Fans of Masaoki Shindō’s beloved slice-of-life fantasy manga, RuriDragon, can rejoice as the series is officially slated to receive a TV anime adaptation produced by the renowned studio Kyoto Animation. The highly anticipated animated series is currently scheduled for release in 2027, marking a significant milestone for the popular manga.
The Dragon’s Roar: RuriDragon Gets Anime Adaptation
The announcement of a RuriDragon TV anime by Kyoto Animation has sent ripples of excitement through the anime and manga community. Kyoto Animation, often abbreviated as KyoAni, confirmed the adaptation, making it their first Shonen Jump anime in the studio’s 40-year history. The news was reportedly made public via a thank-you video released by the studio to its supporters, solidifying the series’ journey to the screen.
Masaoki Shindō’s Whimsical Tale
RuriDragon centers on Ruri Aoki, an otherwise ordinary high school freshman whose life takes an extraordinary turn when she wakes up one morning to find horns growing from her head. This peculiar development leads to the revelation from her mother that Ruri is, in fact, a half-dragon, having inherited her draconic traits from her father.
The manga masterfully blends coming-of-age themes with fantasy and slice-of-life elements, focusing on Ruri’s attempts to navigate typical teenage pressures alongside her emerging dragon abilities, such as breathing fire and experiencing electrostatic discharge. Despite the fantastical premise, the series is praised for its “delightfully mundane” approach, where the characters, including Ruri’s surprisingly calm mother and accepting classmates, respond to her unique situation with remarkable composure, fostering a kind and supportive world. This gentle and warm narrative has resonated deeply with readers, earning it significant critical acclaim, including ranking first in Japan’s “Nationwide Bookstore Employees’ Recommended Comics of 2023” survey.
A Journey Through Hiatus and Return
RuriDragon initially debuted as a one-shot in Shueisha’s Jump Giga magazine in December 2020. Due to its popularity, it began serialization in Weekly Shōnen Jump in June 2022. However, shortly after its serialization began, the manga went on an indefinite hiatus in August 2022 due to mangaka Masaoki Shindō’s health issues.
After an 18-month break, the series resumed serialization in Weekly Shōnen Jump in March 2024 for five chapters before transitioning to a bi-weekly schedule on the digital version of Weekly Shōnen Jump and the Shōnen Jump+ service in April 2024. Viz Media and Shueisha’s Manga Plus platform publish the series digitally in English, with Viz Media also releasing print volumes, the first of which was published in January 2025. As of November 2025, four tankōbon volumes of the manga have been released.
Kyoto Animation: A Mark of Quality
The selection of Kyoto Animation to produce the RuriDragon anime speaks volumes about the project’s anticipated quality. KyoAni is celebrated globally for its consistently high production values, fluid animation, and dedication to character expression. Unlike many studios, Kyoto Animation employs salaried animators rather than relying primarily on freelance workers, allowing for a focused approach on quality over meeting strict frame quotas.
The studio boasts an impressive catalog of beloved works, including critically acclaimed series like The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya (2006), Clannad (2007), K-On! (2009), Nichijou (2011), Sound! Euphonium (2015), A Silent Voice (2016), Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid (2017), and Violet Evergarden (2018). KyoAni’s expertise in bringing slice-of-life narratives and nuanced character emotions to life makes them an ideal choice for adapting RuriDragon‘s heartwarming and subtly fantastical story.
Anticipation Builds for 2027 Release
With the anime set for 2027, fans have ample time to catch up on Masaoki Shindō’s manga or revisit its charming world. The combination of RuriDragon‘s endearing premise and Kyoto Animation’s reputation for animation excellence promises a captivating adaptation that will undoubtedly introduce Ruri Aoki’s unique journey to an even wider audience.
