New NYCC ‘Naruto x Ninkū’ Anime, Project Rasengan & More Unveiled

Fans at New York Comic Con 2026 got an exclusive preview of the next chapter of the Naruto franchise during the sold-out “Naruto: What’s Next?” special stage, taking place on Naruto Uzumaki’s birthday in front of an audience of around 3,000 attendees.

The event featured Junko Takeuchi and Noriaki Sugiyama, who voice Naruto Uzumaki and Sasuke Uchiha, alongside Yoshihiro Tominaga, executive producer from Pierrot Films.

The special stage showcased numerous global announcements, including a four-episode Naruto x Ninkū crossover anime; the introduction of Project Rasengan, a multiyear global collaboration designed to deliver new Naruto content to fans around the world; a worldwide release slated for June 2027 for the Naruto Card Game; plans to launch a Naruto mobile game to international audiences; and a surprising teaser indicating that creator Masashi Kishimoto is developing a new Naruto manga.

During the panel, exclusive illustrations from Ninkū creator Koji Kiriyama and Masashi Kishimoto were unveiled, and their messages were shared with the audience.

“The worlds of Naruto, Fūsuke, and their companions are converging, and that excites me! This remarkable event is a result of Kishimoto Sensei’s proposal and kindness,” commented Kiriyama. “I feel privileged that he appreciates and embraces the world of Ninkū so profoundly. The journeys of Naruto, Fūsuke, and their allies are about to commence. Please anticipate it with as much enthusiasm as we, the creators, do!”

©Koji Kiriyama/SHUEISHA | ©Masashi Kishimoto, Scott/SHUEISHA

Kishimoto remarked: “I created Naruto because I had a genuine desire to see Ninkū continue. Many of you may have noticed that Naruto was significantly influenced by Ninkū. Without Ninkū, Naruto wouldn’t exist. In simple terms, Fūsuke is Naruto’s secret mentor. Eventually, I started envisioning a storyline that would bring this master-disciple relationship from the shadows into the light.

“Kiriyama Sensei, who is as much a mentor to me as Fūsuke is to Naruto, kindly accepted my earnest request. Through his in-person meetings and generous support, he made my long-held dream possible. I was finally able to create a continuation of Ninkū in its truest form. There are a total of four episodes, and I hope you enjoy every moment!”

Naruto x Ninkū features a new story overseen by Kishimoto and Kiriyama, with Noriyuki Abe (Ninkū, Boruto: Naruto Next Generations) and Tetsuya Nishio (character designer/chief animation director, Naruto, Ninkū) directing. Tominaga also shared early animation sketches by Nishio on stage.

Synopsis: “I’m heading out on a mission for the ages, ya hear me?!”

Team 7 members Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura are entrusted with a mission by Kakashi.

With Kakashi unable to join, Naruto is selected as the acting leader.

This decision ignites Naruto’s determination to ensure the mission’s success.

However, on their journey, Team 7 gets lost in a different world.

Before the confused trio stands a boy with a frog-like face named Fūsuke.

What adventures await them in this unfamiliar realm?

The special stage also introduced Project Rasengan, a large-scale global initiative aimed at evolving Naruto and Boruto into a new phase and unveiling a long-term vision for the franchise. A fresh key visual and promotional video were showcased on the main screen of the special stage, highlighting Naruto wielding the Rasengan against a backdrop of iconic moments from the series.

Organizers also unveiled an extensive roadmap connecting upcoming manga, anime, games, events, and other franchise endeavors, with several projects yet to be disclosed.

Bandai Card Games announced that the Naruto Card Game will launch globally in June 2027. A new special trailer animated by Studio Pierrot, the animation studio responsible for Naruto and Naruto Shippuden, along with new card illustrations, were revealed for the first time during the stage presentation.

In the trading card game, players select a leader and form a team of shinobi to battle alongside that character. The gameplay is designed to reflect the mind games, ninjutsu tactics, and strategic depth found in the battles of the Naruto series. The inaugural product launch will feature three starter decks with Naruto, Sasuke, and Gaara as leaders, along with the first booster set titled “Enter: Naruto Uzumaki!”

Demo Tutorial Events are anticipated to kick off in early 2027. Additional announcements included an early-release Official Playmat -Naruto vs Sasuke- and Premium Card Collection vol.00 -CHAKRA set, along with a spring campaign aimed at distributing 1 million demo decks globally. Further product and event information will be shared through the game’s official website and social media channels.

The special stage also declared that the Naruto mobile game, a battle action title that first launched in mainland China in 2016 and remains popular, is officially heading to a global release. This announcement was paired with the worldwide premiere of a new teaser trailer.

The game showcases anime-inspired ninjutsu, high-speed battles, and dream matchups featuring shinobi from throughout the series on mobile devices. More details about the international launch will be shared at a later date.

The celebration continued with a birthday tribute for Naruto Uzumaki. Around 3,000 fans donned commemorative Naruto visors, creating a venue-wide “Multi Shadow Clone Jutsu.” The cast, alongside a surprise appearance from a Naruto character, joined the audience in a “Happy Birthday” cheer and a commemorative photo session.

To conclude the special stage, a super teaser PV was unveiled as a final surprise, with the words “A New NARUTO Manga by Masashi Kishimoto” sparking cheers and applause from the audience.

Further updates regarding Project Rasengan are expected to be announced at Jump Festa 2027, scheduled for Dec. 19-20, 2026.