New Nontan Anime Announced for 50th Anniversary With 3DCG Visual
The shift to 3DCG for a classic hand-drawn picture book character like Nontan signals a major technological update for a franchise that has sold over 35 million copies, aiming to introduce it to a new generation of children.
Key Facts
- Nontan was created by picture book author Sachiko Kiyono in 1976.
- The Nontan series has sold over 35 million copies cumulatively.
- A new anime adaptation was announced on July 11, 2026, Nontan's 50th birthday.
- The new visual shows Nontan and Hachi-san in 3DCG, but Nontan's full appearance is not yet revealed.
- An exhibition titled '50th Anniversary Nontan: Friends Forever!!!' will run from July 18 to September 27, 2026 at PLAY! MUSEUM in Tachikawa, Tokyo.
Reporting from 2 sources: Denfaminicogamer, Cinema Today.
The picture book character Nontan, created by Sachiko Kiyono in 1976, is getting a new anime adaptation to mark its 50th anniversary. Kaiseisha announced the production on July 11, 2026, which is also Nontan's birthday. A new visual shows Nontan and the character Hachi-san recreated with 3DCG technology, though Nontan's full appearance remains partially hidden. The anime will retain the warmth and cuteness of the original picture books while using the latest 3DCG techniques. The Nontan series has sold over 35 million copies cumulatively, making it a long-running bestseller in Japan. To accompany the announcement, an experiential exhibition titled "50th Anniversary Nontan: Friends Forever!!!" will be held at the PLAY! MUSEUM in Tachikawa, Tokyo, from July 18 to September 27, 2026. The exhibition will feature an original story, video works, three-dimensional installations, and about 50 original picture book drawings and rough sketches by Kiyono. The new anime is in production, with no further details on format or release date yet.
The Nontan series, first published in 1976, has been adapted into anime before, but this new project marks the first time the character will be rendered in 3DCG. The released visual shows a three-dimensional Nontan and Hachi-san, though the full design of the new Nontan is not yet revealed. The exhibition at PLAY! MUSEUM will allow visitors to experience Nontan's world through an original story built around three keywords: 'in Nontan's dream', 'celebrating Nontan', and 'playing with Nontan'. It will also display about 50 original drawings and rough sketches, tracing Kiyono's creative process. The announcement was made on Nontan's 50th birthday, July 11, 2026, and the exhibition runs from July 18 to September 27. No broadcast or streaming details for the new anime have been announced.
Synthesized by Yomimono from the 2 cited sources below, including Japanese-language reporting where cited, then editorially reviewed before publishing.
Sources
- Denfaminicogamer 『ノンタン』新作アニメが制作決定！絵本の温かみと愛らしさはそのまま、最新の3DCG技術で生まれ変わる
- Cinema Today 生誕50周年「ノンタン」新作アニメ制作決定 3DCGで生まれ変わったビジュアル公開