The magical world of Sugar Sugar Rune is officially returning to screens, and fans of classic shojo anime have every reason to celebrate. As part of the 20th anniversary celebration of Moyoco Anno’s beloved manga, Studio Khara has announced not just one but two exciting new projects. The reveal came during Japan Expo 2025 in Paris, where Studio Khara presented a special anniversary short film and confirmed the production of a brand new anime adaptation based on the original manga.
The short film, directed by Yusuke Matsui, is a 3DCG animated prequel that introduces viewers to the world of Sugar Sugar Rune in a completely original way. Designed as a tribute to long time fans and a gentle introduction for a new generation, the film explores elements of the magical universe that had only been hinted at in the manga and the original anime. Although brief in runtime, the short delivers a modern visual take while staying emotionally connected to the heart of the story that first charmed readers and viewers alike.
Even more exciting is the announcement of a new full anime adaptation of the original Sugar Sugar Rune manga. Unlike the short film, this adaptation promises a comprehensive retelling of the story written and illustrated by Moyoco Anno. This is the first major revival of the series since its original 51 episode run, which aired on TV Tokyo from July 2005 to June 2006 and was produced by Studio Pierrot. That version became a classic for many fans of the magical girl genre and introduced the characters of Chocolat Meilleure and Vanilla Mieux to a global audience.
Serialized in Nakayoshi magazine from 2003 to 2007, Sugar Sugar Rune follows two young witches from the Magical World who are sent to Earth to compete for the title of Queen. They must collect human hearts, a task that becomes emotionally complicated as both girls form relationships and learn difficult lessons about love, friendship, and responsibility. With its distinct fashion inspired artwork, rich themes, and emotionally resonant storytelling, the manga went on to win the 29th Kodansha Manga Award in the children’s manga category.
The new anime adaptation by Studio Khara is expected to stay true to Moyoco Anno’s original vision, embracing both the charm and complexity that made Sugar Sugar Rune such a standout in its genre. Studio Khara, best known for its work on the Evangelion rebuild films, brings a high level of production quality and emotional storytelling to every project it touches, making it a promising studio to reintroduce the story in a modern format.
While no release date for the new adaptation has been confirmed yet, the teaser visuals and short film have already sparked a wave of nostalgia and excitement across anime communities online. For fans who grew up watching Chocolat and Vanilla navigate both magical trials and the heartbreaks of adolescence, this revival feels like the return of a long lost friend. And for newcomers, it is a perfect opportunity to discover a story that blends magical girl fantasy with the emotional weight of growing up.
As more details unfold in the coming months, the return of Sugar Sugar Rune is shaping up to be one of the most heartfelt revivals in the world of anime.
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