Acclaimed Japanese anime director Masaaki Yuasa, known for directing series like Ping Pong the Animation, Devilman Crybaby, and Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken, has announced the launch of his new animation studio, ame pippin.
The studio, based in Tokyo, is backed by major industry players Asmik Ace, Aniplex, and CoMix Wave Films, all of whom bring extensive experience in animation production and distribution.
A New Creative Chapter for Yuasa
Yuasa, widely regarded for his bold and unconventional storytelling, has been an important figure in the animation industry for decades. Born in 1965 in Fukuoka, Japan, he began his career in the late 1980s as an animator and storyboard artist for series like Chibi Maruko-chan and Crayon Shin-chan. Over time, he developed a reputation for pushing animation boundaries with experimental storytelling and distinct visual styles.
His major works include:
- Mind Game (2004)
- Kemonozume (2006)
- Kaiba (2008)
- The Tatami Galaxy (2010)
- Ping Pong the Animation (2014)
- Devilman Crybaby (2018)
- Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken! (2020)
- Inu-Oh (2021)
Yuasa co-founded Science SARU, which was recently acquired by Toho, in 2013 with producer Eunyoung Choi, serving as its president before stepping down in 2020. Interestingly, he also directed Season 6, Episode 7 of Adventure Time, titled “Food Chain” (2014).
His works have screened at major festivals like Annecy and Cannes, winning prestigious awards such as the Japan Media Arts Festival Grand Prize. In recognition of his artistic contributions, he received the Medal of Honor with Purple Ribbon from the Japanese government.
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Regarding the new studio, Yuasa’s statement reads:
“We are hoping that our new studio will be a place for new opportunities and a fresh creative environment.
As a collective, we will make steady progress, maintain quick turnarounds and flexibility, and foster joy in creativity.The next chapter of film and media entertainment starts here!”
Asmik Ace confirmed their involvement on their official X account, announcing their partnership with Aniplex and CoMix Wave Films in supporting Yuasa’s new creative endeavor.
Asmik Ace, established in 1998, has produced and distributed numerous critically acclaimed live-action and animated movies, including Tekkonkinkreet and Paranoia Agent. They collaborated with Yuasa on Mind Game, Kemonozume, The Tatami Galaxy, and Inu-Oh.
Aniplex is known for mega-hit franchises like Demon Slayer and Fate/Grand Order, and they bring expertise in anime production and international distribution.
CoMix Wave Films is the studio behind many of Makoto Shinkai’s works, including Your Name, Weathering With You and Suzume.
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Source: Masaaki Yuasa on X, ame pippin Official Website
Featured image:
The Tatami Galaxy ©The Tatami Galaxy Committee
Ping Pong the Animation © Taiyou Matsumoto, Shogakukan / PingPong The Animation Committee
Devilman Crybaby © Go Nagai-Devilman Crybaby Project
Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken! ©Sumito Oowara, Shogakukan / Eizouken Committee
© ame pippin Inc. All rights reserved.
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