Get ready, manga fans! Kazuya Yoshimura's captivating series, "To You, The Immortal Mona Lisa." (性別「モナリザ」の君へ。), is officially getting a TV anime adaptation! The big news dropped on the 17th, revealing that none other than SHAFT, the legendary studio behind hits like the "Monogatari Series" and "Puella Magi Madoka Magica," will be handling production. To celebrate, a brand-new teaser visual has also been unveiled.
"To You, The Immortal Mona Lisa." captivated readers from 2018 until its conclusion in December 2021, serialized on GANGAN ONLINE. The series wrapped up with a total of 10 tankobon volumes.
The story plunges us into a unique world where "all humans are born without a fixed gender."
Our protagonist, Hio Arima, watches with a mix of envy and longing as childhood friends begin to develop, their bodies transforming into the boys and girls they aspire to be. Hio clings to the belief that "I'm just a late bloomer; my time will come." But as Hio turns 18, with no changes in sight, hope begins to fade. Then, during a routine physical, the doctor makes a startling discovery: Hio's hormone levels are shifting! Could this finally be the moment Hio "comes of age"?
Through a journey of self-discovery, friendship, and romance, the series beautifully portrays a vibrant coming-of-age drama.
To commemorate the exciting TV anime announcement, author Kazuya Yoshimura shared a special celebratory illustration and a heartfelt message:
"To all the readers who have supported this work throughout its journey, thank you so, so much! Because of your incredible support, 'To You, The Immortal Mona Lisa.' is finally getting an anime adaptation!! Animating an original work has always been my biggest dream as a manga artist, so I'm absolutely ecstatic right now! This is amazing—!!"
"While I haven't seen the finished anime footage myself yet, from the various materials I've reviewed during supervision, I can already feel that this project is evolving into a truly stylish and captivating anime. So, I hope everyone can look forward to the official broadcast date with me!"
"Specifically, I'm incredibly curious to see how the iconic 'turquoise' visual effects from the manga will be brought to life in the anime! Through the efforts of all the staff involved and the expressive power of animation, I sincerely hope that this work reaches even more people who haven't encountered it before, bringing them joy and emotion!! Thank you all so much!"
▼ Kazuya Yoshimura's celebratory illustration for the anime adaptation
But wait, there's more! The official announcement also revealed a special stage event for "To You, The Immortal Mona Lisa." at AnimagiC, Europe's major anime and manga convention held in Mannheim, Germany. The event will feature appearances by the main voice cast, and fans will get the very first look at the series' debut promotional video!
Currently, only SHAFT's involvement has been confirmed, with the broadcast date still under wraps. 
This series, with its unique premise of gender being determined during adolescence, delves deep into themes of self-identity, romantic feelings, and the challenges of growing up. During its original run, it garnered significant praise from readers for its nuanced portrayal of character psychology and interpersonal relationships.
Now, with the anime adaptation confirmed and the highly acclaimed SHAFT at the helm—a studio renowned for its masterful depiction of youth and emotion—fans are buzzing with anticipation for how the anime will bring this compelling story to life.
