Studio SHAFT is adapting Tsumuji Yoshimura's manga Just Like Mona Lisa (Seibetsu "Mona Lisa" no Kimi e) into a television anime, CyberAgent announced this week. The production company is bringing the acclaimed series to the screen after it accumulated over 1 million copies in sales.

The manga explores a world where people are born genderless, following protagonist Hinase as they navigate identity and love alongside childhood friends Ritsu and Shiori, who have already chosen their genders. The story examines what love means and what it takes to find something worth cherishing above all else, weaving together the struggles of classmates and adults around the main characters.

Yoshimura published Just Like Mona Lisa on Square Enix's Gangan Online website starting in May 2018, concluding the series in its 10th compiled volume in December 2022. Square Enix continues to make the manga available internationally through its Manga UP! Global digital platform and in English print through Square Enix Manga & Books, with the final volume releasing in May.

Fans will get their first look at the anime during ANImagic, taking place July 31 to August 2 in Mannheim, Germany. The convention will host a stage panel on August 1 where the production team will unveil the anime's main cast and premiere its first trailer. Yoshimura celebrated the announcement with a special illustration.

The choice of SHAFT for this adaptation is notable—the studio has built a reputation for character-driven narratives and distinctive visual storytelling, qualities that align well with Just Like Mona Lisa's intimate exploration of identity and relationships. With the manga's existing fanbase and the manga's thoughtful premise, the anime has solid ground to build on as it adapts the complete story for television.