One of the biggest surprises at Anime Expo 2026 was the debut of the first teaser trailer for illustrator Mika Pikazo’s original TV anime, Re:bel Robotica. During Amuse Creative Studio’s special panel on July 4 in Los Angeles, the studio also confirmed that the sci-fi series is set to premiere in 2027.
Alongside the announcement, attendees got to visit a special exhibition hosted by Pikazo and received exclusive limited-edition mini-booklets celebrating the new project.
From Doujinshi to TV Anime: A Project Nearly 10 Years in the Making
Re:bel Robotica has been a long-term passion project for illustrator Mika Pikazo. The story first appeared in 2017 as a self-published doujinshi that she sold at Summer Comiket, long before it was announced as an anime.
The project expanded in 2019 when publisher ARCH partnered with Pikazo to develop the world further. Over the following years, it grew into a web novel and later inspired two novel adaptations written by Ryo Yoshigami and Gakuto Mikumo, helping build a larger audience.
Now, after nearly a decade of development, Re:bel Robotica is finally becoming a TV anime. The adaptation marks the biggest step yet for the franchise and brings Pikazo’s original vision to a much wider audience.
A Near-Future Story Set in Tokyo’s Shibuya in 2050
The anime takes place in Shibuya in the year 2050, where advanced technology has created a society that appears peaceful and comfortable. Human-like robots called Robotica assist people in their everyday lives, making the city seem almost perfect.
That peaceful world begins to change with the arrival of a mysterious girl named Lily. Her appearance threatens to disrupt the balance between humans and Robotica, setting the stage for a new conflict.
Rather than adapting the existing novels, the TV anime will tell an original story set within the same universe. This gives both longtime fans and newcomers a fresh experience while expanding the world of Re:bel Robotica.
Mika Pikazo Shares the Inspiration Behind the Story
Following the anime announcement, Mika Pikazo described Re:bel Robotica as a project that has been close to her heart for many years. She explained that the story reflects ideas and questions she has been thinking about since childhood.
According to Pikazo, the anime explores themes such as duty, personal freedom, and what it truly means to live while facing limitations. These ideas form the emotional core of the series alongside its futuristic setting.
The announcement also came during Anime Expo 2026, where Pikazo served as the event’s Key Visual Illustrator. Her major role at the convention made the anime’s first public showcase even more meaningful for fans.
Yuki Kajiura Leads the Music Team
The Anime Expo panel also revealed that acclaimed composer Yuki Kajiura will create the anime’s theme songs and insert songs. Her involvement has already generated excitement among anime fans.
The series’ background music will also feature compositions from Takumi Ozawa and Shiho Terada, bringing together an experienced music team for the project.
With Kajiura known for her memorable work on many popular anime series, fans can expect Re:bel Robotica to feature a soundtrack that matches its emotional and futuristic story.
Why Fans Are Excited for Mika Pikazo’s Original Anime
Mika Pikazo is already well known for her colorful artwork and character designs across the anime and gaming industries. Her distinctive visual style has earned her a large international following.
She has contributed character designs for Fire Emblem Engage, Fate/Grand Order, and popular VTubers including Kaguya Luna and Hakos Baelz. Those successful projects have built confidence in her ability to create memorable characters.
Because Re:bel Robotica is her own original creation, many fans are eager to see how her ideas translate into a full television anime for the first time.
