The iconic Japanese series "Cardcaptor Sakura" is making a strong comeback come January with the new "Clear Card" arc.
The beloved Sakura is returning a little more grown-up in the animated series, as a freshman in Tomoeda Middle School. Fans would be happy to know that she is continuing her loveline with her boyfriend Syaoran, who is coming back to Tomoeda. The series' other main characters are also returning -- Sakura's best friend, Tomoyo Daidouji, and her protectors, Cerebrus and Yue.
The "Clear Card" arc will run for 26 episodes, a huge upgrade from the usual 13 installments from the past seasons. The Japanese-language series will be simulcast on Crunchyroll with English subtitles and on Funimation in English dub.
The original Clamp manga ran for 12 volumes from 1996 to 2000. It follows an elementary student Sakura, who unlocks her magical powers after accidentally releasing a set of magical cards from a mysterious book.
The "Clear Card" manga sequel, launched in June 2016, features a Sakura who is now in junior high school. In a prophetic dream, a mysterious figure turns the cards blank and powerless. Sakura, along with her friends and guardians, then sets out on a quest to capture the transparent cards using a new and much stronger key.
The new season will be directed by Morio Asaka, who also helmed the original 1990s series. The previous seasons' animation director, Kunihiko Hamada, will also come back as character designer, while Clamp's Mokona will be in charge of costume and card designs. Composition will be by Nanase Ohkawa. Masafumi Mima will sound direct, and Takayuki Negishi will compose the music.
It has been earlier reported that Maaya Sakamoto is returning to sing the opening theme song, "Clear." The ending theme, "Jewelry," will be sung by Hayami Saori.
"Cardcaptor Sakura: Clear Card" premieres Jan. 7, Sunday, at 7:30 a.m. JST. It will be re-broadcasted on Jan. 12.
