Princess Sarah (1985)
A timeless Japanese anime adaptation of Frances Hodgson Burnett's classic novel, following one girl's extraordinary journey from privilege to perseverance.
Princess Sarah - Series Information
- Original Title: 小公女セーラ
- First Air Year: 1985
- Last Air Year: 1985
- Created by: Fumio Kurokawa
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Animation, Drama, Family
- Content Rating (US): NR
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (25 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 46
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: Japanese
- Spoken Languages: Japanese
- First Air Date: January 6, 1985 (United States - NR), January 6, 1985 (Germany - 6), January 6, 1985 (Australia - G), January 6, 1985 (Italy - T), January 6, 1985 (Spain - 7), January 6, 1985 (South Korea - ALL)
- Networks: Fuji TV
- Alternative Titles: Shoukoujo Sara (JP), Little Princess Sarah (US), 莎拉物语 (CN), Lovely Sara (IT)
- Production Companies: Nippon Animation
- Production Countries: Japan
Princess Sarah - Plot
Sarah Crewe, the young daughter of a wealthy Englishman in India, starts attending a prestigious boarding school in London. However after a series of unexpected tragic events, she is forced to become a maid at the school.
Princess Sarah - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and get a glimpse of Sarah Crewe's unforgettable story:
Princess Sarah - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Fumio Kurokawa
Main Cast
- Sumi Shimamoto
- Eiko Yamada
- Taeko Nakanishi
- Yuri Nashiwa
- Teiyu Ichiryusai
- Chika Sakamoto
- Maki Yaosaha
- Naoko Watanabe
- Asami Mukaidono
- Daisuke Gori
Writers
- Ryuzo Nakanishi
Princess Sarah - FAQs
What is Princess Sarah about?
Princess Sarah follows Sarah Crewe, the pampered daughter of a wealthy British officer stationed in India, who is enrolled in a London boarding school. When tragedy strikes her family, she loses everything and must survive as a servant — yet never loses her kindness, imagination, or dignity.
Is Princess Sarah based on a true story?
Princess Sarah is not based on a true story, but it is a faithful anime adaptation of Frances Hodgson Burnett's classic 1905 novel A Little Princess. The story is fictional, though Burnett drew on themes of resilience and social inequality that resonated deeply with readers of her era.
When did Princess Sarah first air?
Princess Sarah premiered on January 6, 1985, on Fuji TV in Japan. The series ran for 46 episodes throughout 1985, produced by Nippon Animation as part of their celebrated World Masterpiece Theater anthology of classic literary adaptations.
Who voices Sarah Crewe in the anime?
Sumi Shimamoto brings Sarah Crewe to life with a warm, expressive performance that perfectly captures the character's gentle strength and emotional depth. Shimamoto is a veteran voice actress widely recognized for her iconic roles across Japanese animation throughout the 1980s and beyond.
How many episodes does Princess Sarah have?
Princess Sarah consists of 46 episodes across a single season, each running approximately 25 minutes. The series aired in full during 1985 on Fuji TV and tells a complete, self-contained story from Sarah's arrival at Miss Minchin's school to her eventual redemption.
Who are the main voice actors in Princess Sarah?
The main cast includes Sumi Shimamoto as Sarah Crewe, Eiko Yamada as Lavinia Herbert, Taeko Nakanishi as the stern Miss Minchin, Yuri Nashiwa as Amelia Minchin, Teiyu Ichiryusai as Becky, Chika Sakamoto, Maki Yaosaha, Naoko Watanabe, Asami Mukaidono, and Daisuke Gori.
What makes Princess Sarah a classic anime series?
Princess Sarah stands out for its emotionally rich storytelling, nuanced characters, and unflinching portrayal of hardship and resilience. As part of Nippon Animation's World Masterpiece Theater, it elevated the standard for literary anime adaptations and left a lasting impression on generations of viewers across Asia and Europe.
What are some shows similar to Princess Sarah?
Fans of Princess Sarah often enjoy other classic anime adaptations with heartfelt storytelling and strong young protagonists. Series like Seraph of the End and Food Wars! Shokugeki no Soma offer different tones but share compelling character journeys. For editorial picks, Lost Ollie and The Smurfs provide family-friendly animated drama.
More About Princess Sarah
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