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MAPPA, Kazuhiro Furuhashi Reveal 'Project Altair' Anime (Updated)

Aniplex opened a website on Thursday to announce the "Project Altair" anime. The announcement video streaming on the website reveals that Kazuhiro Furuhashi (Getbackers, Rurouni Kenshin TV series and OVAs, Mobile Suit Gundam UC) is directing the project at MAPPA (Kids on the Slope, Yuri!!! on Ice, In This Corner of the World). (Note: the video on the official website is region-locked to Japan.)

The official website currently features a countdown that ends in nine days.

The project has also revealed an official Twitter account.

The official website and Twitter account do not state that the anime project is an adaptation of manga or other work. However, the project's visuals and title suggest it may adapt Kotono Katō's historical fantasy manga Shōkoku no Altair. The story centers on Mahmut, a young member of Türkiye Stratocracy's council who holds the political and military title of Pasha. The council's combination of warmongers and pacifists divide it. The threat of war and danger from the belligerent Empire put Türkiye's safety at risk. As the country's youngest military leader, Mahmut is determined to keep the peace. But with so much at stake, a long history of enemies and alliances draws the young man far into a political world he hopes to keep in check. The Pasha's journey is not easy, and war may prevail despite his efforts.

Katō launched the manga in Kodansha's Monthly Shonen Sirius magazine in 2007, and the 17th compiled book volume shipped in Japan in March. Kodansha will release the 18th volume on January 17. The series inspired the Shōkoku no! four-panel manga on Sirius' official website in 2012. The magazine serialized Shiina Soga's Shōkoku no Altair-san (Altair of the Tiny Nation) spinoff manga from 2012 to 2013, and Hirokazu Kobayashi and Chika Katō's Shōkoku no Altair Kaiden Tōkoku no Subaru spinoff series launched this past January.

Update: Manga information added.

Thanks to Dennis R. for the embedded video.