Masaoki Shindō’s popular slice-of-life manga, RuriDragon, is officially receiving a television anime adaptation, set to be produced by the esteemed studio Kyoto Animation. The highly anticipated announcement was made on December 28, 2025, a date notably celebrated as the protagonist Ruri’s birthday, with the anime slated for a 2027 release. This marks a significant milestone as it will be Kyoto Animation’s first adaptation of a Weekly Shōnen Jump title in the studio’s 40-year history.
A Highly Anticipated Adaptation Unveiled
The news of RuriDragon‘s anime project came as a delightful surprise to fans, revealed through a thank-you video from Kyoto Animation to its supporters for 2025, 2026, and looking ahead to 2027. The choice of RuriDragon by Kyoto Animation, a studio renowned for its exceptional animation quality and emotionally resonant storytelling, has generated immense excitement across the anime community. The collaboration signifies a new chapter for both the beloved manga and the studio, which is celebrated for works such as K-On! and Lucky Star.
The Unique World of RuriDragon
RuriDragon introduces readers to Ruri Aoki, an ordinary high school student whose life takes an extraordinary turn when she wakes up one morning to find horns growing from her head. Her mother calmly reveals that Ruri is, in fact, half-dragon, a revelation that sets the stage for a charming and often humorous coming-of-age story. The manga explores Ruri’s attempts to navigate her everyday life while adjusting to her newfound draconic heritage, dealing with curious classmates, and the occasional fiery hiccup.
The series initially debuted as a one-shot in Shueisha’s Jump GIGA in December 2020 before beginning regular serialization in Weekly Shōnen Jump in June 2022. Despite an early hiatus, the manga quickly garnered a dedicated following, praised for its unique blend of fantasy and slice-of-life elements, gentle humor, and endearing characters. RuriDragon has achieved significant critical acclaim, ranking ninth in the Male Readers’ division of the 2024 Kono Manga ga Sugoi! rankings and second in the Web Manga category at the 10th Tsugi ni Kuru Manga awards in 2024. As of November 2025, the manga has sold over 1.1 million copies in circulation.
Masaoki Shindō’s Journey and the Manga’s Resilient Return
The RuriDragon manga faced an indefinite hiatus in August 2022, shortly after its serialization began, due to Masaoki Shindō’s health. This break, which lasted for an extended period, left many fans eagerly awaiting its return. The series eventually resumed in March 2024, initially publishing five consecutive chapters in Weekly Shōnen Jump before transitioning to a bi-weekly schedule in the magazine’s digital edition and on the Shonen Jump+ platform. Shindō had previously teased in 2023 that he hoped to bring “good news” to fans, a hope that has now materialized with the anime announcement.
Kyoto Animation’s Renowned Craftsmanship
Kyoto Animation, often affectionately known as “KyoAni,” is celebrated globally for its distinctive artistic style, fluid animation, and meticulous attention to character expression and nuanced storytelling. The studio has consistently delivered high-quality productions, particularly excelling in the slice-of-life genre, making RuriDragon a seemingly perfect fit for their expertise. Their commitment to animation excellence and character-driven narratives bodes well for faithfully capturing the charm and warmth of Masaoki Shindō’s original work. Fans can anticipate a visually stunning and emotionally engaging adaptation that honors the manga’s unique atmosphere and beloved characters.
The confirmation of a 2027 release date allows ample time for Kyoto Animation to craft an adaptation that lives up to the high expectations set by both the manga’s devoted fanbase and the studio’s own impressive track record.
