WIT Studio took the Crypto.com Arena stage at Anime Expo 2026 for its largest panel to date. Part highlight reel, part conversation, “Production I.G x WIT STUDIO Industry Panel 2026” celebrated the studio’s catalog and revealed a packed year ahead.
Brand-New Original Animation: LONA
The centerpiece of the panel was the reveal of LONA, WIT Studio’s biggest upcoming original animation. Written by acclaimed screenwriter Akiko Nogi (Unnatural, MIU404) in her first original anime and directed by Takashi Katagiri (SPY x FAMILY CODE: WHITE), the series is set in a virtual world where survivors of a mass-casualty disaster now live. Researchers dive into the minds of the dead to stop “LDoS,” corpse-like avatars that destroy anyone they touch. LONA premieres in spring 2027.
“LONA is a title with many fantastical elements achievable only through animation, realized with the craft WIT Studio has honed over fifteen years,” said Producer Tetsuya Nakatake.
THE ONE PIECE – Streaming on Netflix in February 2027
The English-dubbed PV for THE ONE PIECE, which sets sail on Netflix in February 2027, was unveiled. The series re-animates Eiichiro Oda’s ONE PIECE—surpassing 600 million copies in cumulative worldwide circulation as of March 2026—starting from Episode 1 of the “East Blue” arc. The PV also gave a first look at Roronoa Zoro, Nami, Usopp, and Sanji, raising anticipation for the great adventure to come.
Candy Caries Stop-Motion Series
Fans were also treated to a revisit of Candy Caries, a sweetly slapstick stop-motion series from the creators of My Melody and Kuromi, about a girl and the personified cavity living in her mouth. The latest series is available on the official YouTube channel.
Tokyo Anime Next International Animation Awards
WIT Studio President George Wada closed the session with the announcement of Tokyo Anime Next, an international animation awards program running October 20 – November 2 in Ikebukuro, Japan. Created by a coalition of anime studios, the program aims to recognize excellence in Japanese animated storytelling across the globe. For more information, visit the official website.
WIT Studio’s Anime Expo panel was a showcase of ambition. Original anime LONA from a celebrated screenwriter, a massive ONE PIECE re-animation hitting Netflix, and a new international awards program—the studio is entering its next chapter with confidence.
Source: WIT Studio
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