Evangelion Creator Hideaki Anno Lends Support to New Animation School Project
The government of Japan’s Gunma Prefecture is advancing plans for a new educational facility dedicated to developing talent in filmmaking, animation, and game development, with guidance from several prominent figures in Japan’s entertainment industry.
Among those involved in shaping the project is Hideaki Anno, the acclaimed director best known for Neon Genesis Evangelion.
On June 9, prefectural officials convened a committee meeting to examine the concept and future direction of the proposed institution, which is currently operating under the provisional name Digital Creative School.
Film producer Shinzo Matsuhashi, known for his work on the movie Kokuho, was appointed as one of the committee members participating in the planning process.
The planned school could begin operations as early as the 2027 academic year and is intended to serve students of university age and above.
Its curriculum is expected to combine practical industry training with academic study across three primary disciplines: film and television drama production, animation, and video game creation.
To support the development of the project, Gunma Prefecture has allocated 147 million yen in its current fiscal year budget for curriculum design, research activities, and related planning expenses (approx. $916,000 USD/ £675,000 GBP).
The planning and evaluation committee consists of seven members, including Mitsuru Shimada, president of Toho Studios.
Anno attended the committee meeting remotely and jokingly remarked that he had no particular connection to Gunma Prefecture before explaining that he became involved after receiving an invitation from the governor through an existing acquaintance.
He noted that his experience working in both animation and live-action productions may allow him to contribute useful insights to the initiative.
Following the committee’s private discussions, Matsuhashi spoke with reporters and highlighted the project’s broad potential.
He observed that few, if any, local governments in Japan are attempting to create an educational program that addresses every stage of content production, from initial development through post-production work.
According to Matsuhashi, the thorough planning behind the initiative could help accelerate its path toward becoming a reality.
Gunma Governor Ichita Yamamoto also expressed strong support for the undertaking and described it as a challenge unlike anything previously attempted by a local government in Japan.
Despite the unprecedented nature of the project, Yamamoto stated that he is committed to seeing the plan through to completion.
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