Oldies anime fans, rise up! Early 2000s TV anime series Aria the Animation is celebrating its 15th anniversary this year, and what better way to celebrate such an occasion but by announcing a new project?

Yes you read that right, folks: after 15 years since it first aired, fantasy anime series Aria the Animation is set to receive a new project! The series’ official website did not specify the form this new project will take, but it revealed that this commemorative project is set for a winter 2020 release.

Aria the Animation was adapted from the Aria manga series written by Kozue Amano that ran from 2001-2008. Studio Hal Film Maker adapted the manga series into three seasons: Aria the Animation (2005), Aria the Natural (2006), and Aria the Origination (2008). An original video animation (OVA) entitled Aria the OVA Arrieta was also released in 2007. All of these installments for the Aria franchise were directed by Junichi Sato (Sailor Moon, Princess Tutu).

The new project will be produced by Hisao Iizuka, who announced that character Athena Glory will now be voiced by Rina Sato (Mikoto Misaka in A Certain Magical Index/A Certain Scientific Railgun). Sato is replacing Tomoko Kawakami, who passed away in 2011.

Right Stuf’s Nozomi Entertainment holds the English license release for Aria, and describes the 2005 series as such:

“Akari Mizunashi, at the age of 15, has left everything behind to travel to a sparkling planet covered in water, Aqua, formerly known as Mars. By the 24th century, humans have found a way to colonize the formerly uninhabitable planet.

More than anything, Akari wants to be an “undine” – a female gondolier who navigates the canals of the Aquan city of Neo-Venezia. The city itself is a faithful replication of Manhome’s (Earth) city of Venice. To make sure that residents and tourists alike get the most from Neo-Venezia’s many wonders, companies offering guided tours via gondola were formed, one of which is named Aria Company.

As she begins her training with the prestigious Aria Company, will she be up to the challenges that await her on the path to achieve her dream?”

Source: Anime News Network