Anticipated 'Optimistic Lord' Anime Drops Second PV, Confirms January 2026 Debut with New Cast & Music

The highly anticipated anime adaptation of "Easygoing Territory Defense by the Optimistic Lord: Production Magic Turns a Nameless Village into the Strongest Fortified City" has released its second promotional video. This latest unveiling confirms a January 2026 premiere and introduces an expansion of its voice cast and core production staff, alongside the reveal of its opening theme song.

Animation studio NAZ is spearheading the production, with Tetsuya Tatamitani, known for his directorial work on titles such as "Africa Salaryman" and "Thermae Romae Novae," at the helm. Series composition is handled by Yutaka Yasunaga, whose scriptwriting credits include "Reborn as a Vending Machine" and "ERASED." The series' musical landscape is being shaped by Kana Utatane, with Flying Dog overseeing the overall music production.

New Cast Members Announced

Newly announced additions to the voice cast include Yōko Hikasa as Panamera, the Viscount of the Ferdinatto family, and Shion Wakayama as Arte, the youngest daughter of Count Ferdinatto. The ensemble further grows with Kenyū Horiuchi voicing Esparda, Van's loyal butler, and Chikahiro Kobayashi portraying Dee, the deputy commander of the Knights of Count Feltio.

These new talents complement the already announced main cast, which features Yumi Uchiyama as the titular optimistic lord and protagonist, Van; Mao as Van's devoted maid, Till; and Mariya Ise as Khamsin, Van’s personal guard.

The newly released PV also showcases the series' opening theme song, "Okirakuze~shon," performed by Rei Nakashima. This track aims to encapsulate the anime's blend of lighthearted charm and strategic depth.

Series Premise

At its core, "Easygoing Territory Defense by the Optimistic Lord" follows Van Ney Fertio, a prodigy reborn with a mission to transform an unassuming village into an impenetrable, fortified city using the power of production magic. This premise combines elements of fantasy with defense strategies.

Originating as a light novel series penned by Sou Akaike with illustrations by Kururi, the narrative has also been adapted into a manga illustrated by Maro Aoiro. The anime’s journey to the screen has generated excitement, fueled by its concept and the involvement of a high-caliber team of voice actors and production staff. As the January 2026 broadcast draws closer, anticipation continues to build for the debut of this fantasy series.