Wit Studio has confirmed the release of its upcoming sci-fi anime, LONA, a dark and twisted survival story. In addition, the production team behind anime also revealed two teaser videos, three teaser visuals, and a full cast and staff lineup, confirming that the project is already well into production.
The announcement came just over a week after Wit Studio teased the project at the Chayamachi Oshi Festival 2026 on June 20. The studio also launched a countdown website, which sparked speculation among fans ahead of the official announcement.
What Is LONA About?
LONA tells a story unlike anything Wit Studio has produced before. Set in a near-future world facing a mysterious crisis, the anime follows a government-backed organization trying to answer one chilling question: “Why are humans being attacked by people who should be dead?”
The story centers on Ao, a researcher at the Laboratory of Optics and Neural Analysis (LONA), and her apprentice, Sango. Together, they investigate the mystery using an unusual method, analyzing the brains of the dead to uncover the truth behind the attacks.
As the official synopsis from Wit Studio puts it:
What do people think of, and what do they leave behind before they die? Countless memories engraved in the neural circuits. What did they see in those deep depths?
The teaser visuals highlight the anime’s mysterious and unsettling atmosphere. One image shows four characters inside what appears to be a research facility, while another features a person suspended inside a large, bubble-like sphere. The striking visuals hint at the experimental setting and the strange mysteries that await in LONA.
Meet the Creative Team Behind LONA
LONA brings together an experienced creative team led by director Takashi Katagiri. Best known for directing SPY×FAMILY Code: White, Katagiri also worked as co-assistant director on SPY×FAMILY Season 1 and Wit Studio’s Bubble, making LONA another major project in his growing career.
The series is written by Akiko Nogi, who is credited with both the original story and screenplay. Nogi is widely known for hit Japanese dramas such as Unnatural, MIU404, and Running Away Is Shameful but Useful (Nigehaji). She also wrote the screenplay for Masaaki Yuasa’s animated film Inu-Oh. Her work is recognized for blending compelling storytelling with thoughtful social themes, making her a strong fit for LONA’s sci-fi mystery.
The original character designs are by Posuka Demizu, the artist behind The Promised Neverland. Her distinctive art style, known for its expressive characters and atmospheric visuals, is expected to give LONA a unique look.
Yūdai Iino, whose previous credits include The Devil Is a Part-Timer!! Seasons 2 and 3, is adapting Demizu’s designs for animation. The music is composed by Hiroko Sébu, whose atmospheric scores are expected to complement the series’ mysterious and emotional tone.
Wit Studio’s History of Original Anime
Wit Studio is best known for producing hit anime such as Attack on Titan Seasons 1–3, Vinland Saga Season 1, and SPY×FAMILY, which it co-produced with CloverWorks.
Alongside its successful adaptations, the studio has built a strong reputation for original anime, including Great Pretender, Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress, and Vivy: Fluorite Eye’s Song. LONA continues that tradition, with Wit Studio credited for the project’s planning, direction, and animation production.
With its story centered on brain science, death, and memory, LONA marks another original project for the studio.
Voice Cast
Three principal cast members have been announced:
* Minako Kotobuki as Ao (the lead researcher)
* Anna Nagase as Sango (Ao’s apprentice)
* Fūka Izumi as Mugen
All three voice actresses have experience across a wide range of roles, making them a strong fit for LONA’s emotional sci-fi story.
What to Expect From LONA
Although many details are still under wraps, LONA has already attracted attention with its original sci-fi premise and experienced creative team. With Akiko Nogi writing the story, Posuka Demizu designing the characters, Takashi Katagiri directing, and Hiroko Sébu composing the music, the anime brings together an impressive lineup of talent.
LONA is scheduled to premiere in Spring 2027. More information, including additional cast members, new visuals, and streaming or broadcast details, is expected to be announced in the coming months.
