YTV Group has officially announced an anime adaptation of “The Vermillion Mask,” the acclaimed action manga series created by Dr. Poro and illustrated by Nabana Naba. The revelation came during YTV’s industry panel at Anime Expo on July 5, 2025, confirming that the highly anticipated series is now in production. This move brings the dark and emotionally charged saga of cursed masks and redemption to the animated screen, promising a thrilling new experience for fans.
Production Details and Creative Team
The anime adaptation of “The Vermillion Mask” will be produced by the global animation label 100studio, known for its work on “WOW Studio.” The production boasts a formidable creative lineup, with Tetsuaki Watanabe, celebrated for directing the first season of “BLUE LOCK,” at the helm as director. Gai Hazako will serve as assistant director, ensuring a cohesive vision for the series.
Daisuke Ohigashi, recognized for his work on “Fate/strange Fake,” is in charge of the series composition, promising a well-structured narrative that captures the essence of the manga. Character design will be handled by Hisashi Higashijima, who previously contributed to “Mashle: Magic and Muscles.” The auditory experience is in capable hands, with Fumiyuki Goh of “Kaiju No.8” and “Overlord” fame overseeing sound design, and Arisa Okehazama, known for her compositions in “Jujutsu Kaisen” and “The Apothecary Diaries,” composing the music. Original story author Dr. Poro and manga artist Nabana Naba are credited with story supervision, ensuring fidelity to the source material.
The Narrative of “The Vermillion Mask”
“The Vermillion Mask” delves into a world where enchanted masks wield unimaginable power, often with dire consequences. The story centers on Peru, a young apprentice mask maker whose life takes a tragic turn when he loses control under the influence of a powerful cursed mask. In a frenzied state, Peru inadvertently causes the deaths of both his master and comrades.
Wracked with guilt and despair, Peru embarks on a perilous journey of atonement. His ultimate goal is to seek out and destroy the legendary masks crafted by his late master, which are now scattered across the world. Along his path, Peru will encounter a diverse cast of characters, forming unlikely alliances and facing deadly foes, as the battle for his soul and the fate of the world hangs in the balance. The manga, serialized in YOUNGKING OURS by Shonengahosha, has been captivating readers since 2021, with seven volumes currently available and an eighth slated for release on July 7. The series has also been published digitally in English by Orange Inc. through emaqi under the title “The Vermilion Mask.”
Commemoration and Initial Look
To celebrate the significant announcement, special illustrations from both the original creator Dr. Poro and manga artist Nabana Naba have been released, expressing their gratitude to the fans whose continuous support made the anime adaptation possible. These illustrations signify the creators’ excitement for seeing Peru and the other characters brought to life on screen.
Furthermore, the announcement was accompanied by the unveiling of a teaser visual and an English-subtitled promotional video (PV), offering a tantalizing first look at the animated world of “The Vermillion Mask.” The PV showcases Peru preparing to don his mask for battle against an enemy, hinting at the intense action and emotional depth that viewers can anticipate from the series. An official website and X/Twitter account in English have also been launched to provide further updates and engage with the global fanbase. While no debut date or specific format for the anime has been revealed yet, the confirmation of its production marks a significant milestone for the popular manga.
