The long-awaited anime adaptation of The Vermilion Mask, the acclaimed manga by Dr. Poro and Nabana Naba, is officially in production. The announcement was made earlier today during the 2025 Anime Line-Up Sneak Peek: ytv animation & YTE panel at Anime Expo 2025, where fans got an exclusive look at the first subtitled teaser. The dark fantasy series, known for its emotional intensity and explosive action, has been serialized in YOUNGKING OURS (Shonengahosha) and will now make its way to screens worldwide.
Produced by global animation label 100studio (WOW Studio), the anime boasts a high-profile creative team including director Tetsuaki Watanabe (Blue Lock), series composer Daisuke Ohigashi (Fate/strange Fake), and composer Arisa Okehazama (Jujutsu Kaisen, The Apothecary Diaries).
Director Tetsuaki Watanabe revealed he personally pitched the anime to 100studio, saying:
“I’ve been a huge fan of the original manga for a long time, and I was so determined to bring it to life as an anime myself that I persistently pitched the idea to 100studio—and thanks to their support, the project has become a reality. I’d like to express my sincere gratitude to everyone involved! The series has a unique and fascinating premise, unlike anything else—masks that grant their wearers special abilities—and the story constantly keeps you on the edge of your seat. Each mask becomes the centerpiece of gripping drama, where richly compelling characters clash with their own motives, inner conflicts, and schemes. As a reader and fan myself, I’ve been following the series from the very beginning!
For the anime adaptation, we’ve worked closely with the original creators, Dr. Poro and Nabana Naba, who have been directly involved in story development and scripting from the early stages. Thanks to this collaboration, the anime will be something both longtime fans and newcomers alike can fully enjoy.
We’ve assembled a team of talented young creators, many of whom are fans of the original manga, and are pouring our passion into the production every single day!
Please look forward to the epic adventure of Peru and his journey surrounding the masks!”
Manga artist Nabana Naba also shared celebratory messages and special illustrations thanking readers for their continued support.
“Thank you! Thank you! Whether you discovered ‘The Vermilion Mask’ through the manga or the anime, I truly believe you’ll enjoy what we’ve created! I’m deeply grateful to the production team for their heartfelt involvement in this project! It would make me so happy if we can all enjoy ‘The Vermilion Mask’ together! Yoropiku!”
The Vermilion Mask manga, published by Shonengahosha, currently spans seven volumes with Volume 8 set for release on July 7, 2025. Volumes 1 through 4 are available digitally on Orange.
For more coverage on Anime Expo 2025 news, you can find it right here on the Anime Expo 2025 archive on The Beat!
Source: Yomiuri TV
English (US) · 