During the online seminar Kochi Anime Creator Award 2026it was confirmed that the producers Yuka Numakoshi by Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions (ShoPro) and Yuji Matsukura from JCStaff are planning a new anime. The event was dedicated to sharing production techniques and advice for young creators.
The seminar, titled “(Must-See for Aspiring Animators!) Planning Techniques for Turning Your Ideas Into Anime”, also had the participation of Junichi Katsutanianother ShoPro producer. Katsutani, who worked in Zo Zo Zombie in 2020 with Matsukura, revealed that he is involved in several titles planned for 2026 and 2027in addition to other projects in development.
Tips from producers on creating anime
Matsukura stressed the importance of the producer's role in balancing the director's creative vision with the interests of other parties involved in a production. For aspiring animators, he recommended diversifying their skills and sources of inspiration, mentioning that even disciplines such as kabuki or wrestling can provide new perspectives.
Numakoshi, for his part, highlighted the relevance of searching external opinions to obtain a more objective view during the creative process. He also shared that Revolutionary Girl Utena It was one of his main influences.
Katsutani commented that works such as Pokémon and the movies Doraemon marked his childhood, and he admitted that nowadays it is increasingly difficult to produce anime aimed at children.
An event to discover new talent
He Kochi Anime Creator Award seeks to promote new talents specialized in short films between 90 seconds and 15 minutes in length. The prize has a total fund of 30 million yen and the registration period will remain open from August 1, 2025 to the February 16, 2026.
What expectations do you have about this new anime produced by ShoPro and JCStaff, do you think it will surprise you at its premiere?
