Director Norihiro Naganuma, widely acclaimed for helming The Apothecary Diaries and The Ancient Magus' Bride, is pivoting from historical court intrigue and slow-burn fantasy to high-octane speculative action with Jurassic Shadows (Ryuugeshou no Shinobi). The project marks Naganuma's first-ever fully original television anime, developed alongside producers at Avex Pictures and Slow Curve.
Prehistoric DNA and Urban Ninjas
Set in Tokyo in the near-future year of 2029, the premise subverts traditional extinction lore: dinosaurs never truly vanished following the prehistoric impact, but instead integrated their genetic material into hidden human lineages. In the modern era, these dormant apex predators have resurfaced to hunt among the populace. Standing against them is a covert ninja syndicate whose operatives apply sacred cosmetic markings—known as Ryugeshou—to trigger and weaponize their own inherited prehistoric biology.
The creative framework pivots on four central thematic pillars: memory, dinosaurs, ninjas, and cosmetics. Original character drafts were penned by manga artist Youichi Amano, while character designer Yukiko Nakatani and color designer Misato Aida reunite with Naganuma following their celebrated run on The Apothecary Diaries.
Visual Pedigree Meets Fast Action
Naganuma emphasized that crafting an original action vehicle presented an entirely new technical horizon. The team conducted extensive palette testing to maintain expressive color balance amid fast kinetic combat, ensuring urban environments match the architectural depth seen in his past historical settings. Over ten distinct dinosaur species are slated to appear across the narrative arc, each tethered directly to individual character identities.
The overarching scenario has reached full script completion, alongside an official manga companion slated for publication under Kodansha. Broadcast timing and episode distribution schedules will follow in upcoming announcements.
