New Nontan Anime Announced for 50th Anniversary With 3DCG Visual
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.