It has been announced that the original TV anime Mebius Dust produced by Dogakobo, originating from “Project ANIMA”, will start airing in July 2026. The main cast will be Takenaka Yuuto, Hieda Nene, and Sato Hiyoka. Additionally, the opening theme has been decided to be “Mebius” by Leo Ieiri, and the first episode’s beginning footage has also been released.
Teaser visual for Mebius Dust
“Project ANIMA” is a joint initiative by DeNA, Bunka Hoso, Sotsu, and MBS to create new original works for anime fans in the 2020s. Over the course of 2018, they solicited anime proposals from the general public. From over 8,000 entries, the first selection “SF / Robot Anime Division” yielded Sakugan (produced by Satelight), and the second selection “Other World / Fantasy Division” yielded The Story of a Girl Who Could Not Become a Magician (produced by J.C.Staff).
Mebius Dust is the third selection from the “Kids / Game Anime Division” that received the grand prize. Based on the original concept by Hajime Shinagawa of the same name, it is a TV anime that depicts an original story of high school students living in a downtown area. Directed by Taro Iwasaki (Amaama to Inazuma, The Bibliophile Princess), with series composition by Yoriko Tomita (My Dress-Up Darling, The Elusive Samurai).
Now its broadcast period has been announced, and the main cast has been revealed. Playing Arak, a high school student living in the downtown area, is Takenaka Yuuto. Playing Stella, Arak’s younger sister who is in the same school year, is Hieda Nene. Playing Olga, Arak and Stella’s childhood friend, is Sato Hiyoka.
Furthermore, the opening theme has been decided to be “Mebius” by Leo Ieiri. The jacket photo for this song features an illustration of the protagonist Arak, and it will be released digitally on June 3 ahead of the anime’s broadcast. Expectations are high for how Leo Ieiri will add color to the world of Mebius Dust.
The first episode’s beginning footage has also been released. It shows Arak, Stella, and Olga enjoying a capture-the-flag game with their friends, but it doesn’t seem to be an ordinary capture-the-flag game. What exactly are they doing, and where?
Alongside this announcement, comments have been received from the main cast members Takenaka, Hieda, and Sato, as well as from Leo Ieiri (opening theme artist), original concept and character designer Hajime Shinagawa, director Taro Iwasaki, and series composer Yoriko Tomita.
The original TV anime Mebius Dust produced by Dogakobo, originating from “Project ANIMA”, will start airing in July 2026. Look forward to further updates.
Comments
Arak (CV: Takenaka Yuuto)
My name is Takenaka Yuuto, and I will be playing the protagonist Arak in Mebius Dust.
This work is full of exhilarating action scenes thanks to its superpower battle elements, but also each character is very human, making it easy to feel familiar and empathetic.
Both Arak and I are characters who are introverted, often burdened with an inferiority complex, and harbor common negative emotions like the desire for approval from others.
Please see the story he weaves with his colorful group of friends.
Stella (CV: Hieda Nene)
I’m Hieda Nene, the voice of Stella!
I was very drawn to the setting and worldbuilding of this work ever since I saw the materials at the audition, so I am very happy to become a part of this world as Stella and to share her life.
Since this is an original work, I am going into the recordings with lively energy and a comfortable tension with the other cast members, while my heart is moved every episode by the unfolding story.
I hope the world of Mebius Dust, which has been filled with the passion of many people over a long time, reaches many viewers!
Olga (CV: Sato Hiyoka)
I am Sato Hiyoka, and I will be playing Olga.
Olga is a particularly powerful girl, and during recording I often had my spirits lifted by her energy!
But there is more to her charm than that.
I did my best to portray her as a wonderful, down-to-earth girl who cares about her friends and falls in love.
I hope you enjoy Mebius Dust, including Olga’s exploits!
Leo Ieiri
I think everyone has once thought, “What is being true to myself?”
When I was chosen to sing the opening theme for the anime Mebius Dust, the protagonist Arak’s struggle while interacting with others and facing himself seemed so bright, and the lyrics “Are you ready to become yourself?” came to me.
You aren’t born with a “true self”—it’s something you acquire and keep polishing as you live. That is the feeling I put into this song.
Original Concept and Character Designer: Hajime Shinagawa
Congratulations on the anime broadcast!
Looking back, many things have happened to me and to society since the award-winning moment until today.
I already feel it’s a miracle that a one-cour anime has been completed and broadcast through the hands of so many professionals.
I will watch while savoring the happiness that creating and enjoying anime and other entertainment is not something taken for granted.
Director: Taro Iwasaki
I am Taro Iwasaki, director of Mebius Dust.
I hope to express the boys and girls living in this world and deliver a story that will make viewers feel energetic.
Thank you for your support.
Series Composer: Yoriko Tomita
When I received this job offer, it was just about the time I wanted to learn more about the eastern side of Tokyo.
So I visited Katsushika Ward, the setting, many times, and I have incorporated actual buildings and scenery into the script.
Mizumoto, Kanamachi, Yotsugi, Shinkoiwa, Kosuge, and so on—along with a diverse cast of over 30 characters, I hope you enjoy the atmospheric townscape of Katsushika Ward.
Work Information
Title: “Mebius Dust”
Broadcast Information: Scheduled to air in July 2026!
Staff:
Original Concept / Character Design: Hajime Shinagawa (Project ANIMA 3rd Selection “Kids / Game Anime Division” Grand Prize)
Director: Taro Iwasaki
Series Composition: Yoriko Tomita
Animation Production: Dogakobo
Opening Theme: “Mebius” by Leo Ieiri
Cast:
Arak: Takenaka Yuuto
Stella: Hieda Nene
Olga: Sato Hiyoka
Introduction:
High school students Arak, Stella, and Olga live in the downtown area.
They play games, go to the bathhouse, and go home.
Is this the story of their everyday life…?
(C) “Mebius Dust” Production Committee
《Nakase Koutarou》
