Just Like Mona Lisa Anime by Studio SHAFT Reveals First Trailer, Main Staff and Cast

The anime adaptation of Tsumuji Yoshimura’s Just Like Mona Lisa (Seibetsu “Mona Lisa” no Kimi e) revealed the first trailer, along with the main staff and cast. As previously confirmed, studio SHAFT is in charge of the animation production.

First announced by CyberAgent under the codename “Project M,” the adaptation will bring Yoshimura’s acclaimed romance drama to the screen through the studio behind Puella Magi Madoka Magica, the Monogatari series, and March Comes in Like a Lion. The production also coincides with SHAFT’s 50th anniversary year.

The official synopsis is described:

What if everyone were born genderless, who would you fall in love with?

The highly anticipated TV anime adaptation of Just Like Mona Lisa by Tsumuji Yoshimura, a series that has surpassed a cumulative 1 million copies sold, is finally here.

Hinase, the main character who continues to live genderless.
Childhood friends Ritsu and Shiori, who have already chosen theirs.
What is “love”? What does it mean to have something you want to cherish above all else?
Their classmates and the adults around them struggle and hesitate alongside them, weaving the story together.
What choice will Hinase make?

A breathtaking triangle of first love and youth, now brought to life in beautiful animation by SHAFT, one of Japan’s leading animation studios.

Chika Anzai has been cast as Hinase Arima. Commenting on the role, she said:

“I’ll never forget the impact this story had on me when I first encountered it during the audition. It made me think not only about Hinase, but about myself and what it means to be human. The story stayed with me, so I’m honored to be involved as Hinase, and I feel a great sense of responsibility.”

She also spoke about the recording process:

“Every role is incredibly challenging, and the themes are complex, so we’re approaching each recording session carefully together with Director Shundo, the staff, and the cast. The original creator, Jun Yoshimura, is present at every recording session, which has been incredibly reassuring. I’m also excited as a fan to see this story brought to life through SHAFT’s animation. While the themes are serious, there are also moments that are heartwarming, funny, and romantic, so I hope viewers won’t feel intimidated.”

The main staff includes:

• Original work: Jun Yoshimura (The Gender of Mona Lisa’s You)
• Director: Kana Shundo
• Character Design / Chief Animation Director: Nobuhiro Sugiyama
• Music: Yuki Hayashi
• Animation Production: SHAFT
• Production: CyberAgent

The original manga has over 1 million copies in circulation and was published by Square Enix through Gangan Comics ONLINE. The complete series consists of eight main volumes alongside the companion volumes X and Y.

The anime made an early appearance at AnimagiC 2026 in Mannheim, Germany. A special stage event on August 1 featured the world premiere of the anime’s first trailer, the reveal of the main voice cast, and a live drawing session by Yoshimura. SHAFT CEO Mitsutoshi Kubota and CyberAgent anime producer Manami Kabashima also appeared.

Source: Just Like Mona Lisa Official X
©Tsumuji Yoshimura/SQUARE ENIX, Just Like Mona Lisa Partners