On June 20, 2026, an official announcement confirmed that suis from Yorushika is performing the opening theme for the upcoming anime Cat & Dragon (Neko to Ryu / 猫と竜), with the new song "Nekojitsu" (猫日) composed by Tatsuya Kitani. We now have the broadcast schedule, a preview of the song, and details about this specially written collaboration — here's everything fans need to know before the series launches in July 2026.
The Quick Version
- Song title: "Nekojitsu" (猫日), performed by suis from Yorushika, with lyrics by suis and composition/arrangement by Tatsuya Kitani.
- What it's for: Opening theme for the TV anime Cat & Dragon, which begins July 4, 2026, on TOKYO MX and other stations.
- Early streaming: The anime is scheduled for advance streaming on dAnimeStore and ABEMA starting June 27, 2026, at 9:30 p.m.
- Preview available: A promotional video featuring a brief excerpt of "Nekojitsu" is available on YouTube as of June 20, 2026.
- Written for the series: "Nekojitsu" was created specifically for Cat & Dragon, tailored to match the anime's cheerful, whimsical atmosphere.
What "Nekojitsu" Is and Who's Behind It
"Nekojitsu" marks a fresh collaboration between two prominent voices in the Japanese music scene. The song is performed by suis, the vocalist of the acclaimed duo Yorushika, in her "suis from Yorushika" solo capacity — a credit format that has become standard for her individual projects. She wrote the lyrics herself, bringing her characteristic poetic sensibility to the track. The composition and arrangement come from Tatsuya Kitani, a producer and artist known for his work across anime and J-pop, who confirmed his involvement on June 20, 2026, in a post on X.
According to official descriptions, "Nekojitsu" features a light, friendly melody designed to complement the playful world of Cat & Dragon. The song was written specifically for the anime — a practice known as kakioroshi (書き下ろし) in the industry — meaning it wasn't pulled from an existing release but crafted to fit the series' tone and themes. We can hear a short preview of the track in the anime's latest promotional video, which was released the same day as the announcement and gives us our first taste of how suis's warm vocals and Kitani's upbeat arrangement come together.
The Anime: Cat & Dragon and Its Broadcast Schedule
Cat & Dragon (Neko to Ryu) is a TV anime adaptation that centers on the unlikely friendship between a cat and a dragon — a premise that promises both charm and comedy. While the exact source material details are less widely covered in English, the series is clearly aiming for a broad, family-friendly appeal, and "Nekojitsu" seems perfectly positioned to open each episode with energy and warmth.
The anime is scheduled to premiere on July 4, 2026, at 9:00 p.m. on TOKYO MX, with additional broadcasts rolling out across Japan throughout the week. BS Nippon TV will air episodes starting July 6 at 11:30 p.m., Yomiuri TV begins July 7 at 1:29 a.m. (technically early Wednesday morning), and AT-X launches July 9 at 11:30 p.m. with repeat slots on Mondays at 10:30 a.m. and Wednesdays at 4:30 p.m. Regional broadcaster Nagasaki Culture Telecasting will also carry the series starting July 8 at 1:20 a.m.
For viewers who prefer streaming, Cat & Dragon will be available a week early on dAnimeStore and ABEMA, with the first episode scheduled to stream on June 27, 2026, at 9:30 p.m. — giving eager fans an advance look before the television broadcast begins. Other streaming platforms are expected to offer the series starting July 4, 2026, at 9:00 p.m., though exact availability may vary by region and service.
Why This Collaboration Matters
suis from Yorushika bringing her voice to an anime opening is significant for both the artist and the series. Yorushika, the duo suis forms with composer n-buna, has built a devoted following through introspective, richly produced tracks that blend rock, pop, and electronic elements. suis's solo work under the "suis from Yorushika" name has allowed her to explore different musical directions and collaborate with a wider range of composers, and pairing with Tatsuya Kitani — whose own catalog spans energetic, melody-driven compositions — signals a sound that's likely more vibrant and accessible than some of Yorushika's moodier material.
For Cat & Dragon, securing an artist of suis's caliber for the opening theme is a statement of intent. Anime openings set the tone for a show, and "Nekojitsu" is clearly designed to welcome viewers into a world that's lighthearted and full of personality. The fact that Kitani and suis worked together to create something bespoke for the series — rather than licensing an existing track — suggests a commitment to making the music an integral part of the show's identity, not just a marketing add-on.
What People Are Saying
"suis from Yorushika doing an OP for a cat and dragon anime is the crossover I didn't know I needed. The preview sounds so sweet!"
— Fan comment on social media, June 20, 2026
"Kitani composing for suis is such a great match. His upbeat style and her voice are going to make 'Nekojitsu' an instant earworm."
— Listener reaction on music forums, June 20, 2026
"I'm so glad we get to hear a snippet already in the PV. The melody is catchy and fits the vibe perfectly — can't wait for the full release!"
— Anime fan on community boards, June 20, 2026
"suis writing the lyrics herself for this is huge. You know she's going to bring something special to the story and characters."
— Yorushika follower on X, June 20, 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the Cat & Dragon anime premiere?
Cat & Dragon premieres on July 4, 2026, at 9:00 p.m. on TOKYO MX, with early streaming on dAnimeStore and ABEMA starting June 27, 2026, at 9:30 p.m.
Where can I watch Cat & Dragon?
The anime will air on TOKYO MX, BS Nippon TV, Yomiuri TV, AT-X, and Nagasaki Culture Telecasting starting in early July 2026. Streaming is scheduled on dAnimeStore and ABEMA from June 27, 2026, with additional platforms expected from July 4, 2026.
Who composed "Nekojitsu"?
Tatsuya Kitani composed and arranged "Nekojitsu," while suis from Yorushika wrote the lyrics and performs the vocals.
Is there a preview of "Nekojitsu" available?
Yes, a preview excerpt of "Nekojitsu" is featured in the latest promotional video for Cat & Dragon, which was released on June 20, 2026, and is available on YouTube.
Will "Nekojitsu" be released as a single?
Details about a standalone release or digital single for "Nekojitsu" have not been confirmed yet, though fans can expect to hear the full version when the anime begins airing in late June and early July 2026.
Looking Ahead to July 2026
With the premiere of Cat & Dragon just days away on streaming and a couple of weeks away on broadcast TV, "Nekojitsu" is poised to introduce viewers to a world that's equal parts playful and heartwarming. The pairing of suis's distinctive voice with Tatsuya Kitani's bright, melodic production promises an opening theme that will stick with us long after each episode ends. Whether we're tuning in early on June 27 or catching the July 4 broadcast, we're about to hear one of the season's most anticipated collaborations in action — and if the preview is anything to go by, "Nekojitsu" will be the perfect way to start every episode.
