A new TV anime special based on Osamu Tezuka's classic Jungle Emperor (Kimba the White Lion) manga and anime will air in Japan this summer. The project marks the 50th anniversary of the Fuji TV network and 80th anniversary of Tezuka's birth.

The script will be written by Osamu Suzuki (SMAP x SMAP), who has confirmed that it will incorporate elements of variety storytelling. The plot itself is inspired by the original coming-of-age story as the white lion grows into adulthood. The familiar themes of family, friendship, and environmental issues will once again be the primary influences on the plot. The story will be set the cast in the 21st century, where they must deal with environmental devastation that mankind did little to prevent.

Goro Taniguchi (Code Geass, Planetes, s-CRY-ed) has been confirmed as the special's director, and character designer Yoshitaka Amano (Final Fantasy, Vampire Hunter D) will work on the project as well. Art director Minoru Nishida (Kill Bill Chapter 3: The Origin of O-Ren, Thundercats) will also work on the project.