The Apothecary Diaries Director Announces Dinosaurs vs. Ninjas Action Anime Jurassic Shadows

At Anime Expo 2026, acclaimed director Norihiro Naganuma shocked the anime community by announcing his brand-new original battle action anime, Jurassic Shadows, also known in Japan as Ryugesho no Shinobi. Produced by Slow Curve and Avex Pictures, and animated by the rising studio Cannon Code, the project marks Naganuma’s very first foray into full-scale action.

The production reunites Naganuma with key creative talent from his massive hit series The Apothecary Diaries, promising a highly stylized, visually breathtaking conflict where ancient dinosaur DNA collides with futuristic ninja arts. While the official release window is still under wraps, global anime distributor Crunchyroll has already confirmed the project’s development alongside a parallel manga adaptation by publishing giant Kodansha.

Key Project Information

• Title: Jurassic Shadows (Ryugesho no Shinobi)
• Genre: Action, Sci-Fi, Supernatural
• Director: Norihiro Naganuma (The Apothecary Diaries, The Ancient Magus’ Bride)
• Animation Studio: Cannon Code
• Series Composition: Kenta Ihara (Saga of Tanya the Evil)
• Character Design: Yukiko Nakatani (The Apothecary Diaries) with original designs by Yoichi Amano
• Music Composer: Shuhei Mutsuki (Lycoris Recoil)
• Manga Publisher: Kodansha
• Official Socials & Links: Official Jurassic Shadows Website | Official Jurassic Shadows X Account

What is the plot of Jurassic Shadows?

The narrative of Jurassic Shadows introduces a unique, dark premise set in Tokyo in the year 2029. Dinosaurs did not entirely perish from the historic asteroid impact. Instead, they passed their genetic material into the human lineage through interbreeding. Today, these ancient predators walk among ordinary citizens, hunting humans from the shadows.

To combat this hidden threat, a secret order of ninjas relies on Ryugesho, a sacred cosmetic pigment infused with ancestral memories. By applying this pigment, the warriors awaken slumbering dinosaur traits within themselves, leveling the playing field against the prehistoric predators. As the disguised dinosaur population launches a coordinated campaign to wipe out humanity, these empowered ninjas stand as the final line of defense.

Who is the creative team behind the anime?

The core appeal of Jurassic Shadows lies in its incredible pedigree of industry veterans:

• Director Norihiro Naganuma: Famous for bringing gorgeous, emotionally rich scenes to life in The Apothecary Diaries and the detailed fantasy elements of The Ancient Magus’ Bride.
• Writer Kenta Ihara: Highly respected for crafting high-stakes, intense narrative structures, having written scripts for Saga of Tanya the Evil and Uncle from Another World.
• Designer Yukiko Nakatani: Adapting character concepts from Yoichi Amano (Weekly Shonen Jump), Nakatani is known for creating expressive, memorable characters that translate beautifully into motion.
• Composer Shuhei Mutsuki: Bringing high-energy, modern sensibilities to the soundtrack, Mutsuki previously composed the stellar, fast-paced music for Lycoris Recoil.

In a shared statement, Naganuma expressed his excitement for the project, describing it as “a beautiful, yet simultaneously dark and fascinating world that combines the themes of memories, dinosaurs, ninjas, and makeup”. He teased that hidden motives and deep truths are simmering beneath the surface, ensuring a completely fresh experience for action fans.

When is the Jurassic Shadows release date?

An official premiere date has not yet been announced. Because the anime was just unveiled at Anime Expo 2026, industry experts expect the television broadcast to debut sometime in mid to late 2027.

Fans looking to experience the story early should keep an eye out for the upcoming manga adaptation published by Kodansha, which is currently in active development and scheduled to begin serialization ahead of the anime broadcast.