Anime Supernova
Meet the real stars of Japanese animation. From crayons to CGI, discover the techniques and inspirations of some of Japan's most amazing animators.
Cast spotlight
Jump into full cast pages for bio, socials, and recent work.
Ep 1Tomorrow's Worlds, From Today's Rising Star
Yasuhiro Yoshiura creates long-form sci-fi animations set in the near future. He discusses his animated series, Time of Eve, which suggests the possibility of more intimate human-robot relationships. Humans and robots coexist in a world where the robots are developed according to Isaac Asimov's Three Laws of Robotics. The work features 3D computer-generated backgrounds that allow the "camera" to flow freely through the world as it captures the characters' emotions and relationships.
Ep 2The Road to Your Name
In Japan, Makoto Shinkai has become a household name, thanks to the blockbuster success of his latest feature-length animation, Your Name. The film has already smashed records in China and is currently playing in countries around the world. Shinkai tells personal stories featuring sci-fi and fantasy elements. He is best known for his use of meticulously cut memory sequences and vivid background art to depict the internal drama of his characters.
Ep 3Handcrafted Fantasies in a Digital World
Yoshiko Misumi creates fantastical worlds featuring handcrafted artwork and an aesthetic style that rejects animation's move towards digital. The result is like watching a moving picture book. Misumi's fantasy works range from children's cartoons to independently-made animated shorts.
Ep 4Bringing Sketch Comedy to Animation
Taketo Shinkai creates animated sketch comedies featuring rapid-fire dialogue, minimal movement, and a distinctive pop visual style. The many shorts he has produced for TV have found a large audience, particularly among teenagers.
Ep 5Surrealism through Simplicity
Atsushi Wada creates surreal worlds that are full of mind-bending details. He is known for the odd, humorous movement of his human and animal characters, which he draws entirely in thin pencil lines. Wada already has some overseas renown, having won a Silver Bear at the 2012 Berlin Film Festival.
Ep 6Living, Breathing Paintings
Ryu Kato creates living paintings that dance beautifully across the screen. In both his artwork and his animation, Kato emphasizes the rhythmic and the unexpected -- qualities that he believes add a human touch to anime. Apart from his own independently produced shorts, Kato has directed animations for music videos, live concerts and TV.
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