SAO Ordinal Scale's Yuna First Live Happens in Reality: Sayaka Kanda Tribute 2026
ANIHK 編輯部Fiction Becomes Reality: April 29, 2026 Arrives at Last
For fans of Sword Art Online around the world, April 29, 2026 is far more than an ordinary Wednesday. In Sword Art Online The Movie: Ordinal Scale, released in 2017, this exact date was written into the story as the day AR singer Yuna held her landmark debut concert, dubbed the "Yuna First Live." Nine years after the film's premiere, real-world time has finally caught up with the anime's timeline — and the long-awaited promise has been kept.
At 5:00 PM Japan Standard Time, Aniplex streamed the virtual concert live on their official YouTube channel. Fans tuned in feeling as though they stood alongside Kazuto Kirigaya and Asuna Yuuki themselves, witnessing the birth of the AR idol in real time.
Sayaka Kanda's Voice Lives On: An Irreplaceable Performance
The most emotionally resonant decision of the entire broadcast was the production committee's unwavering commitment: the singing voice of the late Sayaka Kanda, who passed away in 2021, was preserved in full and used exactly as originally recorded. True to the film's in-universe timeline, her voice rang out once more across screens worldwide as part of this "2026 concert."
During the approximately 10-minute performance, Yuna appeared as a high-fidelity 3D model and performed two beloved tracks: Ubiquitous dB and longing. The clarity and emotional depth of Kanda's voice transformed a celebration of fictional timelines into a deeply moving tribute to the artist herself.
Honoring the Past, Continuing the Future
The production team also reconfirmed a dual approach to Yuna's voice going forward, balancing respect for Kanda's legacy with the character's continued story:
Singing: Sayaka Kanda's original recordings will be retained permanently, honoring her irreplaceable artistic contribution.
Spoken dialogue: For new story content, voice actress Risae Matsuda will take over Yuna's spoken lines.
This thoughtful approach — preserving the soul while allowing the character to live on — has been widely embraced by the fanbase as the most respectful tribute possible.
Fan Response: A Nine-Year Promise Finally Fulfilled
Hashtags including #YunaFirstLive and #SayakaKanda trended globally within minutes of the stream going live. Long-time fans who had followed the franchise since 2017 shared heartfelt messages online, many describing the moment as a sense of closure for a cherished chapter of their youth. Several noted the surreal experience of having once viewed 2026 as a distant, fictional future — and now living inside it.
Following the concert, the official team dropped a major announcement: additional details about a brand-new original Sword Art Online theatrical film are set to be revealed in July 2026, keeping excitement at a fever pitch.
Conclusion: The Voice Endures, the Memory Remains
The April 29, 2026 virtual concert was more than a marketing milestone — it was a large-scale collective moment of healing centered on memory and legacy. Yuna, born within the story as a vessel of remembrance, has become something just as meaningful in reality: a bridge between fans and creators, sustained by Sayaka Kanda's timeless voice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Where can I watch the Yuna First Live stream?
The concert was broadcast on the official Aniplex YouTube channel. Please check the channel directly to see whether a recorded archive is available.
Q2: Why did Sayaka Kanda voice Yuna?
Sayaka Kanda provided the singing voice for AR idol Yuna in Sword Art Online The Movie: Ordinal Scale (2017), bringing the character to life with her distinctively clear and expressive voice. She is fondly remembered by fans worldwide.
Q3: When will information on the new SAO film be released?
The official team has announced that further details about a new original Sword Art Online theatrical film will be disclosed in July 2026. Follow official channels for updates.
Q4: Who will voice Yuna in future Sword Art Online projects?
Risae Matsuda will handle Yuna's spoken dialogue in new productions. All singing performances will continue to use Sayaka Kanda's original recordings.
