Tokyo Animation Business Accelerator

TOKYO METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT

Tokyo Animation Business Accelerator | Support for animation production companies aspiring to succeed in the international market

Tokyo Animation Business Accelerator:
Project Outline

Tokyo is home to a thriving animation industry, but much of its highly creative output is unknown outside of Japan. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government wants to change all that. And that's why support has been given to the efforts of these very creative teams and why the Tokyo animation industry has been promoted to join MIFA. It is possible to open the door to an entire colorful range of Tokyo talent that has not been represented in the global animation market. Unique and technically outstanding, they have so much to offer. Please take this chance to work with them!

Tokyo Animation Pitch Grand Prix: Outline

Results from Feb. 14, 2024

At the Tokyo Animation Pitch Grand Prix, participants showcased advanced know-how and skills through a series of seminars and workshops. Entrants competed for prize money and the opportunity to exhibit their animation work in overseas markets. The winning companies have now taken their first steps toward gaining global recognition.

Top Prize Winner

Name of Company Address Project/Production Title
ARCH Inc. Shibuya-city Aurora

Prize Winners

Name of Company Address Project/Production Title
OKADO Takashi Suginami-city MANGA Girls
StudioGOONEYS, Inc. Nakano-city Muguet
S.o.K LLC Nishi-Tokyo-city Seven Old Knights

(Note) Companies are listed in the order of Japanese syllabary.

Works of Prize Winners

Top Prize Winner

Prize Winners

Top Prize Winner

Aurora

Image: Aurora

Synopsis

The future lies divided between the sky and the earth. Below, the ground has been transformed into a forbidden realm, a gel-like substance that swallows everything in its path, and a towering forest of colossal trees.
Humanity finds itself trapped inside “suspended cities,” aloft in the sky, their very foundations threatened by impending collapse.
Two boys, one born in the highest and the other in the lowest stratum of their city, have lost their places in society. They meet and descend into the forbidden realm. Fate intertwines their paths as they embark on this perilous descent into the forbidden depths.
Within the lethal confines of the forest, they encounter a girl who is a beacon of hope amidst the shadows. Together they traverse the forbidden expanse, encountering a myriad of beings and civilizations previously unknown. To their surprise the seemingly primitive denizens of the forest harbor a civilization far more advanced than their own.
Together, they venture into the enigmatic depths of the forest, unraveling its secrets and delving into the intricate lives of its inhabitants. Through their journey, they discover the truth behind the division of the world between earth and sky, while also unveiling the essence of their own existence and the boundless potential of their humanity.

Comment

The eyes of the two boys are captivated by the beauty of the colossal arboreal expanse. Towering trees, their branches stretching beyond the reach of sight, provide a playground for the forest's denizens, who flit between them with effortless grace. Joining the forest people in their hunt and gather, the boys are swept away in a whirlwind of wonder.

Giant gelatinous creatures float through the air, while enigmatic colossal trees give birth to new life. The very concept of life is reimagined, offering the possibility of rebirth and boundless freedom. Are these wonders the work of magic, or perhaps the fruit of advanced technology? Bewildered yet exhilarated, the boys are drawn into a world unveiled by the forest and its people. Perhaps the future of humanity holds a freedom far greater than what we can currently imagine.

Credit

Directorer・Original Story:Kazuya Murata
Produce:ARCH Inc.

Creator Profile

ARCH Inc.

An animation planning and production company established by an animation producer with over 20 years of industry experience, contributing to numerous original productions, and an app game executive with a background in founding and managing multiple app game companies.
In addition to a diverse staff with extensive careers in animation, publishing, music, and merchandise, the company benefits from a senior researcher from the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology serving as a technical advisor and an associate professor from Keio University acting as an advisor for overseas development.

Company Contact

101 St. Hills Yoyogi, 1-55-14 Yoyogi, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
https://archinc.jp/en/

Prize Winner

MANGA Girls

Image: MANGA Girls

Synopsis

Here is the story of a time when I was drawing manga alone. I was always being followed by someone while I was drawing manga in the school. "I-is this a stalker!?" I thought. I hid in the trunk of a car to escape from them. "I'll be safe here," I thought. But then the trunk closed and I was trapped. And my phone died…

Comment

My memories with my elementary school friends inspired me to create this project. I was a shy person who struggled to communicate with others, but I found a friend through drawing pictures.
He wasn't much of a talker either, but we both shared a passion for drawing and often collaborated on large sheets of paper. Despite our limited verbal communication skills, our friendship blossomed as we express ourselves through creation. Whether it was him adding to my drawings or me enhancing his, we found a unique way to connect without the need for words.
While filling a large sheet of paper with drawings may have been challenging for one person, it became an enjoyable experience when we worked together.
I hope that this anime series will evoke warm memories for viewers, reminding them of the joy of creating something together with someone in the past.

Credit

Cast
OMORI Arisa(KIKUCHI Makoto)/ FUJIWARA Nozomi / MARU / OSAMU Yo /
OYAMA Maeko / OIKAWA Kenta / HINO Yojin

Cinematographer : SUMI Yosuke
Sound Supervisor : FUDAUCHI Kota
Music : VooDooCoo
Illustrator : TAKUAN
Translation & Subtitles : YAMAWAKI Hiromu
Sound Supervisor : ITO Hironori
Editor : OKADO Takashi
Line Producer : NAKANE Daisuke

Creator Profile

OKADO Takashi

Takashi OKADO was born in Nara, Japan in 1988. He is primarily known as an actor in television, film, and commercials. He is also involved in film production, having directed the short animation "Manga Girls," which was selected as one of the "28 films for the Berlin International Film Festival" through the VIPO Festival Scope project. The animation has received extensive praise, winning over 20 awards at film festivals both in Japan and abroad. Mr. OKADO is currently expanding his repertoire by taking on the lead role and providing voice acting for the first time in the feature-length animation CHERRY AND VIRGIN, directed by Masayoshi Kawajiri. The film is set for nationwide release in 2024.

Creator Profile

https://twitter.com/OkadoTakashi

Prize Winner

Muguet

Image: Muguet

Synopsis

”The Tree of Life exists somewhere in the world... If you consume its fruit, you will be granted eternal life”. This is the story of a young girl and her friends' quest to discover this legend.
Muguet, a young herbalist, is afflicted by a ""dead tree curse"" that gradually transforms her body into that of a tree. Following her separation from her grandmother, Muguet embarks on a daring journey to locate the Tree of Life alongside Popo, a forest monster whose body sprouts vegetation.
Throughout their journey, Muguet harnesses the power of the plants growing from Popo to heal the sick and injured, and to confront malevolent forces.
Yet, they encounter new adversaries along the way, all seeking to control the Tree of Life.
Will Muguet succeed in protecting the Tree of Life?

Comment

The theme of this film is 'love that deepens only because of our separation'.
The main character, Muguet, discovers the love of those around her that she failed to notice in everyday life by departing from her hometown and embarking on a journey.
We hope this story will help you recognize the significance of even the smallest moments and inspire you to seek out your family and loved ones.

Credit

Original:Kayou Fujimaki
Produce:Mizuki Saitoh
CharacterDesign:Gurihiru
ConceptArt:Kazuhiro Oya
Cooperation:Shiki Matsuki
©StudioGOONEYS Inc.

Creator Profile

StudioGOONEYS, Inc.

Japan is renowned for its vast array of world-class content. We are a 3DCG production company that creates unique and unforgettable works uniquely produced in Japan. Our mission is to create and share exceptional Japanese CG content with the world. We specialize in a wide range of entertainment content, including animation, games, movies, promotional videos, and logo designs.

Creator Profile

2-29-12 Honcho, Nakano-ku, Tokyo, Japan
https://gooneys.co.jp/en/

Prize Winner

Seven Old Knights

Image: Seven Old Knights

Synopsis

This gripping narrative unfolds with Ray, a young protagonist facing a mere six years to relish life, intersecting paths with the immortal princess Alma and her six weathered knights. Their journey together becomes a testament to seizing every moment despite life's constraints.

Ray, a 14-year-old boy, flees the chaos of a war-torn slum only to collapse in the unforgiving desert. Alma, a 1400-year-old immortal princess, and her loyal retinue of six aged knights, come to his rescue.

Bound by the cruel fate of living only until the age of 20, Ray's unwavering determination and raw sincerity stir the princess and her venerable knights, rekindling their zest for life.

However, their newfound tranquility is short-lived. A looming military force sets its sights on the eternal life of the princess, shattering their peace.

In a heart-stopping turn of events, Ray and the princess take up arms to defend their world...

Comment

While shouldering the fate of living only until the age of 20, Ray, a young boy, earnestly lives his life. Through the insight of the elderly knights who have reached 80 years of age, and the enlightenment gained by the immortal princess Alma ,we hope to convey in this work the courage to live each moment to the fullest and ""live life to the fullest"". We hope that many people will gain the courage to continue living not in the past or the future, but in the everlasting present, through our anime series.

Credit

Original work:Bro.M(Takashi Masuyama+Ryoji Masuyama)
Director:Ryoji Masuyama
Series composition/Script:Takashi Masuyama
Character draft:toi8
Character design:Atsuko Nozaki
Producer:Koji Nishizawa
Production:S.o.K

Creator Profile

S.o.K LLC

We are an animation production studio that defies conventions, armed with a unique perspective and cutting-edge technology.
Driven by our philosophy of "stirring the hearts of each and every viewer, and consistently delivering new surprises and excitement", we pour our passion into bringing the visions of each client to life, from promotional videos and music videos to TV anime. Our ultimate goal is to become a world-renowned creative collective.

Creator Profile

7F, Square Mitaka, 1-4-4 Nakamachi, Musashino City, Tokyo
https://sok-llc.com/