What is Goodbye, Lara?#
Goodbye, Lara (also known as Sayonara Lara or さよならララ) is an original anime that tells the poignant story of a mermaid who once made a forbidden wish to be loved by a human. After her death, she is reborn 200 years later into modern-day Japan, specifically in Lake Biwa. The story follows her journey as she attempts to navigate and adjust to the complexities of the human world.
If you are looking for official goods to commemorate this story, you can buy Goodbye, Lara merchandise here.
Is the anime really finished?#
Because Goodbye, Lara is an original anime, it does not have a preceding manga or light novel source material for viewers to catch up on. This means that the story is being crafted specifically for the screen. Since the series is scheduled for a July 2026 debut, the anime is currently the primary way to experience the narrative.
Viewers will not need to hunt for external source material to find a conclusion, as the plot is designed as an original production. If you enjoy the series and want to support the site that keeps you updated on these release statuses, feel free to support us on Ko-fi.
Audience and Appeal#
Goodbye, Lara is best suited for audiences who enjoy supernatural dramas, themes of reincarnation, and stories about fish-out-of-water characters adjusting to modern society. With its focus on a forbidden wish and the emotional weight of a 200-year gap, the anime appeals to those who appreciate romantic fantasy and atmospheric storytelling.
Watch Order#
For this series, the watch order is very simple:
Release Order#
The anime officially debuts on July 5, 2026. For those following the release in real-time, simply watch the episodes as they air.
Completionist Order#
Since there are no spin-offs or prequels, the best order for completionists is to follow the main series. You can refer to the relationship tree provided below this article to confirm the exact release date and positioning of the series within the franchise.
For those seeking source material#
As this is an original anime, there is no manga or light novel to read before or after the show. The anime is the complete experience.
Where to Watch#
Goodbye, Lara has been announced for streaming on Crunchyroll, including availability for viewers in India. Depending on your region, you may also be able to watch the anime on Prime Video, which collaborates with Crunchyroll in several countries.
Keep an eye out for the opening song and the ending theme performed by Hana Hope to get fully immersed in the experience!
Goodbye, Lara • anime • 2026-07-05
