The Price of Smiles

"The Price of Smiles" (Japanese: エガオノダイカ, Hepburn: Egao no Daika) is an original Japanese anime series produced by Tatsunoko Production as part of the studio's 55th-anniversary celebration. Set on a planet far from Earth, the story follows Princess Yuuki Soleil, a cheerful 12-year-old living in a kingdom full of smiles, and Stella Shining, a 17-year-old soldier who always wears a smile. Despite their contrasting backgrounds and circumstances, their fates are intertwined. The anime premiered in Japan on January 4, 2019, and consists of 12 episodes. It blends action, drama, mecha, and psychological themes, exploring the true meaning of smiles and the importance of maintaining hope and dignity amidst harsh realities. The series is directed by Toshimasa Suzuki, with scripts by Shinichi Inotsume, character designs by NOB-C and Naoto Nakamura, and music by Tsubasa Itō. The opening theme is "Egao no Kanata" and the ending theme is "Kono Sekai ni Hanataba wo."