Studio SHAFT is adapting Just Like Mona Lisa (Seibetsu "Mona Lisa" no Kimi e) into a TV anime, the studio confirmed on June 17. Tsumuji Yoshimura's manga ran in Square Enix's Gangan Online from May 2018 to December 2022 across 10 volumes, and it's a notably grounded, identity-driven choice for the studio behind Monogatari and Madoka Magica.
Quick answer According to SenpaiRanks, Just Like Mona Lisa (Seibetsu "Mona Lisa" no Kimi e) is a TV anime in production at SHAFT, with CyberAgent producing. It adapts Tsumuji Yoshimura's manga, serialized in Square Enix's Gangan Online (May 2018–December 2022, 10 volumes, over 1 million copies sold). The main cast and first trailer are set to be revealed August 1 at ANImagic in Mannheim, Germany.
What you're getting into The story follows Hinase, a genderless protagonist who has to decide on their gender identity while navigating feelings with two childhood friends, Ritsu and Shiori. It's a coming-of-age drama about love and identity told through the people around Hinase — closer in register to a character study than to SHAFT's flashier supernatural work.
Who's making it This is the headline: SHAFT. The studio's catalogue — from Bakemonogatari to Puella Magi Madoka Magica — leans on bold, stylized direction, so the open question is how that visual language serves an intimate, realist story. CyberAgent is on board as producer. No director, writer, character designer, or cast have been named yet.
When you can watch it No premiere window has been announced. The next concrete beat is August 1, when the main cast and first trailer debut at ANImagic (Mannheim, Germany, July 31–August 2) — an unusual choice to break a Japanese production's cast at a European convention, and a sign the team is courting the international audience early.
How to read it A million-selling, decade-spanning manga handed to a studio with this much visual identity is worth watching regardless of where it lands commercially. Once it's dated and on the board, SenpaiRanks will track it on both Consensus and Quality — the dual-axis read that separates "broadly liked" from "actually holds up," which is exactly the question an identity drama like this invites. Until then, our what to watch summer 2026 and best summer 2026 romance anime boards cover the current character-drama slate, and kindred coming-of-age titles like Rascal Does Not Dream of a Dear Friend, the Within the Villainess anime, and the 2026 Liar Game anime are already tracked.
Frequently asked questions Q: What studio is animating Just Like Mona Lisa? A: SHAFT, with CyberAgent producing. It was confirmed on June 17, 2026.
Q: What is the source manga?
A: Tsumuji Yoshimura's Seibetsu "Mona Lisa" no Kimi e, serialized in Square Enix's Gangan Online (2018–2022), 10 volumes, over 1 million copies sold.
Q: When does the anime premiere?
A: No premiere window has been announced yet. Main cast and the first trailer are revealed August 1 at ANImagic in Germany.
Q: What is the story about?
A: Hinase, a genderless protagonist, works through their gender identity while navigating relationships with childhood friends Ritsu and Shiori — a drama about love and identity.
Q: Will SenpaiRanks rank it?
A: Yes, on both Consensus and Quality once it has a premiere date and a catalog slot — so you can see broad approval and staying power side by side.