by Acclaimed screenwriter Akiko Nogi, best known for hit live-action dramas Unnatural and MIU404, is making her anime debut with LONA, an all-new original TV anime scheduled to premiere in Spring 2027. Produced by the renowned WIT STUDIO, the series has officially been announced alongside two teaser promotional videos (PVs), three teaser visuals, and comments from the creative team and voice cast.
The announcement marks a major milestone in Nogi’s career, as LONA is her first original anime project created specifically for television. The ambitious science-fiction mystery combines neuroscience, emotional storytelling, and near-future adventure, bringing together an award-winning creative team from across the anime and live-action industries.
Akiko Nogi Takes on Her First Original Anime
Known for writing emotionally rich and critically acclaimed live-action productions, Akiko Nogi has built a reputation for exploring complex human relationships and social themes. With LONA, she enters the world of original television anime for the first time.
Rather than adapting an existing manga or novel, LONA is a completely original story created by Nogi herself. This gives the production team the freedom to build an entirely new universe centered around one fascinating concept: neuroscience.
The anime follows a new investigative duo working in a near-future world where cutting-edge brain research may hold the answers to mysteries surrounding human consciousness and lingering emotions.
WIT STUDIO Leads the Production
Animation production and project planning are being handled by WIT STUDIO, one of Japan’s most respected animation studios.
The studio has earned worldwide recognition through acclaimed titles such as:
- Attack on Titan (early seasons)
- SPY×FAMILY
- Ranking of Kings
- Bubble
- Great Pretender
For LONA, WIT STUDIO is also serving as the leading member of the production committee, overseeing both planning and animation production.
The project has reportedly been in development since 2020, highlighting the extensive planning and collaboration behind the series.
An Award-Winning Creative Team
The anime features an impressive lineup of creators from multiple entertainment fields.
Staff
- Original Story & Screenplay: Akiko Nogi
- Director: Takashi Katagiri
- Original Character Design: Posuka Demizu (The Promised Neverland)
- Character Design: Yudai Iino
- Music: Hiroko Sebu
- Animation Production: WIT STUDIO
- Animation Producer: Kazuki Yamanaka
Director Takashi Katagiri, who gained widespread attention through SPY×FAMILY CODE: White, described working with Akiko Nogi as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Meanwhile, celebrated illustrator Posuka Demizu explained that designing the characters required exploring their emotions and personalities in depth, making the creative process both challenging and rewarding.
A Near-Future Mystery Inspired by Real Science
One of the most intriguing aspects of LONA is its setting.
The story takes place inside the Laboratory of Optics and Neural Analysis (LONA), a research facility inspired by SPring-8, the world-famous synchrotron radiation research center located in Hyogo Prefecture, Japan.
Rather than focusing on traditional action or fantasy, the anime explores mysteries through the lens of brain science, asking profound questions about memory, consciousness, and the lingering thoughts of the deceased.
This scientific setting gives the series a unique identity among upcoming anime titles.
Three Teaser Visuals Reveal the World of LONA
Three beautifully illustrated teaser visuals were released following a countdown campaign across social media.
Each visual highlights a different aspect of the story:
Sango Visual
Released through WIT STUDIO’s official account, this artwork focuses on Sango, an apprentice researcher voiced by Anna Nagase. Reflected in her eyes is fellow researcher Ao, hinting at the close partnership between the two protagonists.
Laboratory Visual
Shared by Akiko Nogi’s official account, this visual introduces the Laboratory of Optics and Neural Analysis (LONA), the central location where much of the story unfolds.
The detailed background design hints at the advanced technology and mysterious experiments that await viewers.
Mystery Object Visual
The official LONA account unveiled a third image centered around a mysterious object believed to play a major role in the story’s central mystery.
Together, the three visuals establish an atmosphere of scientific discovery, suspense, and emotional intrigue.
First Animated Footage Released
Alongside the announcement, WIT STUDIO released two promotional videos.
Teaser Commercial (CM)
The first video introduces the anime’s futuristic world and offers a brief look at its advanced scientific setting.
Teaser PV
The second teaser offers the first animated footage from the series.
It follows researchers Ao and Sango as they investigate mysterious phenomena connected to the lingering emotions of the deceased.
Although the teaser keeps many story details under wraps, it successfully conveys the anime’s emotional tone, mysterious atmosphere, and cinematic animation style.
Main Voice Cast
The anime stars an accomplished voice cast, including:
- Minako Kotobuki as Ao
- Anna Nagase as Sango
- Fuka Izumi as Mugen, the laboratory’s mascot character
Additional cast members are expected to be announced closer to the series’ premiere.
Creators Share Their Passion for the Project
Several members of the production team shared heartfelt comments following the announcement.
Akiko Nogi
Nogi praised the dedication of the staff and revealed that the project has involved years of planning and countless meetings since development began in 2020.
She expressed both admiration and respect for the complexity of anime production and encouraged fans to look forward to a story that explores ideas only animation can fully express.
Director Takashi Katagiri
Katagiri described directing LONA as a dream opportunity, saying he still remembers the excitement he felt when reading Nogi’s script for the first time.
He even joked that he envies future viewers because they will soon experience the same excitement he felt during production.
Posuka Demizu
Demizu explained that creating the characters required carefully exploring each character’s emotions and inner lives, making the design process especially meaningful.
Hiroko Sebu
Composer Hiroko Sebu shared that she had long hoped to compose music for more anime projects and was thrilled when Nogi personally invited her to join LONA.
Kazuki Yamanaka
Animation producer Kazuki Yamanaka revealed that six years of development have gone into the project, describing it as one of the most ambitious productions WIT STUDIO has undertaken.
Voice Cast Express Their Excitement
The lead cast also shared their enthusiasm.
Minako Kotobuki said she was deeply inspired by the passion shown by the staff during auditions and feels honored to become part of such an ambitious original project.
Anna Nagase revealed that she was immediately captivated by keywords like “brain,” “the thoughts of the dead,” and “strong light,” which convinced her that LONA would be unlike any other anime.
Fuka Izumi, who voices the mascot character Mugen, praised the imaginative world and said she is excited for audiences to discover the mysteries hidden within the story.
Why ‘LONA’ Is One of Spring 2027’s Most Anticipated Anime
Several factors have already made LONA one of the most anticipated original anime projects of 2027:
- Akiko Nogi’s first original anime screenplay
- High-quality production from WIT STUDIO
- Original character designs by Posuka Demizu
- A unique neuroscience-inspired mystery
- A completely original story with no existing source material
- Beautiful teaser visuals and cinematic animation
Because the series is not based on a manga or novel, every episode will be a completely new experience for audiences.
Broadcast Information
Title: LONA
Premiere: Spring 2027
Format: Original TV Anime
Animation Studio: WIT STUDIO
Additional information, including the full cast, theme songs, broadcast schedule, and streaming platforms, is expected to be announced in the coming months.
Final Thoughts
With an acclaimed writer making her anime debut, an award-winning studio leading production, and an intriguing story centered on neuroscience and human emotion, LONA is shaping up to be one of the standout original anime of Spring 2027.
The newly released teaser trailers and visuals offer only a glimpse of its mysterious world, but they have already generated significant excitement among anime fans. As more information is revealed, LONA is likely to remain one of the most closely watched upcoming original anime projects.
