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CoMix Wave Films
CoMix Wave Films
CoMix Wave Films
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CoMix Wave Films, Inc. (Japanese: 株式会社コミックス・ウェーブ・フィルム, Hepburn: Kabushiki-gaisha Komikkusu Uēbu Firumu) is a Japanese independent animation film studio and distribution company based in Chiyoda, Tokyo, Japan.[1] The studio is known for its anime feature films, short films, and television commercials, particularly those made by director Makoto Shinkai.[1][2] It was founded in March 2007 when it split from CoMix Wave Inc., which was initially formed in 1998 from Itochu Corporation, ASATSU (now ADK), and other companies.[1] On 15 October 2024, Toho announced that they'd acquired 45 shares or 6.09% of CoMix Wave Films.[3]

Key Information

Productions

[edit]

Anime television series

[edit]
Year Title Director(s) Original run start Original run end Eps. Note(s)
2014 World Fool News Yuu Mashimo 24 April 2014 3 July 2014 12
2015 Peeping Life TV Season 1?? Ryōichi Mori 4 October 2015 20 December 2015
2016 Tabi Machi Late Show: Awaiting My Journey Yuu Numata 8 January 2016 29 January 2016 4 Anthology series, 8 minutes per episode.
This Boy Is a Professional Wizard Soubi Yamamoto 5 February 2016 26 February 2016 Anthology series, 10 minutes per episode.
2017 World Fool News Part II Yuu Mashimo 2 April 2017 18 June 2017 12

Anime films

[edit]
Year Title Director(s) Release date Dur. Note(s)
2004 The Place Promised in Our Early Days Makoto Shinkai 20 November 2004 90m As Comix Wave Inc. Original work, written by Makoto Shinkai.
2005 Negadon: The Monster from Mars Jun Awazu 16 October 2005 30m As Comix Wave Inc.
2006 Yonna in the Solitary Fortress Kengo Takeuchi 8 April 2006 35m
2007 5 Centimeters per Second Makoto Shinkai 3 March 2007 65m Original work, written by Makoto Shinkai.
2009 Asylum Session Takuto Aoki 25 July 2009 60m
2010 Planzet Jun Awazu 22 May 2010 55m CGI production.
2011 Children Who Chase Lost Voices Makoto Shinkai 7 May 2011 120m Original work, written by Makoto Shinkai.
2013 Dareka no Manazashi 10 February 2013 6m Short film.
The Garden of Words 31 May 2013 50m Original work, written by Makoto Shinkai.
2016 Your Name 3 July 2016 110m
2018 Flavors of Youth Li Haoling
Jiaoshou Yi Xiaoxing
Yoshitaka Takeuchi 		4 August 2018 20m
30m
30m 		Three short films (The Rice Noodles, A Little Fashion Show, Love in Shanghai). Co-production with Haoliners Animation League
2019 Weathering with You Makoto Shinkai 19 July 2019 115m Original work, written by Makoto Shinkai.
2022 Suzume 11 November 2022 122m

Original video animations

[edit]
Year Title Director(s) Release start Release end Eps. Note(s)
1999 She and Her Cat Makoto Shinkai 1999 1 As Comix Wave Inc. 5-minute short.
2002 Voices of a Distant Star 2 February 2002 25-minute OVA.
2011 Peeping Life: The Perfect Evolution Ryōichi Mori 27 January 2011 10 5-minute shorts.
Peeping Life: The Perfect Extension 23 September 2011 5-minute shorts.
2012 Peeping Life 5.0ch 3 February 2012 5-minute shorts.
Peeping Life: The Perfect Explosion 18 October 2012 5-minute shorts.
Kono Danshi, Ningyo Hiroimashita Soubi Yamamoto 9 November 2011 1 30-minute OVA.
2013 Peeping Life: Tezuka Pro, Tatsunoko Pro Wonderland Ryōichi Mori 25 June 2013 10 5-minute shorts.

Original net animations

[edit]
Year Title Director(s) Release start Release end Eps. Note(s)
2006 Hoshizori Kiseki Akio Watanabe
Toshikazu Matsubara 		10 July 2006 1 30-minute ONA.
2021 Oshiete Hokusai! The Animation Naoto Iwakiri 7 March 2021 14 March 2021 10 Based on a manga by Naoto Iwakiri.
2025 Kairyū to Yūbinya-san Taku Kimura 27 February 2025 TBA TBA Based on the Pokémon franchise.[4]

References

[edit]
[edit]
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CoMix Wave Films

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CoMix Wave Films, Inc. is a Japanese and company based in , specializing in the production, distribution, and overseas sales of feature films. Founded in 2007 by Noritaka Kawaguchi, who acquired the film division from the predecessor company CoMix Wave Inc., the studio originated from creative contracting services and has since focused on high-quality animated movies. The studio rose to prominence through its long-standing partnership with acclaimed director Makoto Shinkai, producing his breakthrough works starting with The Place Promised in Our Early Days (2004, distributed by the studio post-founding) and including major hits like 5 Centimeters per Second (2007), Your Name. (2016)—which grossed $405 million worldwide—Weathering with You (2019), and Suzume (2022). Shinkai's next film is in production for a summer 2026 release. These films are renowned for their stunning visuals, emotional storytelling, and exploration of themes like love, loss, and natural disasters, contributing to Shinkai's status as one of Japan's top anime directors. Beyond Shinkai's projects, CoMix Wave Films has produced diverse works such as the anthology Flavor of Youth (2018) for Netflix, the live-action adaptation of 5 Centimeters per Second (released October 10, 2025), and commercials for brands like Motoyama Seisakusho, showcasing its versatility in animation. In recent years, the company has expanded its global presence, establishing an India-focused social media channel in 2023 to engage international audiences and participating in events like Delhi Comic Con. In October 2024, Toho Corporation acquired a 6% stake in the studio to support its growth amid the booming anime market. Leadership transitioned in May 2024 with Tomohiro Tokunaga appointed as president and CEO, while founder Kawaguchi remains chairman; under this structure, the studio announced plans to open its first self-run anime theater in Nagano Prefecture by summer 2026. CoMix Wave Films continues to emphasize innovative animation techniques and strategic partnerships, solidifying its role in elevating anime as a global art form.

Overview

Founding and establishment

CoMix Wave Films was established in March 2007 as a spin-off from CoMix Wave Inc. through a led by then-board director Noritaka Kawaguchi, who acquired the predecessor company's production division to form the new entity. This separation allowed CoMix Wave Films to operate independently, focusing specifically on while CoMix Wave Inc. continued in other creative areas. The predecessor, CoMix Wave Inc. (formerly known as CW), had been founded in 1998 as a involving Corporation, ASATSU (now ADK), and additional partners, primarily for creative contracting and merchandising services in the entertainment sector. By the mid-2000s, following successes in animation-related projects, the division's growth prompted the 2007 split to streamline operations and capitalize on the rising demand for original animated content. Initial ownership post-buyout rested with Kawaguchi and the management team, establishing the studio as a . From its inception, CoMix Wave Films emphasized animated film production, distribution, and collaborative creative contracting tailored to directors and authors, aiming to support auteur-driven projects in the industry. This mission reflected a shift from the broader contracting focus of its predecessor toward specialized endeavors, setting the foundation for independent operations in feature-length storytelling.

Current operations and scope

CoMix Wave Films operates as a comprehensive , engaging in the , production, and distribution of animated films, alongside domestic and international sales of visual media through package sales and licensing agreements. The company also manages copyrights, handles imports and exports of visual content, and contracts with authors, artists, and directors to support its creative pipeline. This emphasizes end-to-end involvement in the lifecycle, from financing and physical production to theatrical distribution and overseas licensing, enabling the studio to maintain control over its intellectual properties while expanding revenue streams beyond domestic markets. The studio's headquarters is located at Fujisawa Building 3F, 4-30-16 Ogikubo, Suginami-ku, Tokyo, 167-0051, Japan, serving as the main office and G Studio for production activities. Facilities are equipped with advanced tools, including EIZO ColorEdge monitors for color management in key processes such as animation, finishing, and background art, ensuring consistent visual quality across departments like 3D CG and photography. Staffed by specialized teams in animation layout, key animation, color design, and rendering—supported by cloud-based AWS infrastructure for scalable compute resources—the studio fosters collaborative workflows to handle complex projects efficiently. In recent years, CoMix Wave Films has shifted toward longer production cycles of 3-4 years for major feature films, allowing for deeper creative development while partnering with entities like STORY Inc. and for co-production and distribution support. This approach aligns with an expanded focus on global sales, including dedicated overseas teams for and international licensing, bolstered by strategic investments such as Toho's 6.09% stake acquired in to enhance IP development and market reach. These adaptations position the studio to capitalize on the growing international demand for Japanese animation as of 2025.

History

Origins and predecessor activities (1998–2006)

CoMix Wave Inc. was established in 1998 as a primarily involving Corporation, ASATSU (now known as ADK), and several other companies, with an initial focus on creative contracting services for and media production. This formation positioned the company as a collaborative entity aimed at leveraging expertise in and to support various commercial projects in Japan's media landscape. In 2000, CoMix Wave Inc. expanded its operations by creating the MD Division, dedicated to contracting artists and directors while initiating experimental efforts in movie production. This division marked a shift toward more specialized content development, building on the company's roots to explore narrative-driven media beyond traditional advertising. The MD Division further evolved in 2002 with the launch of the CW Films label, which concentrated on , including the production of early shorts and commercials. Under this label, the division undertook significant projects that highlighted its growing capabilities in . Notable among these were the productions of director Makoto Shinkai's (2002), a short exploring themes of distance and communication, and (2004), Shinkai's debut feature-length film set in an alternate-history . These works, handled by the predecessor entity, demonstrated the label's emphasis on innovative storytelling and visual artistry in .

Independence and early independence (2007–2015)

CoMix Wave Films was founded in March 2007 by Noritaka Kawaguchi, who acquired the animation production division from its predecessor, CoMix Wave Inc., to create an independent studio dedicated to original animated films. This separation marked a shift from the parent company's contracting services to full in-house production, allowing greater creative control and focus on feature-length works. The studio's debut project, (2007), directed by , consisted of three vignettes exploring themes of love, separation, and the passage of time across . Produced entirely by CoMix Wave Films, the film showcased the studio's emphasis on meticulous background art and emotional storytelling, setting a foundation for its independent identity. This release highlighted early partnerships with Shinkai, whose prior collaborations with the predecessor entity transitioned seamlessly to the new studio. From 2008 to 2015, CoMix Wave Films prioritized quality over volume, producing a select portfolio of features and shorts primarily under Shinkai's direction to stabilize operations. Key works included Children Who Chase Lost Voices from Deep Below (2011), an adventure-fantasy about a girl's journey to the underworld in search of her mother, which expanded the studio's scope into mythological narratives. In 2013, the studio released the short Dareka no Manazashi (Someone's Gaze), a futuristic slice-of-life story about a young woman's independence and her bond with her father, commissioned for NHK's 80th anniversary. That same year, The Garden of Words premiered as a feature, portraying a rainy-season encounter between a teenage aspiring shoemaker and a mysterious older woman, distributed domestically by Toho. These projects solidified ties with Shinkai and early distribution partners, while the studio navigated the challenges of scaling independent production by limiting output to ensure artistic excellence. During this era, CoMix Wave Films began venturing into television animation support, providing finish animation for select episodes and specials to diversify revenue without diluting its core focus on theatrical releases. The deliberate pace of development—averaging one major feature every few years—reflected a strategic emphasis on high-impact collaborations and visual innovation, laying the groundwork for future expansion.

Major successes and expansion (2016–present)

CoMix Wave Films achieved a major breakthrough in 2016 with the release of ., directed by , which became the highest-grossing film worldwide at the time, earning approximately US$382 million globally. The film also garnered significant international acclaim, winning the Best Animated Film award from the , highlighting the studio's growing influence beyond . Building on this success, the studio produced subsequent hits including in 2019 and in 2022, both also directed by Shinkai. topped the Japanese for the year, grossing about $129 million domestically and achieving worldwide earnings of $193 million through expanded global releases. Similarly, set records as one of the highest-grossing films, with international earnings of $304 million contributing to a global total exceeding $315 million, supported by coordinated worldwide theatrical distributions. In October 2024, Corporation acquired a 6% stake in the studio to bolster its growth amid the expanding industry. That , the studio announced plans to open its first self-run theater, CWF CINEMAS, in Saku City, , by summer 2026, aiming to screen films and foster local engagement. In May 2024, Tomohiro Tokunaga was appointed as Representative Director and President of CoMix Wave Films, succeeding Noritaka Kawaguchi, who transitioned to Chairman. Tokunaga, who joined the studio in 2020 and rose through roles including head of production, emphasized a vision for sustainable production practices and improved working conditions to address longstanding industry challenges like low wages and overwork. In 2025, the studio produced the Pokémon Day commemorative short Dragonite and the Postman, released on February 27, and the live-action adaptation of 5 Centimeters per Second, which premiered on October 10. On November 13, director Makoto Shinkai confirmed he is actively developing a new feature film with the studio, potentially for release in 2026. The studio opened up through interviews and behind-the-scenes features, providing production insights into its acclaimed Shinkai collaborations and daily operations. Amid broader anime industry discussions on labor issues, CoMix Wave Films focused on overseas expansion, establishing direct partnerships in markets like Korea and India via its dedicated international business department to enhance global distribution and sustainability.

Key personnel

Executive leadership

CoMix Wave Films' executive leadership plays a pivotal role in guiding the studio's strategic direction, production oversight, and global expansion efforts. As of 2025, the top executives include Representative Director and Chairman Noritaka Kawaguchi, President and CEO Tomohiro Tokunaga, Managing Director Kazuki Sunami, and Executive Officer Saae Hyun, each contributing distinct expertise to the company's operations in production and distribution. Noritaka Kawaguchi serves as Representative Director and Chairman, having founded the independent studio in 2007 by acquiring the film division of predecessor CoMix Wave Inc., after joining Corporation in 1993, transferring to the predecessor company in 1998, and permanently separating from in 2003. In this capacity, he oversees strategic partnerships, including the 2024 acquisition of a 6% stake by to bolster international distribution and foster healthy competition in the market. Kawaguchi's has emphasized sustainable growth, drawing from his early involvement in creative contracting that laid the groundwork for the studio's . Tomohiro Tokunaga has been President and CEO since May 28, 2024, following his promotion from Managing Director. With a background in production, he joined in 2014, becoming head of production in 2017 and contributing as a on various projects before transferring to CoMix Wave Films in as head of production and chief for . Tokunaga advocates for improved wages and working conditions in the industry, addressing longstanding challenges like low pay and to enhance talent retention and creative output. Kazuki Sunami holds the position of Managing Director, focusing on creative oversight, particularly in collaborations with director . He manages international licensing for key titles, including and , ensuring global accessibility and distribution partnerships that have supported the studio's expansion into markets like and . Sunami's producer experience underscores his role in bridging creative and business aspects of film production. Saae Hyun acts as , specializing in international sales and distribution strategies. Her responsibilities encompass planning and production of animated movies, along with domestic and export activities for visual media, facilitating the studio's presence in overseas markets through targeted licensing and sales initiatives. Hyun's contributions strengthen CoMix Wave Films' global footprint amid increasing demand for content.

Notable directors and collaborators

CoMix Wave Films has maintained a longstanding creative partnership with director Makoto Shinkai, beginning in 2002 with the production of his OVA Voices of a Distant Star, marking the studio's early involvement in his projects. Shinkai has directed all of the studio's major feature films since 5 Centimeters per Second (2007), including The Garden of Words (2013), Your Name. (2016), Weathering with You (2019), and Suzume (2022), leveraging the studio's expertise in detailed animation and visual storytelling. Beyond Shinkai, the studio has collaborated with other directors on original projects, showcasing its versatility in animation formats. Ryōichi Mori served as director and CG animator for the Peeping Life series, a collection of comedic short animations that blend motion capture with improvised acting to depict everyday humor. Similarly, Naoto Iwakiri directed the 2021 original net animation Oshiete Hokusai! -THE ANIMATION-, an adaptation of his own manga that follows a high school girl's artistic aspirations inspired by the legendary painter Hokusai. Key external partnerships have been instrumental in the studio's distribution and production scope. CoMix Wave Films has a long-term collaboration with , which has handled domestic distribution and co-production for all of Shinkai's feature films since The Place Promised in Our Early Days (2004). Additionally, the studio partnered with on the 2018 anthology film , a three-part exploration of nostalgia and urban life in that expanded its international reach through the streaming platform.

Productions

Feature films

CoMix Wave Films has established itself as a key producer of theatrical feature films, most notably through its long-standing partnership with director , whose works emphasize original narratives centered on themes of youthful longing, interpersonal separation, and subtle supernatural phenomena. The studio's output began with more intimate, lower-budget productions and evolved into ambitious, high-grossing spectacles following the blockbuster success of Your Name. in 2016, reflecting a shift toward larger-scale with enhanced and broader international appeal. 5 Centimeters per Second (2007), directed by , runs for 63 minutes and marks the studio's debut feature film. This anthology consists of three interconnected segments tracing the lives of childhood friends Takaki and Akari as they navigate growing emotional and physical distances over the years, employing CoMix Wave Films' early expertise in detailed background and atmospheric . Produced on a modest budget estimated at $250,000, it achieved and grossed approximately $1.1 million worldwide, primarily through and , gaining greater recognition through sales and establishing Shinkai's signature melancholic style. The Garden of Words (2013), also directed by , has a runtime of 46 minutes despite being marketed as a feature. The film follows high school student Takao, an aspiring shoemaker, who skips school on rainy days to sketch in a garden, where he encounters the enigmatic , exploring fleeting connections amid Tokyo's seasonal rains with innovative use of photorealistic rain effects and minimalistic character animation. With a production budget of around 150 million yen (about $1.3 million), it earned approximately $3.1 million globally through limited theatrical releases, praised for its poetic brevity and contributing to the studio's reputation for emotionally resonant shorts elevated to feature status. Your Name. (2016), directed by , spans 106 minutes and represents a pivotal high-budget endeavor for CoMix Wave Films, with a reported cost of 370 million yen (approximately $3.7 million). The story revolves around teenagers Taki and Mitsuha who mysteriously swap bodies across time and space, incorporating groundbreaking animation techniques for the body-swap sequences, such as seamless transitions between perspectives and dynamic comet visuals, while delving into themes of destiny and loss. It exploded at the , grossing over $405 million worldwide and becoming Japan's highest-grossing at the time, propelled by word-of-mouth and international releases.#tab=summary) Weathering with You (2019), under Makoto Shinkai's direction, clocks in at 111 minutes and features a budget of about $11.1 million, showcasing the studio's expanded capabilities in weather simulation and animation. The narrative centers on runaway teen Hodaka and weather-controlling girl Hina in a rain-soaked , blending romance with allegory through advanced CGI for dynamic storm sequences and character emotions. It grossed $192.7 million globally, securing the top spot at the Japanese for 2019 and reinforcing CoMix Wave Films' post-2016 trend toward visually spectacular, theme-driven blockbusters.#tab=summary) Suzume (2022), directed by , runs 122 minutes with an estimated budget of $13 million, highlighting the studio's maturation in action-oriented and disaster motifs. The plot follows 17-year-old and wanderer Souta as they seal mystical doors to prevent earthquakes, utilizing cutting-edge techniques for fluid road-trip sequences and seismic effects inspired by real events. It amassed $314 million worldwide, ranking among Japan's top-grossing films and exemplifying CoMix Wave Films' commitment to high-impact, original spectacles that resonate with global audiences on themes of resilience and connection.#tab=summary)

Television series and specials

CoMix Wave Films has made selective contributions to television series and , primarily taking on full production roles for shorter-form episodic content or promotional works that emphasize character interactions and everyday scenarios. The studio's involvement in TV often highlights its strengths in fluid and subtle emotional storytelling, typically supporting series with 12 to 24 episodes or standalone that explore personal growth and relationships. One of the studio's notable full productions is the 2014 television series World Fool News, a 12-episode that aired from to July on networks including Gunma TV. Directed by Yu Mashimo, the series follows news anchor Ichitaro and his quirky colleagues at a fictional broadcasting station, blending workplace humor with slice-of-life elements through character-driven sketches. CoMix Wave Films handled animation production, music by yuma yamaguchi, and voice casting including Hiroshi Noda as , showcasing the studio's ability to deliver concise, engaging narratives in limited runtime. In 2015, CoMix Wave Films produced Peeping Life TV Season 1??, a short-form consisting of 12 episodes, each around 10-15 minutes, that aired from October to December on Nippon TV. This iteration of the Peeping Life franchise, directed by Ryōichi Mori, features improvised comedy sketches animated using motion-captured techniques and , depicting humorous glimpses into ordinary lives and relationships. The series emphasizes the studio's innovative use of CG for lighthearted, character-focused vignettes that evoke subtle amusement and relatability. The studio also created the 2014 special Cross Road, a two-minute animated promotional short directed by for the Z-Kai correspondence company. Released on February 25, this standalone piece intertwines the parallel stories of two high school students, Miho and Shota, as they navigate exam preparations and personal aspirations, crossing paths metaphorically through the pressures of youth. Produced by CoMix Wave Films in collaboration with The Answer Studio, it exemplifies the studio's role in crafting emotionally resonant, character-centric tied to real-world themes like and perseverance. As of 2025, CoMix Wave Films has not announced new television series or specials, focusing instead on feature films and , though it provided animation support for select broadcast projects in 2024-2025, including promotional .

Original video animations and shorts

CoMix Wave Films has produced a select number of original video animations (OVAs) and standalone short films, emphasizing techniques, concise narratives, and diverse themes ranging from personal relationships to historical inspiration. These works, often under 30 minutes in length, serve as creative outlets for the studio's animators and directors, distinct from their feature-length projects by prioritizing limited-release formats such as , film festivals, or distribution. In 2016, the studio revisited Makoto Shinkai's debut work with She and Her Cat: Their Standing Points, a four-minute OVA presented as a four-episode mini-series, each installment approximately four minutes long. Directed by Shinkai and in a soft, watercolor style, it shifts narration to the cat's perspective, exploring the quiet emotional bond between a young woman navigating job struggles and her feline companion over the course of a year. This intimate portrayal of everyday life and companionship was released on and streaming platforms, earning praise for its tender and subtle character development. More recently, Oshiete Hokusai! -THE ANIMATION- (2021) comprises 10 standalone short episodes, each roughly 10 minutes long, adapted from Naoto Iwakiri's web and directed by Iwakiri himself. The story centers on Oshi, a modern girl who encounters the spirit of ukiyo-e master , leading to whimsical lessons in history and techniques through fantastical adventures. Produced with vibrant, illustrative visuals, these promotional shorts were released online and on , blending educational elements with lighthearted fantasy to introduce classical art to younger audiences. In 2024-2025, CoMix Wave Films produced promotional , including animated commercials for Motoyama Seisakusho and festival entries, emphasizing innovative techniques. These OVAs and reflect CoMix Wave Films' commitment to versatile storytelling in compact formats, often experimenting with limited budgets to focus on thematic depth—such as human-animal connections in or cultural heritage in —while distributing through niche channels like anime festivals and DVD releases to reach dedicated viewers. Building briefly on predecessor efforts like Shinkai's original 1999 short, the studio's output in this category underscores its evolution from indie experiments to refined, artist-driven mini-productions.

Original net animations

CoMix Wave Films has produced several original net animations (ONAs), focusing on short-form content distributed primarily through online platforms, emphasizing slice-of-life themes and youthful experiences. These works represent the studio's early experiments in digital-first animation, leveraging to reach global audiences with comedic and introspective narratives. The "Peeping Life" series, directed by Ryōichi Mori, spans 2008 to 2014 across multiple seasons, delivering over 30 voyeuristic comedy shorts that capture mundane daily interactions with humor and ennui. Each short, typically 5 minutes long, features improvised sketches animated using techniques, observing ordinary people in relatable scenarios to evoke and subtle emotional insights. Initially released as free on platforms like and later streamed on , the series evolved from independent online drops to structured seasons, including "The Perfect Edition" (2008, 10 episodes), "The Perfect Evolution" (2011, 10 episodes), and "The Perfect Extension" (2011, 10 episodes), culminating in the 2014 compilation "WE ARE THE HERO." In 2011, the studio launched the "" series under director Soubi Yamamoto, consisting of three 3-minute episodes depicting a young boy's everyday routines and personal growth in a whimsical, slice-of-life style. These shorts, aimed at a young female audience, highlight themes of and self-discovery through vibrant visuals and heartfelt storytelling, marking Yamamoto's commercial debut and garnering strong online support. Distributed via web platforms, they exemplify CoMix Wave Films' shift toward concise, character-driven net content that resonates with digital viewers. A notable evolution in the studio's ONA output came with "" in 2018, a Netflix-exclusive anthology co-produced with , comprising three interconnected segments exploring nostalgic aspects of youth in urban . Directed by Li Haoling, Jiaoshou Yi Xiaoxing, and Yoshitaka Takeuchi, the 70-minute collection delves into sensory memories—like rice noodles evoking family bonds, a model's fading career, and a bittersweet first romance—blending melancholic drama with exquisite animation. This project marked a transition from free web releases to high-profile international streaming partnerships, broadening the studio's reach while maintaining its focus on intimate, youth-oriented narratives.

Recognition and legacy

Awards and nominations

CoMix Wave Films has garnered significant recognition for its productions, particularly the feature films directed by , which have received accolades from major international and Japanese award bodies for their quality, storytelling, and technical achievements. The studio's breakthrough film, Your Name. (2016), earned nominations at the 44th Annie Awards, including Best Animated Feature - Independent and Outstanding Achievement for Directing in an Animated Feature-Independent for . It was also shortlisted for consideration in the Best Animated Feature category at the , highlighting its global appeal despite not securing a final nomination. In , the film was nominated for Animation of the Year at the , alongside wins for Best Screenplay and Best Music Score. Subsequent Shinkai collaborations continued this momentum. (2019) won the Grand Prize for (Anime of the Year) and Best Director at the Tokyo Anime Award Festival 2020, recognizing its innovative narrative and visual effects. The film also claimed Animation of the Year at the 43rd , along with Best Music Score. For (2022), the studio received seven nominations at the 51st , including Best Feature and Outstanding Achievement for Writing in a . It was nominated for Best Animated at the 16th Screen Awards, underscoring its regional impact. The film also earned a nomination for Best Animated Feature at the 81st (2024), won Best Film at the 8th (2024), and secured Best Music Score at the 46th (2023). Shorter works have also contributed to the studio's honors. (2013) was selected for the Jury Recommendations in the Animation Division at the 17th , praised for its poetic animation and emotional depth.
FilmAwardCategoryYearOutcome
Your Name.Best Animated Feature - Independent2017Nominated
Your Name.Best Animated Feature2017Shortlisted
Your Name.Animation of the Year2017Nominated
Weathering with YouTokyo Anime Award FestivalAnime of the Year (Feature Film)2020Won
Weathering with YouAnimation of the Year2020Won
SuzumeBest Feature2024Nominated
SuzumeAsia Pacific Screen AwardsBest Animated Feature Film2023Nominated
SuzumeBest Animated Feature2024Nominated
SuzumeBest Film2024Won
SuzumeBest Music Score2023Won
Animation Division (Jury Recommendation)2014Selected

Industry influence and challenges

CoMix Wave Films has significantly influenced the anime industry by pioneering high-quality original feature films, particularly through its long-standing collaboration with director Makoto Shinkai, which has elevated production standards and introduced innovative visual storytelling techniques. The studio's work on Shinkai's films, such as Your Name. (2016), popularized body-swap narratives intertwined with romantic and fantastical elements, while subsequent projects like Weathering With You (2019) and Suzume (2022) globalized themes of natural disasters, drawing from Japan's seismic history to explore personal growth and collective resilience. This stylistic evolution, characterized by lush, photorealistic animation and emotional depth, has resonated internationally, challenging traditional anime tropes and inspiring a wave of similar high-concept originals. The studio's contributions extend to the streaming era, notably through (2018), a Japanese-Chinese co-production released exclusively on , which helped bolster the platform's slate and demonstrated CoMix Wave's adaptability in reaching global audiences beyond theatrical releases. Economically, alone grossed over ¥25 billion in , underscoring the studio's role in demonstrating the commercial viability of original and influencing investment in the sector. This success has inspired independent studios to pursue ambitious, creator-driven projects, fostering a more diverse landscape for non-franchise production. Despite these achievements, CoMix Wave Films faces ongoing challenges, including persistent low wages and prevalent in the industry, as highlighted in 2025 discussions by President and CEO Tomohiro Tokunaga. Tokunaga acknowledged "bad working conditions and very low wages" as systemic issues, emphasizing the need for structural reforms to sustain talent amid grueling production schedules. The studio is also navigating the shift from theatrical to streaming models, where global distribution opportunities have grown—evidenced by waning Hollywood gatekeeping and increased platform partnerships—but revenue uncertainties and content localization demands pose adaptation hurdles. These pressures reflect broader industry tensions, yet CoMix Wave's proactive vision under Tokunaga aims to balance innovation with improved labor practices.

References

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  22. https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=6696
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  28. https://www.animationmagazine.net/2016/12/makoto-shinkais-your-name-wins-lafca-animation-award/
  29. https://variety.com/2020/film/asia/japan-box-office-record-2019-weathering-with-you-frozen-1203484855/
  30. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9426210/
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  32. https://www.cbr.com/your-name-comix-wave-films-anime-industry-change/
  33. https://www.crunchyroll.com/news/latest/2025/2/6/pokemon-dragonite-and-the-postman-anime-comix-wave-films
  34. https://www.cwfilms.jp/en/news/article/the_live_action_film_5_centimeters_per_second_receives_a_new_poster_visual.html
  35. https://screenrant.com/makoto-shinkai-new-anime-movie-update-hayao-miyazaki-demon-slayer/
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  37. https://www.crunchyroll.com/news/features/2017/12/12/framing-makoto-shinkai-15-years-of-anime-art-from-the-director-of-your-name
  38. https://www.cwfilms.jp/en/products/article/peeping.html
  39. https://www.cwfilms.jp/en/news/article/teach_me_hokusai_the_animation_main_cast_visuals_and_trailer_revealed.html
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  41. https://about.netflix.com/news/netflix-reveals-trailer-for-flavors-of-youth-from-the-producers-of-your-name
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