On November 26, 2025, Netflix Japan dropped a bombshell for anime fans: an original series titled Love Through a Prism (also known as Prism Rondo), crafted by Yōko Kamio, the legendary manga artist behind Boys Over Flowers. Set to premiere globally on January 15, 2026Netflix, the 20-episode historical drama arrives with a pedigree few can match — and it’s not just another adaptation. This is Kamio’s first original anime concept, and it’s being brought to life by WIT STUDIO, the powerhouse behind Attack on Titan and Spy x Family.
A Tale of Art, Class, and Cultural Collision in Edwardian London
Love Through a Prism unfolds in the fog-laced streets of early 20th-century London, where the rigid hierarchies of British aristocracy meet the quiet determination of a Japanese exchange student. At its center is Lili Ichijoin, voiced by Atsumi Tanezaki — the same voice behind Anya from Spy x Family. Lili, a gifted but emotionally guarded artist, arrives at the elite Saint Thomas Art Academy with one condition from her parents: become the top student in six months… or go home. The pressure isn’t just academic; it’s cultural. She’s a foreigner in a world where art is a language of privilege, not passion.Enter Kit Church, voiced by Kōki Uchiyama (Megumi from Jujutsu Kaisen), a rich, enigmatic heir who paints like a man possessed — and cares little for rules, reputation, or even his own family’s expectations. Their dynamic isn’t your typical romance. It’s a collision of worlds: discipline versus freedom, silence versus chaos, tradition versus rebellion. As Anitrendz noted, “Lili’s sincerity and resilience begin to shift something in [Kit].” That’s the heart of the story — not just love, but transformation.
Behind the Canvas: WIT STUDIO’s Bold New Direction
WIT STUDIO, long known for explosive action and stylized fantasy, is stepping into uncharted territory. This is their first full-scale period drama — and they’re going all in. The production team includes Kazuto Nakazawa, the director of B: The Beginning and Fena: Pirate Princess, who brings his signature blend of kinetic energy and emotional subtlety. The background art? Handcrafted by Bamboo’s, with Yusuke Takeda (Chainsaw Man) as art director, ensuring every cobblestone, gaslamp, and velvet curtain feels authentic to 1903 London.
And the music? That’s the work of NAOKI "naotyu-" CHIBA, whose delicate piano and string arrangements are already generating buzz among anime composers. The voice cast is stacked: Hōchū Ōtsuka as the stern Charles Brant, Megumi Han as Dorothy Brown, Yūki Kaji as the quiet Shinnosuke Kobayakawa, and even Sumire Uesaka as the aristocratic Catherine Astor. It’s a cast that reads like a who’s who of modern anime.
Yōko Kamio’s Legacy, Reimagined
Let’s not forget: this isn’t just another anime. It’s the first time Kamio has stepped beyond the world of Boys Over Flowers — a series that’s been adapted into nine live-action and animated versions across Asia since 1995. From Japan’s 2005 drama to Taiwan’s Meteor Garden, Korea’s 2011 version, Thailand’s 2021 hit, and even a Chinese remake — Boys Over Flowers became a cultural blueprint for teen romance. But Love Through a Prism is different. No schoolyard bullying, no billionaire heirs in flashy cars. Instead, we get art studios, oil paints, and the quiet tension of two souls finding themselves through brushstrokes.
The twist? Kamio isn’t just the creator — she’s co-writing the scripts. That’s rare for manga artists in anime adaptations. She’s shaping every beat, every emotional pause. This isn’t licensed material. It’s her vision, unfiltered.
Why This Matters Beyond Anime Fans
This isn’t just a new show. It’s a statement. Netflix is betting big on historical anime — a genre still underdeveloped compared to fantasy or slice-of-life. By choosing a setting as rich and underexplored as Edwardian London, they’re not just targeting otaku. They’re aiming for viewers who love Peaky Blinders, Call the Midwife, or even Emma on BBC. The cultural exchange angle — a Japanese girl navigating British class structures through art — feels timely, even urgent, in a world still grappling with identity, belonging, and creative expression.
And the timing? Perfect. Announced exactly 10 months before release, Netflix is building anticipation like a museum unveiling a long-lost masterpiece. Trailers will drop in waves. Art books will follow. There’s even talk of a limited-edition art exhibition in Tokyo and London tied to the premiere.
What’s Next?
By summer 2026, we’ll know if Love Through a Prism can become the next Spy x Family — or something even rarer: a quiet, emotionally resonant drama that lingers long after the final frame. WIT STUDIO’s track record suggests it’s possible. Kamio’s storytelling suggests it’s inevitable. And London? It’s ready for its close-up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'Love Through a Prism' a direct adaptation of a manga?
No, it’s an original story created by Yōko Kamio specifically for anime. While she’s best known for Boys Over Flowers, this is her first fully original narrative for animation. The plot, characters, and setting are all new, though it carries her signature themes of class, emotional growth, and forbidden connection.
Why is WIT STUDIO’s involvement significant?
WIT STUDIO built its reputation on high-octane action like Attack on Titan and One Punch Man. Moving into a slow-burn historical drama with intricate period detail shows their artistic range. Their background art team has already demonstrated mastery in rendering textures and lighting — crucial for a story set in 1903 London.
How does this compare to other adaptations of 'Boys Over Flowers'?
Previous adaptations — like the 2005 Japanese drama or Thailand’s 2021 version — focused on modern high school romance and wealth disparity. Love Through a Prism shifts the setting to early 20th-century Europe, replacing school rivalries with artistic rivalry and cultural alienation. It’s less about revenge and more about rediscovery through art.
Who is directing the series, and what’s their style?
Kazuto Nakazawa, known for B: The Beginning and Fena: Pirate Princess, brings a painterly visual style and emotional restraint to his work. He favors subtle facial expressions over dramatic gestures — perfect for a story about silent understanding between two artists. His direction suggests a focus on atmosphere over action.
Will there be a second season?
Netflix hasn’t confirmed renewal, but the 20-episode structure suggests a complete arc. However, given Kamio’s history of expansive storytelling and WIT’s production capacity, a sequel is plausible if the series performs well in its first three months. Early fan engagement will likely determine its fate.
Where can I watch the series when it releases?
Love Through a Prism will be available exclusively on Netflix worldwide on January 15, 2026. It will stream in all regions with subtitles and dubbed audio in multiple languages, including English, Japanese, Spanish, and Mandarin — continuing Netflix’s global rollout strategy for major anime titles.