Nogizaka Akiko and WIT Studio Announce Original TV Anime LONA for Spring 2027

A brand-new original TV anime titled LONA has been announced, with original concept and script by Nogizaka Akiko (known for Unnatural, MIU404, and the hit film Last Mile) and animation production by WIT Studio. The series is scheduled to begin broadcasting in spring 2027.

Nogizaka, a top-tier writer who has captivated Japan with numerous crime suspense masterpieces, now turns to the motif of “brain science” for her next work. Set in the near future, the story follows a new pair of partners and will be brought to life as an original TV anime. WIT Studio, acclaimed for high-quality visuals in titles like Attack on Titan and SPY×FAMILY, handles planning and animation production.

Staff and Production

The director is Katagiri Takashi, who gained worldwide attention for his work on SPY×FAMILY CODE: White. The original character design concept is by Demizu Posuka, the manga artist and illustrator behind the global hit The Promised Neverland. Music is composed by Sebu Yuuko, known for her emotional scores that enhance the drama of many films. The animation producer is Yamanaka Kazuki, who has worked on global hits such as SPY×FAMILY and Bubble. WIT Studio president Wada Joushi serves as planner, with the studio taking the lead as the production committee representative.

Additional staff include character designer Iino Yuudai, sub character designers Yamada Ayumu and Oogura Keisuke, image designer syo5, art setting and mecha designers Takabatake Satoshi and Fujii Kazushi, art director Kuga Yumiko, 3DCG director Hirosumi Shigenori, photography directors Minegishi Kentarou and Miyagi Miori, editor Hirose Kiyoshi (editz), color designer Tanaka Hanami, and sound director Hata Shouji.

Teaser Visuals and Videos

Three teaser visuals have been released in a countdown format via the official X accounts of WIT Studio, Nogizaka Akiko, and the anime’s official account. The visual from WIT Studio focuses on the apprentice researcher Sango, with the other researcher Ao reflected in her eyes.

The visual from Nogizaka’s account depicts the facility that serves as the main stage: the Laboratory of Optics and Neural Analysis, abbreviated as LONA.

The official account’s visual features a mysterious object that holds the key to the story.

Two teaser videos have also been released: a Teaser CM showing the near-future setting, and a Teaser PV featuring animated footage of Ao and Sango confronting the lingering thoughts of the dead. The setting is modeled after the SPring-8 large synchrotron radiation facility in the Harima Science Park City, Hyogo Prefecture.

Comments from the Team

Nogizaka Akiko (Original Concept & Script)

“We’ve finally made it this far with this strong team: the talented director Katagiri, the energetic producer Yamanaka, the reliable President Wada, and WIT Studio. The total meeting and work time since 2020 has been nauseatingly enormous, and the staff count is massive. I’m experiencing fear beyond awe at how hard it is to make an anime. We’re aiming for expressions only possible in anime! With the large synchrotron radiation facility I’ve always admired as the stage, we’ll take on the brain and the world. Stay alive. Please look forward to it!”

Katagiri Takashi (Director)

“A once-in-a-lifetime thing has happened. I got to make an anime with a script by Nogizaka. I think many people had faint hopes for this. I was one of them. I remember the excitement of reading the scenario for the first time like it was yesterday. And I envy everyone who will watch this anime from now on. You’ll get to have that experience I had! LONA is interesting. Please wait patiently!”

Demizu Posuka (Original Character Design Concept)

“I worked to create characters that feel alive and living here. Exploring the characters’ inner selves while designing was difficult but also a process that let me dive deep into this work. When I first joined, I was amazed by the world setting, and I couldn’t stop reading the script from the very beginning!”

Iino Yuudai (Character Designer)

“I was truly surprised when I was asked to be the character designer for LONA. At the same time, I was anxious about whether I could handle it. But as I deepened my understanding of the work, I became more positive. Please support LONA.”

Sebu Yuuko (Music)

“Recently, I’ve had many opportunities to be deeply impressed by the expressive possibilities of animation, and I was thinking I wanted to do more animation music. Then, at the Academy Awards ceremony, Nogizaka invited me to work on this project. What a wonderful coincidence! Surrounded by the WIT Studio team and director Katagiri, who are all enjoying the creation process, I’m having so much fun!”

Yamanaka Kazuki (Animation Producer)

“It’s been six years since the project started in 2020. We began wondering how to turn this into visuals, and we had countless meetings and exchanges. Finally, it’s taking shape, and we have a clear path to show it to everyone. The production is still in full swing. We’re constantly thinking and challenging ourselves, led by Katagiri and Iino, to not be outdone by Nogizaka’s script power. I’m happy that many strong and creative staff have gathered. With this wonderful production team, we can deliver with confidence! Just 10 more months!!! Please wait!!!”

Wada Joushi (Planning, WIT Studio President)

“Many companions have gathered for the story written by Nogizaka Akiko. Through research at the SPring-8 facility in Harima, Hyogo, a story about people trying to solve big mysteries by analyzing very small things has begun. Each piece of the gradually completed footage exceeds my imagination, and I’m amazed every day at how ‘really good’ it is! In the 15th year since WIT Studio’s founding, we present the original TV anime LONA to you!”

Cast Comments

Kotobuki Minako as Ao

“I’m Kotobuki Minako, voicing Ao. I’m one of those drawn to LONA. During the audition, director Katagiri and scriptwriter Nogizaka gave me a passionate and warm message about this work, and I was moved. In an original work, everyone respects each other and runs toward the same goal. Dubbing has started, and I’m happy to be part of that team. Please become a member of LONA too.”

Nagase Anna as Sango

“When I first read the project proposal during the audition, I was drawn to the words ‘brain,’ ‘thoughts of the dead,’ and ‘strong light,’ and was immediately pulled into the world of the work. I remember my heart pounding with anticipation for the unknown story. When I learned that the original concept and script were by Nogizaka Akiko, my desire to participate grew even stronger, and I gave my all in the audition. I’m very happy to be able to play Sango. I’m looking forward to seeing what fate awaits Sango. Please enjoy!”

Izumi Fuka as Mugen

“I’m Izumi Fuka, voicing Mugen. Mugen! What on earth is it?!! It’s big and cute! The story is exciting and makes you want to speculate. In this world where something seems to be going on, the story of people connecting and weaving together, and the developments that will surely arise from that ‘something’… I’m really looking forward to creating this work with the top creators and having everyone watch it! Thank you!”