Image: WIT STUDIO/LONA COMMITTEE
AMBot | 06/28/2026 | Reading Time: 3 Min.
Animation studio WIT STUDIO, known for series such as "Attack on Titan" and "SPY×FAMILY," has officially announced a new original TV anime titled "LONA." The series is set to air in spring 2027. The announcement was made on June 28, 2026, and includes three teaser visuals, a teaser PV, and a teaser CM.
"LONA" stands for "Laboratory of Optics and Neural Analysis" and is described as a "brain science adventure." The story takes place in the near future, where attacks occur by individuals who are supposedly deceased. The government commissions the special unit LONA to investigate these incidents. Researcher Ao and her trainee Sango analyze the brains of the dead to explore their final thoughts and uncover the backgrounds of the attacks.
The project brings together prominent names from the Japanese entertainment industry. The original concept and screenplay are by Akiko Nogi, known for her work on the drama series "Unnatural" and "MIU404" as well as the film "Last Mile." This is Nogi's first anime work. Direction is handled by Takashi Katagiri, who previously directed the film "SPY×FAMILY Code: White." Original character design is by Posuka Demizu, who gained international recognition for her work on "The Promised Neverland." The music is composed by Hiroko Sebu, known for the film "Karaoke Iko!" Animation production is handled by WIT STUDIO, which also serves as the lead company of the production committee.
The main roles are voiced by Minako Kotobuki (as Ao), Anna Nagase (as Sango), and Fuka Izumi (as Mugen, the facility's mascot). In their comments, those involved emphasized the long development time—the project began in 2020 and took over six years—and their enthusiasm for the collaboration. Akiko Nogi stated that they had "finally reached this point" and looked forward to realizing expressions through animation that are only possible in anime. Director Takashi Katagiri expressed being overwhelmed to be able to create an anime based on Nogi's screenplay.
The world of "LONA" is inspired by the real large-scale research facility SPring-8 in Harima Science Park City, Hyogo Prefecture, a synchrotron radiation laboratory of the RIKEN Institute. This lends the series a special scientific authenticity.
Studio WIT STUDIO, which in 2026 is airing titles such as "Haru to Shura," "Honzuki no Gekokujou," and "Candy Caries," celebrates its 15th anniversary with "LONA," showcasing its ongoing innovative power in original anime productions. Further details, such as additional voice actors or broadcast times, are expected to be announced in the coming months.
"LONA" stands for "Laboratory of Optics and Neural Analysis" and is described as a "brain science adventure." The story takes place in the near future, where attacks occur by individuals who are supposedly deceased. The government commissions the special unit LONA to investigate these incidents. Researcher Ao and her trainee Sango analyze the brains of the dead to explore their final thoughts and uncover the backgrounds of the attacks.
The project brings together prominent names from the Japanese entertainment industry. The original concept and screenplay are by Akiko Nogi, known for her work on the drama series "Unnatural" and "MIU404" as well as the film "Last Mile." This is Nogi's first anime work. Direction is handled by Takashi Katagiri, who previously directed the film "SPY×FAMILY Code: White." Original character design is by Posuka Demizu, who gained international recognition for her work on "The Promised Neverland." The music is composed by Hiroko Sebu, known for the film "Karaoke Iko!" Animation production is handled by WIT STUDIO, which also serves as the lead company of the production committee.
The main roles are voiced by Minako Kotobuki (as Ao), Anna Nagase (as Sango), and Fuka Izumi (as Mugen, the facility's mascot). In their comments, those involved emphasized the long development time—the project began in 2020 and took over six years—and their enthusiasm for the collaboration. Akiko Nogi stated that they had "finally reached this point" and looked forward to realizing expressions through animation that are only possible in anime. Director Takashi Katagiri expressed being overwhelmed to be able to create an anime based on Nogi's screenplay.
The world of "LONA" is inspired by the real large-scale research facility SPring-8 in Harima Science Park City, Hyogo Prefecture, a synchrotron radiation laboratory of the RIKEN Institute. This lends the series a special scientific authenticity.
Studio WIT STUDIO, which in 2026 is airing titles such as "Haru to Shura," "Honzuki no Gekokujou," and "Candy Caries," celebrates its 15th anniversary with "LONA," showcasing its ongoing innovative power in original anime productions. Further details, such as additional voice actors or broadcast times, are expected to be announced in the coming months.
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This article was originally published in German. It was translated with technical support and editorially reviewed before publication.
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