First Trailer of Final Fantasy Artist Yoshitaka Amano's ZAN Anime Series to Be Shown at Anime Expo
A big year begins for Yoshitaka Amano fans. The iconic character designer and illustrator of the Final Fantasy series has announced his first independent anime project, a limited anime series called ZAN, under his newly founded Yoshitaka Amano Inc. The first trailer will premiere at Anime Expo 2026 in Los Angeles on July 3.
This announcement came together with the news that the artist's personal exhibition "AMANO" has been expanded. With these steps, Amano aims both to realize his artistic vision completely independently and to offer his fans a visual feast never seen before. The establishment of the company is considered a turning point in the artist's career.
The ZAN project is not new. Amano first launched this universe in 2018 as a manga. The story blends traditional Japanese motifs with fantastic elements, reflecting the artist's signature gothic and elegant drawing style. Now, this universe is being brought to life as a limited-episode anime series. We know that Amano has been involved in animation projects before (such as Vampire Hunter D, Angel's Egg), but ZAN will be his first long-form production over which he holds complete control.
The screening at Anime Expo will provide the first concrete clues about the series' visual identity and tone. How will Amano's signature watercolor textures, intricate patterns, and light-shadow play be transferred to the small screen? The answer to this question is a matter of great curiosity for both old fans and new viewers. Additionally, the establishment of the company signals that Amano may undertake other independent projects in the future.
This news is especially exciting for those who love the visual legacy of the Final Fantasy series and follow Amano's abstract storytelling. After all, the artist is forging his own path after working for major studios for many years. After the ZAN trailer is released on July 3, details such as the series' streaming platform and number of episodes are expected to become clear. All eyes are already on those first frames at Anime Expo.
