About this season
Meet the real stars of Japanese animation. From crayons to CGI, discover the techniques and inspirations of some of Japan's most amazing animators.
Episodes (13)
1. A Master of Comical 3DCG Animation
Aired 23 January 2021 • 15 min
Satoshi Tomioka currently heads the 3DCG studio Canavan Graphics. His job encompasses directing, writing and producing, all while managing his company. The talented creator is well-known for his original comedic animation style. He has also turned his original characters into multi-faceted businesses that include goods, video games and other ventures. In this episode, we find out what drives Tomioka's creativity and how he has become a master of comical 3DCG animation.
2. Watch Murata Tomoyasu's 'A Branch of a Pine Is Tied Up' in Full!
Aired 13 March 2021 • 28 min
Tomoyasu Murata is a highly-acclaimed stop-motion animation artist known for his warm puppets and elaborate productions. The "life and death" of humans has been a focus in Murata's work ever since he was a student. This time, we bring the entirety of "A Branch of a Pine Is Tied Up," Murata's masterpiece based on the Great East Japan Earthquake.
3. Watch Yashiro Takeshi's 'Norman the Snowman - The Northern Lights -' in Full!
Aired 27 March 2021 • 28 min
Takeshi Yashiro mainly works as a director for live-action commercials. At 43, he began working on original stop-motion animated works. He is involved in every aspect of his works, from writing and directing to art, animation, and puppet-modeling. The nature-loving creator from Akita Prefecture currently lives in Karuizawa, where he continues to pursue stop-motion animation that uses textured visuals unique to the medium.
4. A Sci-Fi Animator Pushing the Boundaries of 3DCG
Aired 24 April 2021 • 15 min
Toshihisa Yokoshima is a creator who honed his skills at Kamikazedouga, the production company behind international hits like "Ninja Batman." Although he works in 3DCG, he maintains a hand-drawn feel through his use of lines and coloring. His detailed depiction of his characters and the science fiction settings have made him a highly acclaimed animator.
5. An Expert of Heartwarming Children's Animation
Aired 22 May 2021 • 15 min
Gaku Kinoshita is a solo creator who has worked on numerous children's animations that implement his soft and unique animation style. He studied animation at an art college in the UK and creates works that children can get lost in, making full use of hand-drawn and dynamic 3DCG animation. Active across many fields, including commercials, music videos and original works, Kinoshita's goal is to continue creating pieces that bring smiles to children's faces.
6. Creating Visuals That Sneak into Our Hearts
Aired 19 June 2021 • 15 min
Having just graduated from the Tokyo University of the Arts, Department of DESIGN, Nina Ai is one of Japan's most exciting up-and-coming young creators. Her works are characterized by eccentric colors and striking visuals that stay with you long after watching the piece.
7. In Search of Unrivaled Analog Expression
Aired 26 June 2021 • 15 min
Atsushi Makino is a creator characterized by the warm, analog-style of expression he studied in the Czech Republic. He utilizes handmade materials, crafted with much time and effort, in highly-acclaimed animations that have won numerous awards, both in Japan and overseas. He is active across various fields, including commercials, music videos and TV programs, all of which make full use of his unique talent.
8. Shaping Her Work Through Hometown Experiences
Aired 25 July 2021 • 15 min
A creator from the tropical islands of Okinawa Prefecture who creates colorful and unique worlds based on childhood experiences from her hometown. She is also known for her cute and relatable style of animation.
9. From Nihonga to Animation and Back
Aired 21 August 2021 • 15 min
Yoshitoshi Shinomiya is a one-of-a-kind creator who is active as both a traditional Nihonga artist and an animator. He uses the drawing skills he cultivated through Nihonga to put together finely crafted and elaborate animations and has become one of Japan's most versatile and acclaimed creators.
10. In Search of Stylish Sci-Fi Animation
Aired 18 September 2021 • 15 min
Kaoru Yoshitake is an up-and-coming creator who specializes in 3DCG animation. The use of striking colors and stylish action scenes in his 3DCG animations has led to high acclaim.
11. A Virtuoso of Surrealistic Hand-Drawn Animation
Aired 23 October 2021 • 15 min
Ryoji Yamada is an up-and-coming creator known for his edgy representations of contemporary society and internationally-acclaimed hand-drawn animation.
12. A Spirited Young Creator Making Works of Youth
Aired 20 November 2021 • 15 min
loundraw is a multi-talented young creator gaining a lot of attention. His specialties include delicate use of light, detailed backgrounds and expression that conveys a condensed movie-like story.
13. Using Pencils to Create Hand-Drawn Texture
Aired 18 December 2021 • 15 min
Kazuo Ebisawa is known for how he uses pencil drawings to add depth and texture to his works. He specializes in portraying character emotions through slight, deliberate movements.