One of the biggest anime announcements at Anime Expo 2026 was the first world premiere reveal of Jurassic Shadows (Ryugesho no Shinobi), an original anime directed by Norihiro Naganuma, best known for his visually stunning work on The Apothecary Diaries and Ancient Magus Bride. The panel featured Naganuma alongside producers Tomokazu Iizumi  (Avex Pictures) and Toshiaki Obata (SlowCurve). They unveiled the project's first promotional trailer and concept artwork to a packed audience at the Los Angeles Convention Center. All the attendees would be the first audience in the world to see both the promotional video and the official key visual.

This completely original action series combines two popular subjects: ninjas and dinosaurs. Unlike Naganuma's previous works, which are known for their emotional stories and historical settings, Jurassic Shadows marks his first action anime and his first entirely original television project. Fans may recognize many of the original staff from The Apothecary Diaries. The series represents a dramatic visual change towards fast-paced battle animation without sacrificing the visual presentation that has become Naganuma's signature.

Jurassic Shadows is set in Tokyo in the year 2029, where dinosaurs were never truly wiped out by asteroids. They, in fact, survived by secretly passing on their DNA across generations of humans through interbreeding. Because of this, dinosaurs now exist hidden among ordinary people, quietly hunting humanity from within modern society. The protagonist of this story is a secret order of ninjas known as the Ryugesho. Their special ability is called "Ryugesho," a mysterious pigment infused with prehistoric DNA memories. Applying this special makeup ("kesho") allows these ninjas to awaken dormant dinosaur abilities within themselves and transform into powerful warriors capable of battling the predators threatening mankind with their hidden prehistoric powers.

Naganuma has mentioned that the narrative is built around four interconnected concepts he had in mind: memory, dinosaurs, ninjas, and makeup. While those ideas may initially seem unrelated, he explained that they become tightly woven together throughout the story. Normally, the idea of combining dinosaurs and ninjas initially sounds very unconventional; the production team emphasized that the concept goes much deeper than its surface-level action. Toshiaki Obata explained that the project began as a creative challenge between Avex Pictures and SlowCurve to develop an entirely original anime centered on two universally popular ideas: dinosaurs and ninjas. Multiple story concepts were created before the current version was selected and eventually pitched to Naganuma.

The series's most unique feature is the use of makeup (kesho) as the trigger for transformation. Instead of depending on traditional magical powers or technology, the characters apply Ryugesho to  themselves to awaken dinosaur traits inherited through ancient DNA. During the panel, Obata explained that this unique transformation mechanic was actually an idea proposed by Naganuma himself.

Although the genre is completely different, Naganuma intentionally reunited many of the collaborators who helped define the visual identity of his previous successes from his previous anime works, while also bringing together new trusted collaborators for this project, which include:

• Character concept designs by Yoichi Amano, a veteran manga artist recognized for work published in Weekly Shonen Jump.
• Character designer Yukiko Nakatani
• Color designer Misato Aita.
• Sound director Shouji Hata.

Naganuma explained that, because this is both his first original anime and his first major action series, he wanted to surround himself with reliable creators who could help him tackle new creative challenges. Throughout the panel, Naganuma repeatedly emphasized that color design remains one of the project's defining strengths. Despite moving away from the fantasy settings of The Ancient Magus' Bride and The Apothecary Diaries, he intends to preserve the same vibrant scenes while translating them into fast-paced action. He described the challenge as balancing the harsh geometry of modern Tokyo with natural elements and prehistoric imagery to create a visual contrast.

He also explained why the characters have large, expressive eyes. This was a deliberate artistic choice, he believes, that allows audiences to immediately understand a character's emotions and steadfastness. Music will once again serve a significant role in the series. Naganuma confirmed that many members of the same music team behind The Ancient Magus' Bride and The Apothecary Diaries have returned. Beyond the score itself, the production is investing heavily in sound design, particularly in creating distinctive dinosaur roars that improve the atmosphere and intensity of the action scenes.

During the audience question-and-answer session, several notable details were revealed:

• The entire story has already been written, although the episode count and release date are undisclosed.
• More than ten dinosaur species will appear throughout the series.
• The story focuses mainly on dinosaurs rather than other prehistoric creatures.
• Extensive research was conducted, but the creators emphasized that viewers do not need prior knowledge of dinosaurs to enjoy the story.
• Naganuma emphasized that dinosaur mythology is deeply integrated into the narrative and not merely a gimmick, with every element of the promotional artwork containing hidden story clues.

The panel ended with an announcement that Kodansha will be publishing a manga adaptation alongside the anime. The producers planned to develop Jurassic Shadows into an anime and manga franchise so that fans could experience the story in different ways. More details will be revealed at a later date. Fans of The Apothecary Diaries will enjoy seeing the creation team back together, which promises the same attention to artistic detail and color design but in a faster-paced action series. Based on the enthusiastic audience response to the world premiere trailer, Jurassic Shadows has already garnered the attention of many anime fans, making it one of the most anticipated original anime announcements at Anime Expo 2026.