CyberAgent is producing a television anime adaptation of Tsumuji Yoshimura’s manga Just Like Mona Lisa (Seibetsu “Mona Lisa” no Kimi e.), with animation studio SHAFT handling production. The announcement, confirmed by the production committee, includes plans to unveil the series’ main cast and first trailer during a stage panel at the ANImagic convention in Mannheim, Germany, on August 1.
What is the premise of Just Like Mona Lisa?
The story explores a world where all humans are born genderless, shifting the focus of traditional romance toward individual connection rather than gender roles. According to the official description provided by CyberAgent, the series follows the protagonist, Hinase, as they navigate their own identity alongside childhood friends Ritsu and Shiori, who have already made their personal choices regarding gender. The manga, which concluded in December 2022 after 10 volumes, examines themes of love, self-discovery, and the societal pressures placed on young people.
The Just Like Mona Lisa manga has surpassed 1 million copies in cumulative sales, a significant milestone for a series centered on gender identity and philosophical romance.
How does this production fit into current industry trends?
The selection of SHAFT as the animation studio signals a focus on stylistic, character-driven storytelling, a hallmark of the studio’s previous work on series like Monogatari and Puella Magi Madoka Magica. By adapting a completed, successful manga series, CyberAgent follows a growing trend of “prestige” adaptations—projects that leverage existing, critically acclaimed source material with a defined beginning and end. This contrasts with the industry’s historical reliance on ongoing, long-form shonen titles, suggesting a shift toward high-concept, shorter-run emotional narratives.
Where can readers find the original manga?
Square Enix, which originally serialized the manga in Gangan Online starting in May 2018, continues to manage the international distribution of the title. Readers can access the series digitally through the Manga UP! Global platform and BookWalker. For those preferring physical copies, Square Enix Manga & Books published the 10th and final volume on May 19, completing the English-language collection of the series.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When will the anime trailer be released? The first trailer and main cast list will be unveiled at the ANImagic convention in Germany on August 1.
- Who is animating the series? SHAFT, the studio known for its distinct visual aesthetic, is producing the animation.
- Is the original manga still ongoing? No, Tsumuji Yoshimura concluded the manga in its 10th volume in December 2022.
- Where can I read the series in English? The manga is available digitally on Manga UP! Global and BookWalker, and in print through Square Enix Manga & Books.
If you enjoy character-focused dramas, follow the official Just Like Mona Lisa social media channels for updates following the August 1 panel at ANImagic.
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