WIT STUDIO has officially announced its next original TV anime, LONA, which is scheduled to premiere in Spring 2027. The studio also released the anime’s first teaser trailer, teaser commercial, and three teaser visuals while revealing its main staff and cast.
Mysterious incidents begin as people believed to be dead suddenly reappear and attack the living. Researchers working at the Neural Optical Analysis Laboratory (LONA) analyze the brains of the deceased to learn the truth behind the phenomenon.
The original concept and screenplay are by Akiko Nogi (Unnatural), while Takashi Katagiri (SPY×FAMILY CODE: White) is the director. Posuka Demizu (The Promised Neverland) created the original character designs, with Yuko Sebu in charge of the music. Animation production is handled by WIT STUDIO, with Kazuki Yamanaka (SPY×FAMILY, Bubble) serving as animation producer.
The main cast includes:
- Minako Kotobuki as Ao, a researcher at LONA.
- Anna Nagase as Sango, a trainee researcher.
- Fuka Izumi as Mugen, the mascot that works within the LONA facility.
Three teaser visuals were unveiled alongside the announcement. One features Sango with Ao reflected in her eye, another showcases the detailed interior of the LONA research facility, while the third teases a mysterious object that will play a key role in the story.
You can also watch the trailer:
The series is also inspired by the SPring-8 synchrotron radiation facility at the RIKEN research institute in Harima Science Garden City, Hyogo Prefecture, which serves as the model for the story’s setting.
Screenwriter Akiko Nogi commented:
“With director Katagiri’s overflowing talent, producer Yamanaka’s incredible energy, president Wada’s unwavering trust, and WIT STUDIO, this amazing team has finally brought us to this point. Since 2020, the amount of meetings and work we’ve poured into this project has honestly been enough to make me nauseous, and the number of staff involved is enormous. Making an anime is truly an overwhelming undertaking. We wanted to create something that could only exist in animation, so we’ve taken on the challenge of exploring the brain and the world using the large-scale synchrotron radiation facility I’ve always admired as our setting. Stay alive. Please look forward to it.”
Director Takashi Katagiri:
“Something that happens only once in a lifetime happened to me. I got to create an anime from a script written by Akiko Nogi.
I think many people have quietly hoped for this day. I was one of them. I still remember the excitement I felt when I first read the script as if it were yesterday.
And honestly, I’m jealous of everyone who will get to watch this anime for the first time.
LONA is truly something special. Please look forward to it.”
Source: LONA Official Website
©WIT STUDIO/LONA COMMITTEE
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