Akiko Nogi, the acclaimed screenwriter behind hit dramas like "The Full-Time Wife Escapist," "Unnatural," and "MIU404," is diving into the world of anime for the very first time! Today, she revealed her brand-new original TV anime project, titled "LONA."
Nogi is handling the original concept and screenplay, with Takashi Katagiri, director of "SPY×FAMILY CODE: White the Movie," at the helm. WIT STUDIO, known for its stellar work, is in charge of planning and animation production. Get ready for its premiere in Spring 2027! The official teaser visual and PV have also dropped.
"LONA" is an adventure series centered around brain science. It follows a group of researchers who can interact with the residual thoughts of the deceased, as they confront the unknown and challenge the very fabric of their world. The story's setting draws inspiration from Japan's Harima Science Garden City in Hyogo Prefecture, specifically referencing SPring-8 (part of RIKEN).
The newly released teaser PV offers a first look at protagonists Ao and Sango as they encounter the lingering thoughts of the deceased. This marks their official animated debut and provides a tantalizing glimpse into the series' mysterious brain science-infused world.
The main voice cast for three key characters has also been revealed! Minako Kotobuki will lend her voice to Ao, the researcher; Anna Nagase joins as Sango, the intern researcher; and Fuka Izumi will voice "Mugen" (Infinity), the facility's lively mascot.
Akiko Nogi, who has an impressive track record in live-action dramas and films, shared her thoughts on her anime debut: "With the incredibly talented Director Katagiri, the proactive Producer Yamanaka, the trustworthy President Wada, and WIT STUDIO all working together, we've finally reached this point!"
She also teased that the series will push the boundaries of what only animation can achieve. "Since it's anime, we're going for visuals that only anime can deliver. That's why I chose a large synchrotron radiation facility, a place I've always admired, as the setting, tackling the massive themes of 'the brain' and 'the world.' Stay Alive, and please look forward to it!"
Director Takashi Katagiri couldn't hide his excitement, exclaiming, "Something truly incredible has happened in my life: I get to direct an anime based on Nogi-sensei's script!" He recalled being absolutely blown away the first time he read it.
"Even now, the emotion I felt reading that script for the first time feels as fresh as yesterday. I'm almost a little jealous of future viewers, because they'll get to experience the same surprise I did when I first dove into the story."
Posuka Demizu, the manga artist behind "The Promised Neverland" and character original designer for "LONA," shared, "Designing while delving into the characters' inner worlds was challenging, but it completely immersed me in the project. When I first encountered this work, its world-building profoundly impacted me; the script hooked me from the very first page."
As Akiko Nogi's first foray into anime, this project has already generated significant buzz since its announcement. With "LONA" slated for a Spring 2027 premiere, get ready to see what kind of original masterpiece she'll deliver!
via： X@ TVアニメ『LONA』公式