At Anime Expo 2026, WIT Studio graced the Crypto.com Arena stage for their most extensive panel yet. Combining elements of a highlight reel and an engaging discussion, the “Production I.G x WIT STUDIO Industry Panel 2026” served to honor the studios’ impressive catalog and the loyal fans supporting it over the years.
WIT Studio President George Wada, Co-Founder & Executive Producer Tetsuya Nakatake, and Director Tetsurō Araki (Attack on Titan, Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress) provided a glimpse into an exciting year ahead.
The highlight of the panel was the unveiling of LONA, WIT Studio’s forthcoming original animation. Authored by acclaimed screenwriter Akiko Nogi (Unnatural, MIU404) in her first original anime, and directed by Takashi Katagiri (SPY x FAMILY CODE: WHITE), the series is set in a virtual environment where survivors of a mass-casualty event reside, following researchers who delve into the consciousness of the deceased to combat “LDoS,” corpse-like avatars threatening anyone they encounter. LONA is set to debut in Spring 2027.
- Used Book in Good Condition
- George Trombley (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 376 Pages - 08/22/2014 (Publication Date) - Learn From Zero (Publisher)
- Ken Fukuyama, Yuki Fukuyama (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 246 Pages - 10/11/2022 (Publication Date) - Independently published (Publisher)
- Used Book in Good Condition
- Sumiko Uo (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 6 Pages - 01/01/2005 (Publication Date) - BarCharts Publishing Inc. (Publisher)
“LONA features numerous fantastical elements that animation uniquely enables, crafted with the expertise WIT Studio has developed over the past fifteen years,” remarked Nakatake.
Fans were taken on a nostalgic trip to revisit Candy Caries, a whimsically slapstick stop-motion series from the minds behind My Melody & Kuromi, focusing on a girl and the personified cavity residing in her mouth.
The show is produced and directed by Tomoki Misato (My Little Goat, Candy.zip), with Kenshiro Morii (Petit Sekai; Wake Up, Girl Zoo!) serving as assistant director, Chiaki Nishinaka (The Ancient Magus’ Bride) writing the series, and Kenta Yamada as animation producer. Candy Caries is created by WIT Studio’s stop-motion division, TORUKU.
The short-form series is airing on its dedicated YouTube channel.
Additionally, AX attendees were shown the English-dubbed trailer for The One Piece, which is set to launch on Netflix in February 2027. This new series reimagines Eiichiro Oda’s One Piece manga— serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump since 1997 and having exceeded 600 million copies in cumulative worldwide circulation as of March 2026— beginning fresh from Episode 1 of the “East Blue” arc.
The main footage was initially revealed as a teaser during the “Next on Netflix Animation” segment at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival 2026. It was also announced here that Mayumi Tanaka would be lending her voice to the protagonist, Monkey D. Luffy. The trailer also showcased a first look at Roronoa Zoro, Nami, Usopp, and Sanji, heightening anticipation for the thrilling journey ahead.
- Used Book in Good Condition
- George Trombley (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 376 Pages - 08/22/2014 (Publication Date) - Learn From Zero (Publisher)
- Ken Fukuyama, Yuki Fukuyama (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 246 Pages - 10/11/2022 (Publication Date) - Independently published (Publisher)
- Used Book in Good Condition
- Sumiko Uo (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 6 Pages - 01/01/2005 (Publication Date) - BarCharts Publishing Inc. (Publisher)
The series boasts a talented staff, including director Masashi Koizuka, assistant director Hideaki Abe, series composition and screenplay by Taku Kishimoto, character design and chief animation direction by Kyoji Asano and Takatoshi Honda, music composed by Yuki Hayashi, and sound direction by Masafumi Mima.
Wada concluded the session with an announcement regarding Tokyo Anime Next, an international animation awards program taking place from October 20 to November 2 in Ikebukuro, Japan. Heavily supported by WIT Studio, Tokyo Anime Next was established by a coalition of anime studios to honor excellence in Japanese animated storytelling worldwide.
For additional details, check out tokyoanimenext.jp/en.
Founded in June 2012 and located in Kichijoji, Japan, WIT Studio has delivered globally successful series like Attack on Titan and SPY×FAMILY, along with original projects including Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress and Great Pretender.
In 2026, broadcasts began for Agents of the Four Seasons, Ascendance of a Bookworm: The Archduke’s Adopted Daughter and Candy Caries. Planned releases for 2027 include The One Piece and the airing of the original TV animation LONA.
