Masaoki Shindō's RuriDragon Manga Gets TV Anime by Kyoto Animation

Kyoto Animation revealed in a "Thank you" video on Sunday that Masaoki Shindō's RuriDragon manga is getting a television anime adaptation. The announcement coincides with the titular character Ruri's birthday on December 28. RuriDragon TV anime announcement by Kyoto Animation represents a significant milestone for the studio, marking their first-ever adaptation of a series from Shueisha's Weekly Shōnen Jump and bringing this beloved slice-of-life fantasy manga to television audiences.

Watch RuriDragon TV anime announcement video on YouTube

The video's description caption states: "Sounds like they're making an anime. The broadcast is still a long way off." RuriDragon anime production timeline indicates that while the adaptation has been confirmed, fans will need to wait for further details regarding the broadcast schedule, with the studio noting that the release is still some time away. Shindō also drew an illustration to celebrate the anime announcement. RuriDragon anime announcement illustration by Masaoki Shindō provides fans with a special commemorative piece celebrating the adaptation, showcasing the manga creator's enthusiasm for bringing Ruri's story to television. Viz Media and MANGA Plus both began publishing the manga in English in June 2022. MANGA Plus describes the story: The story of a young dragon girl being lazy, doing her best...and being lazy again. A new series begins! RuriDragon manga premise presents a charming slice-of-life narrative centered on Ruri Aoki, a dragon girl navigating everyday life with a mix of laziness and determination, creating a relatable and endearing character-driven story. Shindō launched the manga in Shueisha's Weekly Shonen Jump magazine in June 2022. Shueisha published the manga's first compiled book volume in October 2022, and the fourth volume on November 4. The manga is a serialized version of a one-shot that Shueisha published in the Shonen Jump GIGA magazine in December 2020. RuriDragon manga publication history demonstrates the series' journey from one-shot to full serialization, with the original GIGA one-shot serving as the foundation for the ongoing series that has captured readers' hearts. The manga moved to Weekly Shonen Jump magazine's digital version and on Shueisha's Shonen Jump+ manga website in April 2024, after it shortly returned to the print magazine from hiatus. The manga took two one-week breaks early in July 2022, due to the author's "sudden illness," before announcing an extended break at the end of that month. This year, the manga went on a short break in May and returned on July 28. RuriDragon manga hiatus history reflects the author's health-related breaks, with the series transitioning to a bi-weekly schedule on Shōnen Jump+ digital platform to accommodate the creator's needs while maintaining the story's quality. As of November 2025, there are 4 compiled volumes in circulation, with over 1.1 million copies in print. Viz Media published the first physical English volume on January 7, 2025. RuriDragon manga sales success demonstrates the series' popularity, with over 1.1 million copies in print and international releases expanding the fanbase and setting the stage for the anime adaptation. While no official cast was named for the TV series, fans anticipate Chiaki Omigawa may reprise her role as Ruri Aoki, having voiced her in previous voice comics and promotional videos. RuriDragon anime cast speculation centers on the possibility of continuity with previous voice work, with Chiaki Omigawa's previous portrayal of Ruri creating anticipation for her potential return in the television adaptation. Kyoto Animation is currently working on multiple titles alongside RuriDragon, including City the Animation (TV series scheduled for broadcast in 2025), Miss Kobayashi's Dragon Maid: A Lonely Dragon Wants to Be Loved (Film expected in June 2025), and Sparks of Tomorrow (TV series formally revealed for a 2026 release). RuriDragon anime production context places the adaptation within Kyoto Animation's diverse slate of upcoming projects, demonstrating the studio's continued commitment to producing high-quality anime across various genres and formats. RuriDragon TV anime announcement by Kyoto Animation represents a significant milestone for both the studio and the manga franchise, bringing this beloved slice-of-life fantasy series to television audiences. The announcement coinciding with Ruri's birthday adds a special touch to the reveal, while the studio's note that "the broadcast is still a long way off" sets appropriate expectations for fans eagerly awaiting the adaptation.