1. Introduction
The much-anticipated short anime Lycoris Recoil: Friends are Thieves of Time is set to premiere on April 16, 2025!
In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know—including where to watch, what makes it special, official trailers,
staff and cast information, and all the must-see highlights. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to anime, we’ve got you covered.
Originally released in 2022, Lycoris Recoil was a breakout hit thanks to its captivating characters, stunning animation, and action-packed storyline.
This new spin-off takes a different direction, shifting the spotlight to the everyday lives of Chisato and Takina in six bite-sized episodes.
It’s a charming return of your favorite characters in a more relaxed setting!
🔗 Recommended Reads — Explore More Spring 2025 Anime!
- 👉 Curious about more mysterious heroines?
Check out our complete guide to Takamine-san!
Everything You Need to Know About the New Spring Anime: Please Put Them On, Takamine-san - 👉 Like tech meets sci-fi?
Dive into the unique world of Your Forma, a thrilling mix of mystery and AI!
Everything You Need to Know About the Spring 2025 Anime: Your Forma - 👉 Craving high-octane action from top creators?
Don’t miss LAZARUS, the latest explosive anime by Shinichirō Watanabe!
Everything You Need to Know About the Spring 2025 Anime: LAZARUS
2. Where Can You Watch It?
Broadcast Information
Unlike the original TV broadcast, this short series will not air on terrestrial or satellite channels. Instead, it will be available exclusively on streaming platforms, allowing you to enjoy it whenever and wherever you like.
Streaming Platforms
Starting Wednesday, April 16, 2025, new episodes will drop weekly at 9:00 PM (JST) across multiple streaming services:
- Aniplex Official YouTube Channel
- ABEMA
- d Anime Store (including Nicovideo and Prime Video versions)
- DMM TV
- Hulu
- Lemino
- Prime Video
- U-NEXT
- Anime Hodai
- Bandai Channel
- Nico Nico Channel
With so many options, you’ll easily find a platform that suits your viewing style.
3. Trailer & Fan Reactions
Official Trailer
An official PV is available on Aniplex’s YouTube channel. It gives viewers a glimpse into the heartwarming atmosphere, expressive animation, and the strong bond between Chisato and Takina. ▶ Watch the Official PV
Social Media Buzz
| Category | Score | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Story | 7/10 | As a slice-of-life spin-off, the story is simple and lighthearted. While it doesn’t have high-stakes drama, it effectively delivers warmth and emotional moments. |
| Characters | 9/10 | The characters are the heart of the series. Chisato and Takina’s bond shines, and the return of fan favorites deepens the emotional connection. |
| Animation | 9/10 | A-1 Pictures maintains a high-quality standard. The detailed backgrounds and expressive animation stand out, especially for a short series. |
| Music | 8/10 | The soundtrack by Shuhei Mutsuki complements the relaxed tone of the show beautifully. Background music and opening/ending themes enhance the mood. |
| Worldbuilding | 8/10 | While this spin-off focuses more on daily life, the established setting from the original series still provides depth and immersion. |
| Tone & Style (Slice-of-life focus) | 7/10 | The shift to a calm, comedic slice-of-life tone works well. It may feel low-key compared to the original, but it suits the format and length. |
Fans on social media are already buzzing with excitement: “So happy to see Chisato again!”, “The cozy vibe is back!”,
and “Healing anime Lycoris is exactly what I need!” Anticipation is high even before the premiere.
Comments from Staff
Director Shingo Adachi returns to helm this project, bringing his signature attention to character emotion and pacing.
Character designer Imigimuru is also back, ensuring visual continuity with the original series.
4. Basic Info
- Title: Lycoris Recoil: Friends are Thieves of Time
- Premiere Date: April 16, 2025 (Wednesday) at 9:00 PM JST
- Episodes: 6 (Short film format)
- Animation Studio: A-1 Pictures
- Director: Shingo Adachi
- Writer: TBA (expected to be the same team as the original series)
- Character Design: Imigimuru
- Music: Shuhei Mutsuki
Main Cast
- Chisato Nishikigi (voiced by Chika Anzai)
- Takina Inoue (voiced by Shion Wakayama)
- Mizuki Nakahara (voiced by Ami Koshimizu)
- Kurumi (voiced by Misaki Kuno)
- Mika (voiced by Kousuke Sakaki)
All major cast members are reprising their roles, bringing continuity and familiarity to the new series.
Official website and official Twitter(X)
5. Story Overview (No Spoilers)
Set in the quiet neighborhood of Asakusa, Tokyo, Lycoris Recoil: Friends are Thieves of Time follows the peaceful post-mission lives of the Lycoris girls.
Centered on Chisato and Takina, the story offers heartfelt moments, lighthearted troubles, and plenty of warm interactions across six short episodes.
This time, it’s not about fighting. It’s about friendship, healing, and the little joys in life. Expect laughter, smiles, and scenes that’ll make you feel right at home.
6.🌟 Meet the Main Characters of Lycoris Recoil: Friends are Thieves of Time
Get to know the four beloved characters returning in the heartwarming short anime Lycoris Recoil: Friends are Thieves of Time.
Here’s an in-depth look at their personalities, relationships, and why they’re so lovable.
❤️ Chisato Nishikigi (CV: Chika Anzai)
🕊️ The Free-Spirited Former Ace Lycoris
Personality:
Bright, playful, and full of life, Chisato is known for her unwavering optimism and pacifist ideals. She’s carefree on the surface, but deeply perceptive and emotionally intelligent.
Background:
Once the top Lycoris agent, Chisato now spends her days working at LycoReco café, embracing a peaceful life. She brings a refreshing lightness to every scene she’s in.
Relationships:
- Deep bond with Takina, her partner-in-crime and closest friend.
- Treasured mentor-student (almost father-daughter) relationship with Mika.
Highlights:
- Resolves conflict with kindness and cleverness.
- Brings warmth and laughter to any situation.
- Grows emotionally through post-mission life.
💼 Takina Inoue (CV: Shion Wakayama)
🎯 The Serious and Stoic Strategist
Personality:
Reserved and methodical, Takina is all about logic and efficiency. Yet beneath her tough exterior lies a surprisingly caring and honest soul.
Background:
Demoted from her position at the DA, Takina found new purpose—and a new way of life—after teaming up with Chisato. She’s slowly learning to embrace her emotions.
Relationships:
- Close, sometimes teasing dynamic with Chisato.
- Grows fond of Kurumi, though she’d never admit it.
Highlights:
- Her slow-burn character development is deeply satisfying.
- Tactical skills shine even in daily café life.
- Expressions speak louder than words.
🧃 Kurumi (CV: Misaki Kuno)
🖥️ The Genius Hacker Gremlin
Personality:
Sassy, sarcastic, and always snacking, Kurumi is the team’s tech whiz. She’s a lovable troublemaker who always has the solution—if she feels like helping.
Background:
A former hacker legend known as “Walnut,” Kurumi now lives undercover at LycoReco. She brings humor, intellect, and a dash of chaos.
Relationships:
- Hilarious “frenemy” vibes with Mizuki.
- Secretly protective of Takina and Chisato.
Highlights:
- Keyboard magic saves the day—often.
- Delivers sharp one-liners like no one else.
- Growing attachment to her found family is heartwarming.
🍷 Mizuki Nakahara (CV: Ami Koshimizu)
🍸 The Flirtatious Ex-Agent with Wine in Hand
Personality:
Fun-loving and unfiltered, Mizuki is the older-sister type with a glass of wine in hand and a sharp tongue. Despite the jokes, she’s surprisingly insightful.
Background:
Formerly a DA agent, Mizuki now helps run LycoReco while offering emotional (and comic) support to the rest of the cast.
Relationships:
- Constant banter with Kurumi = peak entertainment.
- Acts as the “voice of reason” (or at least tries to be) for Chisato and Takina.
Highlights:
- Delivers both wisdom and comic relief.
- Surprisingly competent in emergencies.
- The “relatable adult” we didn’t know we needed.
7. Original Work Info
- Original: Completely original anime
- Title: Lycoris Recoil (2022)
- Reception: Despite being an original project, it became a massive hit, praised for its story, animation, and characters. It appeared on many “Anime of the Year” lists.
- Adaptations:
- Lycoris Recoil (TV series, 13 episodes, 2022)
- Lycoris Recoil: Friends are Thieves of Time (2025, short series)
The franchise also includes manga, novels, and merchandise, showing strong media-mix development.
8.✨ Ultimate Highlight Guide: Why Lycoris Recoil: Friends are Thieves of Time Is a Must-Watch ✨
☕ Spy girls × youth × café vibes — this short anime delivers all the comfort and connection you could ask for! 🫶🍀
🕊️ ① Adorably Real Characters — A Healing Story of Everyday Bonds
In Friends are Thieves of Time, your favorite characters from the original Lycoris Recoil return to show their softer, more human sides through peaceful daily life.
- ☀️ Chisato is still the team’s ray of sunshine, cheerful and full of heart.
- 🫧 Takina continues to grow emotionally, showing a warm, endearing side to her usual cool persona.
- 💻 Kurumi brings brains and snark, constantly keeping everyone on their toes.
- 🍷 Mizuki is the wine-loving big sister, balancing sass with emotional insight.
- 👓 Mika offers calm, wisdom, and a fatherly presence that grounds the team.
The emotional nuances, subtle growth, and evolving relationships between them are written with care, making their bond feel like a real group of close-knit friends.
If you ever wondered, “What are they doing after the main story?”, this short series delivers the answer—with heart.
🎥 ② Short But Powerful — 6 Minutes of Pure Quality
- Each episode is only about 6 minutes long, yet the direction, pacing, and visuals feel theatrical in quality.
- A-1 Pictures once again brings lush backgrounds and expressive character animation. 🌆
- Even small café chats or comedic moments become memorable thanks to how well-crafted each scene is.
📌 The shorter the runtime, the more impact every word, look, and pause has. This is what “less is more” truly means.
🎶 ③ Music That Warms the Soul — A Masterful Score by Shuhei Mutsuki
- Relaxing piano and acoustic melodies bring a peaceful atmosphere to the story.
- The background music naturally blends into scenes, enhancing character emotion beautifully.
- As with the main series, the audio direction here is top-tier.
🎧 In a healing slice-of-life like this, the soundtrack isn’t just background—it’s part of the experience.
9. Final Thoughts & Expectations
Whether you’re a longtime fan of Lycoris Recoil or just discovering the series, Friends are Thieves of Time is a heartfelt and accessible way to enjoy more of these beloved characters.
The short episode format makes it perfect for quick viewing sessions while still delivering depth and warmth.
Recommended For:
- Fans of the original Lycoris Recoil
- Viewers who enjoy character-driven, slice-of-life anime
- Anyone looking for a relaxing, feel-good series
Suggested Pre-Watch:
- Lycoris Recoil (13 episodes)
Quick Recap:
- Premiere: April 16, 2025 (Wednesday)
- Available On: Aniplex YouTube Channel, ABEMA, U-NEXT, Prime Video, and more
Be sure to check it out and enjoy one of spring’s most anticipated anime releases!
🔗 Recommended Reads — Explore More Spring 2025 Anime!
- 👉 Curious about more mysterious heroines?
Check out our complete guide to Takamine-san!
Everything You Need to Know About the New Spring Anime: Please Put Them On, Takamine-san - 👉 Like tech meets sci-fi?
Dive into the unique world of Your Forma, a thrilling mix of mystery and AI!
Everything You Need to Know About the Spring 2025 Anime: Your Forma - 👉 Craving high-octane action from top creators?
Don’t miss LAZARUS, the latest explosive anime by Shinichirō Watanabe!
Everything You Need to Know About the Spring 2025 Anime: LAZARUS
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