Studio SHAFF and CyberAgent chose a surprising venue to debut the first teaser for the upcoming Just Like Mona Lisa anime – Germany’s AnimagiC convention in Mannheim. The decision, explained by producer Manami Kabashima, was driven by the manga’s strong fanbase in Europe, especially Germany, where readers have shown passionate support since its debut.
During a live‑draw panel, author Tsumuji Yoshimura, SHAFT CEO Mitsutoshi Kubota and Kabashima answered questions about the adaptation, the manga’s unique premise, and how the studio plans to translate its signature turquoise accents into animation. The panel also served as the official reveal of the project’s codename “Project M,” a name first teased at Anime Expo 2025.
The teaser, which can be seen in full at AnimeCorner’s trailer announcement article, showcases the series’ visual style: stark black‑and‑white panels punctuated by bursts of turquoise that signal emotional moments. Yoshimura praised the care taken by SHAFT, noting that the color in the manga is not merely decorative but a narrative cue, appearing during Hinase’s moments of illness or introspection.
Yoshimura also explained the story’s core concept: a gender‑neutral protagonist, Hinase, who finds themselves at the center of a love triangle. “I originally conceived it as a triangular romantic comedy, but then it would be unfair for Hinase to be loved only by one, so I thought the main character should be genderless,” he said, emphasizing the series’ inclusive message.
When asked about SHAFT’s involvement, Kubota highlighted the studio’s long‑standing focus on bold color usage, citing previous works like Monogatari and Puella Magica. “Color was a key element in the manga, and we felt it would be interesting to express this through animation,” he explained. He added that the project aligns with SHAFT’s 50th‑anniversary ambitions, representing both a continuation of the studio’s visual experimentation and a fresh direction that challenges its “visual maximalism” against the manga’s quieter, introspective tone.
From a production standpoint, Kabashima described the year‑long secrecy surrounding “Project M” as a strategic move. Since the manga has already concluded, the team opted to build anticipation abroad before bringing feedback to Japan. This approach mirrors the growing trend of international-first announcements for Japanese media.
The panel also disclosed the main staff and cast, though the article refrains from listing individual names beyond the three speakers. Fans can expect a blend of SHAFT’s characteristic direction—dynamic camera tilts, abstract backgrounds, and meticulous detail—paired with a more subdued, character‑driven narrative.
International response to the manga has already exceeded expectations, with German fans queuing from early morning hours at the convention. Yoshimura expressed relief at seeing a large number of hands raised during the panel’s opening question about familiarity with the series, confirming that the manga’s reach extends far beyond Japan.
As the adaptation moves toward a 2027 broadcast slot (exact dates yet to be announced), the team remains focused on delivering a version that honors the source material’s emotional depth while leveraging SHAFT’s visual strengths. “We’re trying a new approach since this is a challenging project for us,” Kubota noted, hinting at possible innovations in animation technology to capture Hinase’s internal hesitations.
For further details on the staff, cast, and upcoming release schedule, keep an eye on SHAFT’s official channels and future announcements at major conventions.
Featured image: ©Tsumuji Yoshimura/SQUARE ENIX, Just Like Mona Lisa Partners
Source: Anime Corner