Tsumuji Yoshimura’s Just Like Mona Lisa (Seibetsu “Mona Lisa” no Kimi e) is officially receiving a TV anime adaptation, with animation by studio SHAFT. The announcement was accompanied by a teaser visual and a special commemorative illustration from Yoshimura.
Previously 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.
Set in a world where people are born genderless and typically choose a gender around the age of twelve, the story follows high school student Hinase Arima, who remains genderless at eighteen. Hinase’s quiet life begins to change when childhood friends Ritsu Kaga and Shiori Takayama both confess their feelings.
The original manga has surpassed 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.
To celebrate the announcement, Yoshimura shared a special illustration and message for fans, expressing excitement about seeing the story adapted into anime and confidence that the project will become “a stylish and wonderful anime” after observing the production process.
The anime will also make an early appearance at AnimagiC 2026 in Mannheim, Germany. A special stage event scheduled for August 1 will feature 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 are also set to appear.
Source: Press Release
© Tsumuji Yoshimura / SQUARE ENIX, “Just Like Mona Lisa” Project
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