Anime adaptation seekers have their eyes locked on Studio SHAFT as the legendary animation house lifts the curtain on its upcoming project, Just Like Mona Lisa (Mona Lisa no Tawamure). Slated for a 2027 premiere, the series released a striking key visual alongside an official teaser trailer introducing the ending theme song performed by Japanese artist imase.
Alongside the trailer, production committees confirmed seven additional voice cast members joining Chika Anzai, who stars as the central protagonist Hinase Arima. The expanded cast list features Yoshino Aoyama, Nobuhiko Okamoto, Daisuke Sakuma, Chiharu, Kakeru Hatano, Haruna Mikawa, and Shion Wakayama.
Production Pedigree & Staff
Originally announced by CyberAgent under the codename Project M, the romantic drama adapts the acclaimed manga by Jun Yoshimura (also known as Tsumuji Yoshimura). Bringing the unique premise to life is director Kana Shundo, working alongside character designer and chief animation director Nobuhiro Sugiyama. Musical compositions are handled by acclaimed composer Yuki Hayashi.
This production carries additional historical weight, arriving during Studio SHAFT's milestone 50th anniversary year. Known worldwide for avant-garde visual framing and distinct aesthetic flair in titles like Puella Magi Madoka Magica, the Monogatari series, and March Comes in Like a Lion, SHAFT's pedigree positions this romantic drama as one of the most visually anticipated releases of 2027.
Set in a world where individuals are born genderless and typically select a gender around the age of twelve, the story follows high school student Hinase Arima, who remains genderless at eighteen. Hinase’s quiet life shifts dramatically when childhood friends Ritsu Kaga and Shiori Takayama both confess their romantic feelings.
Jun Yoshimura, Original Creator
