Norihiro Naganuma, the director of The Apothecary Diaries, has officially announced his next anime project. During his panel at Anime Expo 2026, Naganuma introduced Jurassic Shadows, an original action series that marks a major departure from his previous work.
Alongside the announcement, the production team revealed the project’s first trailer, released a new key visual, and shared the initial story details along with the main creative staff. The reveal quickly attracted attention from anime fans, as it reunites several creators behind The Apothecary Diaries for an entirely new adventure centered on ninjas, dinosaurs, and a hidden conflict in modern Tokyo.
What Is Jurassic Shadows About?
Jurassic Shadows takes place in Tokyo in 2029 and introduces a world where dinosaurs never truly disappeared. Instead of becoming extinct millions of years ago, their DNA was passed down through generations of humans. These descendants now live among ordinary people, hiding their true nature while secretly feeding on humans. The story transforms a familiar scientific mystery into a modern conspiracy, creating a setting where danger exists in plain sight.
Standing against them is a secret ninja organization that has protected humanity for generations. These warriors rely on a mysterious pigment known as Ryūgeshō, which allows them to awaken ancient memories and unlock dinosaur-inspired abilities.
With its blend of science fiction, mythology, and ninja action, Jurassic Shadows offers a fresh take on both dinosaur and supernatural storytelling.
The Creative Team Reunites Key Talent From The Apothecary Diaries
Director Norihiro Naganuma reunites with several creators who helped make The Apothecary Diaries one of the most acclaimed anime in recent years.
Yukiko Nakatani joins the project as character designer, while Misato Aita returns as color designer. Animation production is being handled by Studio Cannon Code, with Slow Curve and Avex Pictures overseeing development and production.
The series also features original character concepts by manga artist Yoichi Amano, while Kenta Ihara, known for Saga of Tanya the Evil, is writing the screenplay. Music is being composed by Shūhei Mutsuki, whose previous work includes Lycoris Recoil.
Norihiro Naganuma Is Exploring a New Style of Storytelling
Jurassic Shadows represents a major creative shift for Norihiro Naganuma. While he earned widespread recognition for directing the mystery-driven and character-focused storytelling of The Apothecary Diaries, his latest project moves into large-scale action with a completely original setting and mythology.
Naganuma has described the anime as a story that blends dinosaurs, ninjas, and the concept of kesho, or makeup, into a unique world built around hidden memories and ancient powers. He has also explained that the series aims to balance beautiful visuals with a darker atmosphere, creating a story filled with mystery, suspense, and emotional conflict.
Original character designer Yoichi Amano also celebrated the announcement by highlighting the unusual combination of dinosaurs and ninjas. The reaction reflects one of the series’ biggest strengths. Its premise immediately stands out from other upcoming anime while remaining grounded through an experienced creative team.
Why Jurassic Shadows Is One of the Most Interesting Original Anime Announcements
Original anime face a different challenge than adaptations because they do not have an established manga or light novel audience. Their success depends on creating interest through a compelling concept, strong production values, and a talented creative team. Jurassic Shadows enters that challenge with an experienced staff and a premise unlike anything else currently announced.
The combination of prehistoric mythology, secret ninja clans, and modern Tokyo immediately separates the series from traditional action anime. At the same time, the involvement of creators behind acclaimed titles such as The Apothecary Diaries, Saga of Tanya the Evil, and Lycoris Recoil adds credibility to the project before its premiere.
Although many details remain unknown, Jurassic Shadows has already become one of the most talked-about original anime announced at Anime Expo 2026. With more news expected in the coming months, fans will be watching closely for the first cast announcements, a release window, and additional previews that reveal more about its ambitious world.
