Anime Studio of Katsuhiro Otomo Focuses on Global Talent
Katsuhiro Otome, creator of Akira, has drawn global attention in the anime industry after announcing the launch of his own studio. That’s right — the new Anime Studio of Katsuhiro Otomo is officially named Oval Gear!
This announcement marks an important milestone for the industry, as the creator of Akira expands his work beyond previous projects and directly invests in training a new generation of animators.
Anime Studio of Katsuhiro Otomo Focuses on Global Talent
The Anime Studio of Katsuhiro Otomo is officially called Oval Gear Animation Studio, based in Tokyo, with the goal of combining artistic experience and international innovation.
The studio’s mission goes beyond simply producing new works. It aims to pass on Otomo’s creative vision and techniques developed over decades. This includes directing methods, visual storytelling, and detailed world-building — all hallmarks of his career.
Recruitment Open Even Without Fluent Japanese
One of the most talked-about aspects of the new studio is its hiring policy. The Oval Gear Animation Studio is recruiting artists and production assistants with varying levels of experience — even beginners can apply.
While industry experience is a plus, the studio states that “no prior experience is required” for certain roles, such as in-between animators and checkers.
Another important detail is that full fluency in Japanese is not mandatory. Only conversational-level Japanese is required, opening doors for international artists who want to enter the Japanese animation industry.
Projects in Development and Future Plans
Among the projects linked to the studio are previously announced works by Otomo, including science fiction productions and possible expansions of known universes.
There is also strong anticipation surrounding a potential new project related to Akira, which could be a sequel, remake, or a new interpretation of the original universe — though nothing has been officially confirmed.
via Site Oficial