giving me the opportunity to create the opening animation key frames and to serve as animation director for the first time, marking the beginning of this journey. As the new Minky Momo begins, I hope that both existing fans and those starting with the new Momo will enjoy the world of Momo, which has a rich history. I myself am looking forward to seeing the world of Momo created by the new staff.
◇Comment from character designer Mari Tominaga
32 years is no longer something you can just say "It's been a while!" It's a miracle that we can restart after such a long time, and I'm happy to have been a part of such a project. Thank you. Whether you're already familiar with the previous Momo or meeting her for the first time, I hope you'll enjoy it!
◇Comment from scriptwriter Akao Deko
My childhood dream was to be a florist. Now, I'm a screenwriter, weaving words together. You can have as many dreams as you want, and dreams are constantly changing. What do we call a dream? "Dreams"... I had a feeling about this, but it's actually quite profound. While working on the script, I remembered many dreams I had in my life that I was born with but never got to fulfill. I even thought about wanting to embrace those dreams again. Momo made me feel that way. Thank you, Momo. I hope the new Minky Momo will gently touch your hearts and give you a big push to support your dreams... I would be so happy if this becomes such a time.
◇Staff (titles omitted)
Planning/Original Story: Ashi Productions▽Director: Ayumu Watanabe▽Character Design: Hiroshi Watanabe, Mari Tominaga▽Screenplay: Deco Akao▽Sound Director: Katsunori Shimizu▽Sound Production: Zack Promotion▽Music: Tomoki Hasegawa▽Production: Ashi Productions▽Design Cooperation: Studio Live▽Production Committee: FPMM Committee▽Distribution: Movic, Giggly Box
