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Kasagi Labo Unveils Feature Film Adaptation of Viral Short Living in a World Without Magic at Annecy 2026
On the fourth day of the 2026 Annecy International Animated Film Festival, Singapore‑based anime studio and investment firm Kasagi Labo announced its plans to lift the viral digital short Living in a World Without Magic—known in Japan as Mahōseka—into a theatrical feature. The one‑minute clip, created entirely by artist Akiwashi, has racked up more than six million YouTube views and built a dedicated fan base through its music‑video‑style storytelling that blends fantasy and slice‑of‑life imagery, all without the backing of a traditional studio or marketing push.
Kasagi Labo revealed the project during its “MIFA – A New Fan‑Driven Model for Original Anime” panel, a session that also spotlighted several productions already in development and introduced a new Ninja Scroll film. The feature adaptation will be penned by veteran screenwriter Michiko Yokote, whose résumé includes Cowboy Bebop, Bleach, and Shirobako. Yokote’s attachment signals the studio’s intent to pair experienced talent with a grassroots‑born property.
The company is using the adaptation to showcase its “Open Pitch” model, which leverages the AnimeOshi platform to gather audience feedback and gauge fan interest throughout development. Fans can follow the project’s progress via the AnimeOshi Film Club, where concept art, production materials, and crowdfunding milestones are shared publicly. According to Kasagi Labo, the platform has already attracted more than 15,000 supporters for the Living in a World Without Magic feature.
The panel was moderated by industry veteran Jerome Mazandarani and featured Kasagi Labo Chief Production Officer Tony Izumi alongside special creative advisor Masao Maruyama, the producer and co‑founder of Madhouse and MAPPA. Maruyama—who produced the original 1993 Ninja Scroll film—has a long list of credits that include Perfect Blue, Tokyo Godfathers, and several Annecy‑recognized productions.
In addition to the Living in a World Without Magic announcement, Kasagi Labo unveiled a new project linked to the Ninja Scroll franchise. The studio stated that the upcoming film will be produced under Maruyama’s guidance and will build on the legacy of Yoshiaki Kawajiri’s 1993 film, which introduced many Western audiences to anime during the VHS era.
Kasagi Labo also outlined two other 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.
The studio provided 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.
During the panel, Izumi framed Kasagi Labo’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," he said.
The announcement comes at a time when fan‑driven platforms are increasingly influencing production decisions. Kasagi Labo’s Open Pitch model, combined with AnimeOshi’s real‑time engagement metrics, represents a shift away from the traditional anime production committee system. By allowing audiences to participate early, the studio aims to secure a built‑in fan base and reduce financial risk.
As the feature adaptation moves from concept to production, Kasagi Labo will continue to share updates through the AnimeOshi Film Club. The studio has not yet set a release date for the Living in a World Without Magic film, but the project’s early traction and the involvement of seasoned writers and producers suggest a strong foundation for a theatrical release.
The other projects announced at Annecy—Ninja Scroll, Casshan 2045, Ars Gratia, GATE 2, and Special Kid Factory—will likely follow similar development paths, with fan engagement and open‑pitch strategies guiding their progress. Stakeholders and fans will watch closely as Kasagi Labo pushes forward with these ambitious adaptations and original works.
Kasagi Labo revealed the project during its “MIFA – A New Fan‑Driven Model for Original Anime” panel, a session that also spotlighted several productions already in development and introduced a new Ninja Scroll film. The feature adaptation will be penned by veteran screenwriter Michiko Yokote, whose résumé includes Cowboy Bebop, Bleach, and Shirobako. Yokote’s attachment signals the studio’s intent to pair experienced talent with a grassroots‑born property.
The company is using the adaptation to showcase its “Open Pitch” model, which leverages the AnimeOshi platform to gather audience feedback and gauge fan interest throughout development. Fans can follow the project’s progress via the AnimeOshi Film Club, where concept art, production materials, and crowdfunding milestones are shared publicly. According to Kasagi Labo, the platform has already attracted more than 15,000 supporters for the Living in a World Without Magic feature.
The panel was moderated by industry veteran Jerome Mazandarani and featured Kasagi Labo Chief Production Officer Tony Izumi alongside special creative advisor Masao Maruyama, the producer and co‑founder of Madhouse and MAPPA. Maruyama—who produced the original 1993 Ninja Scroll film—has a long list of credits that include Perfect Blue, Tokyo Godfathers, and several Annecy‑recognized productions.
In addition to the Living in a World Without Magic announcement, Kasagi Labo unveiled a new project linked to the Ninja Scroll franchise. The studio stated that the upcoming film will be produced under Maruyama’s guidance and will build on the legacy of Yoshiaki Kawajiri’s 1993 film, which introduced many Western audiences to anime during the VHS era.
Kasagi Labo also outlined two other 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.
The studio provided 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.
During the panel, Izumi framed Kasagi Labo’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," he said.
The announcement comes at a time when fan‑driven platforms are increasingly influencing production decisions. Kasagi Labo’s Open Pitch model, combined with AnimeOshi’s real‑time engagement metrics, represents a shift away from the traditional anime production committee system. By allowing audiences to participate early, the studio aims to secure a built‑in fan base and reduce financial risk.
As the feature adaptation moves from concept to production, Kasagi Labo will continue to share updates through the AnimeOshi Film Club. The studio has not yet set a release date for the Living in a World Without Magic film, but the project’s early traction and the involvement of seasoned writers and producers suggest a strong foundation for a theatrical release.
The other projects announced at Annecy—Ninja Scroll, Casshan 2045, Ars Gratia, GATE 2, and Special Kid Factory—will likely follow similar development paths, with fan engagement and open‑pitch strategies guiding their progress. Stakeholders and fans will watch closely as Kasagi Labo pushes forward with these ambitious adaptations and original works.
