An announcement on January 26, 2024 sparked enthusiasm among animation aficionados regarding a Japanese-dubbed adaptation of the Chinese animated fantasy series “Long Zu”, known in English as “Dragon Raja”.
The noted anime platform Aniplex had previously stirred interest by launching an enigmatic website with a ticking countdown, prompting speculation about an unnamed project.
It is now confirmed this foreshadowed the forthcoming Japanese release of “Long Zu” in April 2024, retitled “Ryuzoku – The Blazing Dawn” for Japanese audiences.
Adapted from the well-known Chinese online novel “Long Zu” by author Jiang Nan, the original animated version enthralled global viewers with its mystical narrative of a young man immersed in a virtual reality game while investigating his brother’s ominous demise.
By extending the series’ availability to Japanese viewers with a celebrated domestic voice cast, the producers seek to augment the existing fan base for the anime adventures of “Dragon Raja” in this fresh incarnation tailored for patrons of Japanese animation.
Japanese Premiere Set for ‘Ryuzoku – The Blazing Dawn’ (Dragon Raja) in April 2024:
Mark your calendars for April 2024, which will see the long-awaited premiere of the Japanese dubbed version of the Chinese fantasy animation “Dragon Raja.” Known as “Long Zu” in its original Mandarin version and “Ryuzoku – The Blazing Dawn” in Japanese, this colorful series has developed a global following.
A newly released Japanese trailer gives fans a tantalizing first look into the anime’s mystical landscapes while also confirming the official April launch date.
The rich visuals and dramatic storytelling on display demonstrate why “Dragon Raja” has become so popular across mediums.
Originally a series of fantasy novels by author Jiang Nan, the sprawling saga has already been adapted into an animated “donghua” series produced in China by Garden Culture.
The Japanese dubbed rendition aims to build on the existing fanbase established when those initial episodes debuted in August 2022.
From its eccentric characters to its innovative blend of virtual reality gaming and magical realms, “Long Zu” continues to entertain and inspire the imagination.
Now a new wave of Japanese anime enthusiasts will be able to plunge into this cinematic adventure thanks to the upcoming premiere of “Ryuzoku – The Blazing Dawn,” the localized adaptation bringing all the vibrant color and excitement of “Dragon Raja” to Japan starting next April.
Quest for Redemption
The remote fiefdom of Heltant has long been plagued by Amurtaht, a sinister black dragon who sows chaos. In an effort to defeat this threat, Heltant’s king enlisted the assistance of the valiant white dragon Catselprime and his bonded warrior, a young nobleman from the esteemed House of Halschteil.
However, Catselprime ultimately perished in a fateful battle against Amurtaht, leaving the king’s soldiers including the nobleman’s own father taken captive.
Amurtaht has demanded an exorbitant ransom for the prisoners’ release, which has prompted a call to action. The nobleman’s son, Hoochie, sets out with his friends Karl and Sanson on a dangerous quest to the capital city of Bysus Impel.
Their goal is to inform the king of Catselprime’s demise and acquire aid to pay the ransom.
Along their journey, the trio bravely confront various adversities and enemies, including orc bandits and strange magical phenomena. They gain new allies as well, including Iruril Serenial, a graceful elf; Axelhand Eindelf, a wise old dwarf; Edhelin, a troll priestess; and even Prince Gilsian Bysus from the royal family itself.
It is revealed that the crisis afflicting the land is actually an experimental curse devised by the warring nation of Djipen, utilizing both magic and divine energy.
More About The Plot
With this ominous discovery, Hoochie’s party races toward Bysus Impel, now joined by a Djipen spy named Unchai as a prisoner-witness for the king. Their quest stakes intensify, spanning clashing armies and dragon rage across a fantasy realm in turmoil.
After narrowly escaping the vengeful orcs, Hoochie’s party finally arrives at the capital city to report the grim tidings of Catselprime’s death. They also expose the insidious magical curse devised by the enemy nation Djipen.
The king is deeply troubled by these revelations and agrees to provide funds toward paying the ransom for Hoochie’s captive father and the other soldiers.
However, joy turns to dismay when they discover the royal treasury lacks sufficient jewels and valuables to meet the exorbitant demand. Their hopes briefly rise upon learning of newly uncovered gem mines within the nigh impassible Brown Mountains.
But these remote mines show foreboding signs that the fearsome dragon Kradmesser may be awakening after two decades of dormancy.