Kyoto Animation Confirms RuriDragon Anime Adaptation, First Preview Released

Kyoto Animation has officially announced they are handling the anime adaptation of Masaoki Shino's RuriDragon manga, a project being developed in collaboration with Weekly Shonen Jump. The news broke Sunday, December 28, 2025, surprising many readers who follow the series, marking a notable shift for the studio known for titles like K-On! and Violet Evergarden as they take on a Shonen Jump property.

Details on the release window remain sparse. While no firm date is set at the time of reporting, the announcement suggested the series will not arrive until 2026 or later. Crunchyroll dropped the initial animated preview, offering fans a brief look at how KyoAni is approaching the source material.

The core story centers on Ruri Aoki, a high school student whose life dramatically changes when she wakes up with dragon horns and a tail following a strange dream. The manga, which began serialization in Weekly Shonen Jump in 2021, built a dedicated following for blending typical teen issues with sudden fantasy elements.

KyoAni's involvement is significant, given their reputation for detailed character animation and emotional depth. This adaptation could elevate Ruri's awkward navigation of her new reality. The manga went on hiatus after only eight chapters but is set to return to print in 2025. Weekly Shonen Jump is directly involved in the announcement, indicating strong support for the series, which times the anime launch well to capture renewed interest.