Legendary Akira Director Katsuhiro Otomo Founds New Anime Studio
Legendary manga creator and acclaimed film director Katsuhiro Otomo has officially announced the establishment of a brand new feature animation studio named OVAL GEAR.
The celebrated visionary behind the iconic 1988 cyberpunk masterpiece Akira and the 2004 steampunk adventure Steamboy revealed the exciting news on Monday, May 11, 2026.
The newly founded Tokyo-based studio was created with two primary goals in mind, focusing heavily on the future of the Japanese animation industry.
Otomo intends to use the company as a dedicated space to pass down the unique filmmaking methods and authorial sensibilities he has cultivated over decades to a new generation of creators.
The studio also aims to produce entirely new, high-quality animated works designed specifically for a global audience.
Fans eager for fresh content will be thrilled to know that OVAL GEAR has already begun production on its very first unannounced title.
While specific details remain tightly under wraps, eagle-eyed observers noted that the studio’s new logo bears a striking resemblance to concept art from Orbital Era.
This space science-fiction film was originally announced by Otomo and Sunrise back at Anime Expo 2019, but the ambitious movie has not received any official updates since.
There is currently no official confirmation regarding whether this debut OVAL GEAR project is directly related to that specific space colony story.
To help bring these creative new visions to life, the studio is preparing to launch a wide recruitment drive for dedicated animators and production staff.
The company is eager to welcome individuals who are sincerely passionate about animation, ranging from seasoned industry veterans to emerging young talent.
Detailed application guidelines and recruitment requirements will be published on the official OVAL GEAR website at a later date.
Further details regarding the studio’s debut animated project will be officially announced as soon as production preparations are complete.
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