The Creator of ‘The Apothecary Diaries’ Announces ‘Jurassic Shadows’ Anime About Ninjas and Dinosaurs

‘Jurassic Shadows’ is officially in the works, and it’s exactly what it sounds like, sending the anime community into a frenzy. Director Norihiro Naganuma, renowned for his work on ‘The Apothecary Diaries’, revealed the project at Anime Expo 2026 on July 4, along with a first promotional trailer. The concept has sparked immense excitement, with Culture Crave and numerous other outlets sharing the footage to an overwhelmingly positive reception.

Set in Tokyo in 2029, the story unfolds in a world where dinosaurs, once thought to be extinct due to an asteroid impact, have secretly survived by interbreeding with humans. These prehistoric creatures now live among ordinary people, preying on them while remaining hidden in plain sight.

Opposing them is a secretive order of ninjas who utilize Ryugesho, a special pigment infused with ancient memories. By harnessing this mysterious pigment, they awaken dinosaur powers within themselves to combat the predators threatening humanity.

The series promises a unique blend of dinosaurs, ninjas, and “kesho” (make-up), creating an innovative power system. The trailer emphasizes that Naganuma is treating this premise with seriousness, showcasing a neon-lit modern Tokyo overrun with prehistoric threats, while the ninja protagonists creatively use the Ryugesho pigment in visually inventive ways.

Naganuma announced the anime during his panel at Anime Expo. The screenplay is being penned by Kenta Ihara, known for ‘Saga of Tanya the Evil’ and the ‘Ishura’ adaptations. Other key contributors include character designer Yukiko Nakatani, who worked on ‘The Apothecary Diaries’, and music composer Shūhei Mutsuki, recognized for his work on ‘Lycoris Recoil’. The animation will be produced by Cannon Code.

Additionally, a manga adaptation of ‘Jurassic Shadows’ is in the works at Kodansha, running concurrently with the anime production. This dual-format strategy has proven successful for similar titles, allowing the property to cultivate its audience before and after the anime’s premiere.

Naganuma’s involvement is a significant factor in the announcement’s impact. ‘The Apothecary Diaries’ has emerged as a defining anime in recent years, celebrated for its detailed visual storytelling and commitment to a slow-burn mystery. The transition from imperial Chinese court intrigue to dinosaur combat in a neon-lit Tokyo may seem like a bold leap, but the trailer indicates that the same visual care is evident here.

While no release date or platform has been confirmed yet, and the voice cast remains undisclosed, the creative talent behind the project and the enthusiastic response from the Anime Expo audience suggest that ‘Jurassic Shadows’ is poised to become one of the most anticipated original anime announcements of the year, built on a premise that surprisingly resonates.

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