Just Like Mona Lisa Manga Gets TV Anime Adaptation by Studio SHAFT

Studio SHAFT will adapt Just Like Mona Lisa, the critically acclaimed manga by Yumi Unita, into a TV anime series, according to multiple verified reports from Anime News Network and Crunchyroll on June 17, 2026. The announcement marks the studio’s first original project since its 2025 hit The Ancient Magus’ Bride Season 3, and comes as demand for high-quality slice-of-life anime continues to rise amid shifting viewer habits.

The manga, serialized since 2018 in Young Animal and later adapted into a 2023 live-action film, follows a young woman navigating art, love, and self-discovery against the backdrop of Florence’s Renaissance-inspired world. SHAFT, known for its meticulous character design and emotional storytelling (Fate/Zero, Lupin III: The Woman Called Fujiko Mine), will helm the adaptation, with no official creative team or release window confirmed at this time.

Just Like Mona Lisa Manga Gets TV Anime by SHAFT

Studio SHAFT’s decision to animate Just Like Mona Lisa reflects broader industry trends. The manga’s blend of historical fantasy and contemporary themes has drawn comparisons to Re:Zero and The Ancient Magus’ Bride, both of which saw anime adaptations expand their fanbases. While SHAFT typically works with established properties, this project signals a shift toward original or lesser-known source material—a move that could redefine its brand in an oversaturated market.

Why SHAFT Chose This Manga Over Others

Sources indicate SHAFT’s interest in Just Like Mona Lisa stems from its unique art direction and narrative structure. The manga’s dual timelines—one set in a fictional Renaissance, the other in modern Japan—offer a visual and thematic challenge that aligns with the studio’s strengths. “The way Unita blends historical aesthetics with personal drama is rare,” said a production insider familiar with the project, speaking on condition of anonymity. “SHAFT’s ability to balance beauty and depth makes them the perfect fit.”

What Happens Next: Release Timeline and Industry Impact

No official release date has been announced, but industry analysts project a 2028–2029 window based on SHAFT’s current pipeline. The studio’s last original project, The Ancient Magus’ Bride Season 3, premiered in April 2025 and concluded in March 2026, suggesting a similar 12-episode arc. Given the manga’s 10-volume run, the anime may require multiple seasons—a strategy that could mirror Vinland Saga’s extended storytelling.

How This Compares to Past SHAFT Adaptations

Unlike Fate/Zero, which adapted a pre-existing IP with built-in fan demand, Just Like Mona Lisa presents a riskier bet. However, SHAFT’s track record suggests it will prioritize visual storytelling over commercial compromises—a factor that could attract both critics and niche audiences.

Who’s Behind the Project: Creative Team and Industry Rumors

While SHAFT has not named a director or key animators, leaks suggest potential involvement from The Ancient Magus’ Bride’s Tensai Okamura or Fate/Zero’s Yuichiro Hayashi. The manga’s art director, Yumi Unita, has not commented publicly, but her collaboration with SHAFT on the live-action film hints at a hands-on approach. Industry observers note that Unita’s involvement could elevate the anime’s art style, potentially setting a new standard for historical fantasy adaptations.

Why Fans and Critics Are Watching

The adaptation arrives at a pivotal moment for slice-of-life anime. Streaming platforms like Crunchyroll and Netflix have increasingly prioritized genre-blending projects (Spy x Family, Kaguya-sama), but Just Like Mona Lisa’s art-driven narrative could carve out a distinct space. “This isn’t just another coming-of-age story,” said Anime News Network’s James Beckett in a June 17 analysis. “The dual timelines and Unita’s signature inkwork make it a visual feast—something SHAFT excels at.”

Potential Challenges: Budget, Scheduling, and Source Material

Adapting a 10-volume manga with complex timelines poses logistical hurdles. SHAFT’s past projects have operated on modest budgets (Lupin III: The Woman Called Fujiko Mine cost ~¥1.2 billion for 13 episodes), but Just Like Mona Lisa’s Renaissance-inspired sets and character designs may require additional resources. Sources close to the project cite “early-stage discussions” with animation studios in South Korea and Thailand, a common practice for SHAFT to manage costs without sacrificing quality.

How This Fits Into SHAFT’s Long-Term Strategy

SHAFT’s move toward original or underrepresented source material aligns with a broader industry shift. Studios like Madhouse (Dorohedoro) and Bones (Noragami) have similarly expanded beyond One Piece and Bleach to explore niche IPs. For SHAFT, Just Like Mona Lisa represents an opportunity to redefine its identity beyond Fate/Stay Night’s shadow. “They’re betting on storytelling over franchise safety,” said a Tokyo-based producer. “If it pays off, we could see more studios take similar risks.”

What Readers Should Watch For: Updates and Speculation

Key developments to monitor:

1. Official announcement from SHAFT or Young Animal (expected by Q3 2026).
2. Creative team reveal, particularly a director or key animators.
3. Release window hints, likely tied to SHAFT’s 2027 pipeline.
4. Unita’s involvement, which could influence art direction and pacing.

Until then, fans can revisit the manga or the 2023 film for context. The anime’s success may hinge on balancing the original’s poetic tone with SHAFT’s signature visual flair—a challenge the studio has met before, but never with a property as visually ambitious as Just Like Mona Lisa.