Kyoto Animation Unveils RuriDragon Anime Adaptation, Bringing Beloved Manga to Life

After a challenging start due to author Masaoki Shindo’s health issues, the urban fantasy manga RuriDragon is set to receive an anime adaptation from the renowned studio Kyoto Animation.

The announcement for the RuriDragon anime came at the end of the year through a collaborative video from Kyoto Animation and Shonen Jump, the manga’s publisher. The video hints at the anime’s development, stating, “Sounds like they’re making an anime,” while also noting that the broadcast is still quite a ways off. Shindo celebrated the news with a special illustration:

／原作：眞藤雅興先生よりコメントが到着しました????＼TVアニメ ルリドラゴン▲▲ pic.twitter.com/aT9pCUd7SKDecember 28, 2025

The video not only highlights RuriDragon but also outlines Kyoto Animation’s plans for 2026 and beyond. With the titular character Ruri prominently featured in the studio’s roadmap, it seems likely that the anime is still over a year away, with a hopeful release in late 2027.

Fans of RuriDragon are no strangers to waiting, having endured a lengthy hiatus shortly after the manga’s explosive launch, which established it as one of the standout modern releases in Shonen Jump. The manga has since returned to a more regular, albeit less frequent, schedule, though it still faces occasional delays.

The wait appears to be worthwhile, as Kyoto Animation’s teaser suggests that the anime will be worth it. So far, we’ve only seen a brief glimpse of Ruri, but it’s enough to bring a smile.

RuriDragon follows a high school girl who, after sprouting horns and accidentally breathing fire one morning, discovers that her father is a genuine dragon. It’s important to note that the existence of dragons is the sole fantasy element in the series; the rest unfolds as a grounded slice-of-life narrative set in a contemporary Japanese school and city. There are no epic battles or villainous plots, which are typical of Shonen Jump.

The unassuming nature of RuriDragon makes Ruri’s transformation into a dragon-wielding character all the more striking, as her powers create chaos in her life and raise challenging questions for those around her. This blend of the fantastical with relatable themes makes the story remarkably believable.

As an avid reader of manga and webtoons on my phone, I specifically downloaded the Shonen Jump app for RuriDragon, always eager for the next chapter. The artwork is consistently stunning, particularly in character design, and each chapter delivers meaningful insights. Ruri has become the emotional anchor of this unique coming-of-age tale. When I’m not anxiously awaiting the next twist in her interpersonal drama, I’m on edge wondering how she’ll handle her next dragon power episode.

Kyoto Animation is an ideal fit for the RuriDragon adaptation, not only for its exceptional visual style but also for its experience with dragon-themed urban fantasy. The studio’s work on Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid, which features an office worker navigating life with otherworldly dragons, remains one of its most beloved series. While the tone differs from RuriDragon—focusing on younger characters and lacking the same comedic or risqué elements—the studio’s experience is invaluable.

Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid showcases Kyoto Animation’s ability to balance quirky narratives, and its extensive portfolio demonstrates a knack for both casual moments and dynamic action. I couldn’t ask for a better team, and I’m eagerly anticipating this adaptation. Honestly, I can’t imagine how 2026 will top this exciting announcement.