AKIRA Creator Katsuhiro Otomo Returns With New Anime Studio and Long-Awaited Anime Project
The legendary creative mind behind Akira is stepping back into the spotlight, and this time he’s not just bringing a new project with him, he’s building something bigger.
After more than a decade of relative quiet, Katsuhiro Otomo is launching a brand-new anime studio and gearing up for what could be one of the most exciting creative comebacks in the industry.
Otomo’s influence on anime and manga isn’t something that needs much introduction. He started out as a mangaka before creating Akira, a groundbreaking series that reshaped the medium.
When he later directed and wrote the anime film adaptation, it cemented his reputation as one of the most important creators in animation history. Even now, Akira is still held up as one of the greatest anime films ever made.
But after his work on the opening short for Short Peace over a decade ago, things went quiet. Fans held onto updates about his original anime film Orbital Era, which was announced back in 2019, but news on the project faded and it seemed to drift into uncertainty.
But now. Otomo has officially launched a new anime studio called Oval Gear. The reveal came through a newly opened X account and an official website, both teasing that a new animation project from the director will be announced soon.
The studio’s branding even features the central character from Orbital Era, which has fans connecting the dots and hoping this long-awaited film is finally moving forward under Otomo’s direct control.
According to a press release, the studio "was established with the aim of passing on the visual expression and artistic style that Katsuhiro Otomo has cultivated over many years to the next generation, and to disseminate new animation works to the world.
“Production of a new title is already underway at the studio. Further details about the project will be announced as soon as they are ready."
Oval Gear is already opening its doors to new and experienced creators alike, with job listings for production staff and freelancers. For anyone looking to break into anime or level up their career, working under Otomo could be an amazing opportunity.
As for what’s coming first, all signs point to Orbital Era. While nothing has been officially confirmed yet, the connection between the studio’s imagery and the project feels intentional. If that’s the case, this film will likely set the tone for everything Oval Gear represents moving forward.
Also, with Otomo now running his own studio, the long-discussed Akira anime remake might finally have a real path to becoming a reality.
Whether it’s Orbital Era, a return to Akira, or something completely unexpected, Katsuhiro Otomo isn’t just coming back to create, he’s building a legacy that extends beyond his own work.