Animated Series “Love Through a Prism” Casts New Light on Romance Between Aristocrat and Exchange Student in London [VIDEO]

In early-1900s London, a Japanese student who arrives to study art finds herself in the same orbit as a talented young aristocrat. Premiering exclusively on Netflix on January 15, 2026, Love Through a Prism is a new animated series that follows a cross-cultural romance unfolding within one of the city’s most respected art academies.

Written by Yoko Kamio, creator of Boys Over Flowers, the coming-of-age series is animated by WIT Studio and directed by Kazuto Nakazawa (B: The Beginning, Kill Bill: Volume 1 anime sequence). A newly released trailer offers an early look at the characters’ hopes, ambitions, and emerging relationships against the backdrop of London’s historic streets.

Love Through a Prism is centered on Lili Ichijoin (voiced by Atsumi Tanezaki, SPY x FAMILY), a Japanese exchange student who travels to England to enroll in the prestigious Saint Thomas Art Academy. Determined to become a painter, she arrives under pressure: her parents expect her to rise to the top of her class within six months or return home.

Lili’s drive intensifies when she encounters Kit Church (voiced by Koki Uchiyama, Jujutsu Kaisen), a gifted aristocratic student known for his talent and detachment. While Kit has devoted himself entirely to painting, Lili’s sincerity and resilience begin to shift something in him. The two share little beyond their love for art, yet their relationship quickly becomes central to life at the academy over the 20 episodes.

They are joined by a wide cast of students, siblings, mentors, and rivals, including:

Yuki Kaji as Shinnosuke Kobayakawa, another Japanese exchange student

Megumi Han as Dorothy Brown, Lili’s roommate

Yohei Azakami as Joffrey O’Brien, the life of every party

Shogo Sakata as Peter Anthony, Kit’s friend and honors student

Sumire Uesaka as Catherine Astor, Kit’s fiancée

Akari Kito as Sakura Kobayakawa, Shinnosuke’s younger sister

Hochu Otsuka as Charles Brant, professor at Saint Thomas

Yuhko Kaida as Take Ichijoin, Lili’s mother

Junichi Suwabe as Richard Church, Kit’s older brother

Following the global success of Boys Over Flowers, Kamio introduces a new protagonist who pursues her goals with conviction, undeterred by differences in status or background.

“This is the story of Lili, who blazes through her time with love, courage, and romance,” says Kamio. “In our society where it is becoming difficult to talk about hopes and dreams, and where common things we take for granted are fading away, I hope this series can be a light for those who watch it.”

Love Through a Prism pairs Kamio’s emotional storytelling with WIT Studio’s visual flair, from grand London avenues to quiet corners of the academy hallways. The theme song, “star flower” by Chilli Beans., adds a sense of freedom and youthful energy that amplifies the heart of the story.

Watch Love Through a Prism on January 15, only on Netflix.

About Love Through a Prism

Original work and character concepts: Yoko Kamio

Director: Kazuto Nakazawa

Second Director: Tetsuya Takahashi

Third Director: Saki Fujii

Written by: Yoko Kamio, Saki Fujii

Character Design/Chief Animation Director: Yasuko Takahashi

Sub-character Design/Chief Animation Director: Aiko Minowa

Color Designer: Hanami Tanaka

Background Supervisor: Yusuke Takeda (Bamboo)

Compositing Director: Keisuke Nozawa

Editing: Chika Ishii

Music: Naoki”naotyu-“Chiba

Sound Director: Tohru Kanegae

Sound Effects: Hiromune Kurahashi

Animation Producer: Keita Yoshinobu

Production: WIT Studio

Theme song: “star flower” by Chilli Beans.

Cast: Atsumi Tanezaki, Koki Uchiyama, Yuki Kaji, Megumi Han, Yohei Azakami, Shogo Sakata, Sumire Uesaka, Akari Kito, Hochu Otsuka, Yuhko Kaida, Junichi Suwabe

Netflix Title Page: netflix.com/lovethroughaprism

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