Kasagi Labo Unveils New ‘Ninja Scroll’ Project, ‘Living In A World Without Magic’ Feature (EXCLUSIVE)

On the fourth day of Annecy 2026, Singapore-based anime studio and investment company Kasagi Labo announced plans to adapt the viral digital short Living in a World Without Magic into a theatrical feature film. The project was unveiled during the company’s MIFA presentation, “A New Fan-Driven Model for Original Anime,” which also included updates on several productions already in development and the announcement of three projects, including a new Ninja Scroll film.

The original Living in a World Without Magic short, known in Japan as Mahōseka, has amassed more than six million views on YouTube. Created entirely by a single artist, Akiwashi, the seven-minute film gained a devoted following through its music video-style storytelling, emotional core, and blend of fantasy and slice-of-life imagery. Its grassroots success is particularly notable given that it was produced without the backing of a studio or marketing campaign.

Kasagi Labo is now developing the property into a full-length feature, with a screenplay by veteran writer Michiko Yokote, whose credits include Cowboy Bebop, Bleach, and Shirobako.

The project is also serving as a showcase for Kasagi Labo’s broader production philosophy. The company operates what it calls an “Open Pitch” model, using its AnimeOshi platform to gather audience feedback and measure fan interest throughout development and production, rather than relying exclusively on the traditional anime production committee system.

Fans will be able to follow the feature’s development through the AnimeOshi Film Club, where concept artwork, production materials, and crowdfunding milestones will be shared publicly. According to the company, the platform has already attracted more than 15,000 supporters around the project.

The Annecy presentation was moderated by industry veteran Jerome Mazandarani and featured Kasagi Labo Chief Production Officer Tony Izumi alongside special creative advisor Masao Maruyama, the influential producer and co-founder of both Madhouse and MAPPA. Maruyama’s long list of credits includes Perfect Blue, Ninja Scroll, and Tokyo Godfathers, and several of his productions have previously been recognized at Annecy.

Alongside Living in a World Without Magic, Kasagi Labo announced a new project connected to the Ninja Scroll franchise. Released in 1993, Yoshiaki Kawajiri’s film became one of the defining works of anime’s early international boom, introducing countless Western viewers to Japanese animation during the VHS era and helping establish the medium’s reputation overseas. The announcement carries additional weight given the involvement of special creative advisor Masao Maruyama, who produced the original film while at Madhouse.

The company also unveiled two additional projects in development. Casshan 2045 (working title) will reimagine Tatsunoko Production’s 1973 science-fiction classic with original character design concepts by Final Fantasy artist Yoshitaka Amano, the original creator of the anime.

Meanwhile, Ars Gratia (working title) is an original sci-fi feature from director and character designer Ilya Kuvshinov, being developed in partnership with Good Smile Company and Liden Films. Kasagi Labo also provided production updates on its feature GATE 2 and the original science-fiction series Special Kid Factory, which is being developed by talent behind the acclaimed ID: Invaded.

Speaking during the panel, Izumi framed the company’s strategy as an effort to create more opportunities for original anime productions.:

The question this industry needs to ask is who actually gets a seat in the room when an anime is being developed. Original anime lets the studio and the creators keep the ownership and the upside. Our job is figuring out how you finance that conviction before the audience has had the chance to prove itself, and AnimeOshi is a big part of our answer.