Katsuhiro Otomo Launches New Animation Studio as Fans Renew Hopes for New AKIRA Anime Project

Katsuhiro Otomo, the legendary manga creator and film director best known for AKIRA, has established a new animation studio called OVAL GEAR animation studio. The announcement has reignited excitement among fans regarding the long awaited new AKIRA anime project first revealed in 2019.

The studio was founded with the goal of carrying Otomo’s distinctive visual storytelling and creative vision into the next generation while producing original animation works for audiences worldwide. According to the announcement, production on new titles is already underway, with further details to be revealed at a later date.

OVAL GEAR animation studio is also beginning recruitment for animators and production staff. The studio plans to welcome both experienced professionals and younger creators. Application requirements and recruitment details will be published on the official website in the near future.

Additional information regarding the studio, upcoming titles, and hiring updates will be shared through the official website and official X account.

Fans Speculate About the Future of AKIRA and ORBITAL ERA

Attention is now focused on what projects the studio may produce. Back in 2019, Otomo announced both the new science fiction animated feature film ORBITAL ERA and a new anime adaptation project for AKIRA.

While details regarding the new AKIRA anime adaptation remain unknown, the original announcement stated that the project would adapt the full story of the original manga volumes 1 through 6.

Following the announcement of the new studio, fans online shared enthusiastic reactions such as:

“Is the new AKIRA anime finally happening?”
“I wonder if the AKIRA reboot and ORBITAL ERA are finally moving forward.”
“The use of ORBITAL ERA visuals makes it feel like the project is finally starting.”
“There has been no cancellation announcement for AKIRA, so this has to be it. I am incredibly excited.”

The Legacy of AKIRA

AKIRA was serialized in Weekly Young Magazine by Kodansha from 1982 to 1990 and received a theatrical anime adaptation in 1988. The work became a landmark science fiction phenomenon and remains one of the most influential Japanese animated films ever created.

In 2002, the manga received the prestigious Eisner Award in the United States, further cementing its global reputation. The series continues to influence creators around the world and maintains a devoted international fanbase.

The story is set in 2019, thirty one years after a new type of bomb triggered World War III in the Kanto region in 1988. The rebuilt megacity of Neo Tokyo stands on Tokyo Bay as it prepares to host the upcoming Olympic Games. Against this backdrop, the series follows delinquent gang leader Kaneda and his friend Tetsuo, who awakens terrifying new psychic powers after undergoing extreme human experimentation.

Source : ORICON NEWS