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ENGI Co., Ltd. (Japanese: 株式会社ENGI, Hepburn: Kabushiki-gaisha Engi), also known as Entertainment Graphic Innovation, or Studio ENGI, is a Japanese animation studio founded by Kadokawa, Sammy Corporation, and Ultra Super Pictures, and is a subsidiary of Kadokawa Corporation.
Key Information
History
[edit]On April 4, 2018, Kadokawa established ENGI, while Sammy and Ultra Super Pictures invested on the company as well.[2] It began operation on June 1, 2018.[3] The studio is based in Suginami, Tokyo.[4] Former Qtec representative director Tohru Kajio is serving as representative director for the new company. Board members include Kadokawa's Hiroshi Horiuchi and Takeshi Kikuchi, Kadokawa subsidiary Glovision's Shun'ichi Okabe, and Sammy's Ken'ichi Tokumura.[1]
ENGI is an animation studio that mainly works within the anime industry for its shareholders Kadokawa, Sammy and Ultra Super Pictures, including but not limited to TV productions, game animations, Pachinko animations and theatrical films.[5] The studio is responsible for producing the 2nd Kantai Collection anime,[6] and is working on the upcoming animated comic series Okamoto Kitchen.[7]
On March 25, 2020, it was announced ENGI opened its second studio ENGI Kurashiki Studio in Kurashiki, Okayama.[8]
The company's original objective was mainly 2D projects, and its CGI department was launched for the 2023 Netflix series Gamera Rebirth. Building of the department and the production of the Gamera anime were simultaneously progressed, and their workloads were significantly increased.[9][10]
Works
[edit]Television series
[edit]| Title | Director(s) | First run start date |
First run end date |
Eps | Note(s) | Ref(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kemono Michi: Rise Up | Kazuya Miura | October 2, 2019 | December 18, 2019 | 12 | Based on a manga written by Natsume Akatsuki. | [11] |
| Uzaki-chan Wants to Hang Out! | Kazuya Miura | July 10, 2020 | September 25, 2020 | 12 | Based on a manga written by Take. | [12] |
| Full Dive | Kazuya Miura | April 7, 2021 | June 23, 2021 | 12 | Based on a light novel written by Light Tuchihi. | [13] |
| The Detective Is Already Dead | Manabu Kurihara | July 4, 2021 | September 19, 2021 | 12 | Based on a light novel written by Nigojū. | [14] |
| Trapped in a Dating Sim: The World of Otome Games Is Tough for Mobs | Kazuya Miura Shin'ichi Fukumoto |
April 3, 2022 | June 19, 2022 | 12 | Based on a light novel written by Yomu Mishima. | [15] |
| Uzaki-chan Wants to Hang Out! ω | Kazuya Miura | October 1, 2022 | December 24, 2022 | 13 | Sequel to Uzaki-chan Wants to Hang Out!. | [16] |
| Management of a Novice Alchemist | Hiroshi Ikehata | October 3, 2022 | December 19, 2022 | 12 | Based on a light novel written by Mizuho Itsuki. | [17] |
| Kantai Collection: Someday in that Sea | Kazuya Miura | November 4, 2022 | March 25, 2023 | 8 | Based on the video game of the same name developed by C2 and Kadokawa Games, and published by DMM.com; alternative story to Kantai Collection. | [18] |
| Our Dating Story: The Experienced You and the Inexperienced Me | Hideaki Ōba | October 6, 2023 | December 22, 2023 | 12 | Based on a light novel written by Makiko Nagaoka. | [19] |
| Unnamed Memory | Kazuya Miura | April 9, 2024 | June 24, 2024 | 12 | Based on a light novel written by Kuji Furumiya. | [20] |
| Medalist | Yasutaka Yamamoto | January 5, 2025 | March 30, 2025 | 13 | Based on a manga written by Tsurumaikada. | [21] |
| Unnamed Memory (season 2) | Kazuya Miura | January 7, 2025 | March 25, 2025 | 12 | Sequel to Unnamed Memory. | [22] |
| Medalist (season 2) | Yasutaka Yamamoto | January 25, 2026 | TBA | 9[23] | Sequel to Medalist. | [24] |
| The Detective Is Already Dead (season 2) | Manabu Kurihara | July 2026 | TBA | TBA | Sequel to The Detective Is Already Dead. | [25] |
| Ghost Concert: Missing Songs | Masato Jinbo | 2026 | TBA | TBA | Based on a music project by Aria Entertainment. | [26] |
| Trapped in a Dating Sim: The World of Otome Games Is Tough for Mobs (season 2) | Kazuya Miura | 2026 | TBA | TBA | Sequel to Trapped in a Dating Sim: The World of Otome Games Is Tough for Mobs. | [27] |
Original net animation
[edit]| Title | Director(s) | Release date | Eps | Ref(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Odekake Kozame | Marina Maki | August 1, 2023 – May 10, 2024 | 60 | [28] |
| Gamera Rebirth | Hiroyuki Seshita | September 7, 2023 | 6 | [9][29] |
| Odekake Kozame (season 2) | Chihiro Kumano | April 2026 – scheduled | TBA | [30] |
References
[edit]- ^ a b "COMPANY / 株式会社ENGI". ENGI. Retrieved October 3, 2022.
- ^ Ressler, Karen (June 1, 2018). "Kadokawa, Sammy Establish New Anime Studio 'Engi'". Anime News Network. Retrieved May 3, 2022.
- ^ "乾脆自己做動畫,角川聯同另兩間公司成立控股動" [Engi Co., Ltd. was established as a holding video production company]. HK ACGer (in Chinese). June 2, 2018. Retrieved October 3, 2022.
- ^ "KADOKAWA×サミー×ウルトラスーパーピクチャーズ ハイブリッドデジタルアニメーション制作スタジオ「ENGI」新設のお知らせ". June 2018.
- ^ "Company Business Profile". ENGI.
- ^ "Kantai Collection official Twitter".
- ^ "Okamoto Kitchen official Twitter".
- ^ Mateo, Alex (April 1, 2020). "Anime Studio ENGI Establishes 2nd Studio". Anime News Network. Retrieved May 3, 2022.
- ^ a b Toyota, Tomohisa (July 21, 2025). "昭和から平成、令和へと繋がれた『ガメラ』のバトン――『GAMERA -Rebirth-』監督・瀬下寛之さん×怪獣デザイン・髙濵幹さん×造形監督/光画監督・片塰満則さんが登場怪獣を語り尽くす【インタビュー】". Animate Times (jp) (in Japanese). Retrieved July 21, 2025.
- ^ Gamera Rebirth Production Committee (January 29, 2024). GAMERA -Rebirth- Official Setting Materials. KADOKAWA. p. 15. ISBN 978-4-04-113841-0.
- ^ Ressler, Karen (January 18, 2019). "Kemonomichi Manga by Konosuba's Akatsuki Gets Anime". Anime News Network. Retrieved January 18, 2019.
- ^ Hodgkins, Crystalyn (February 3, 2020). "Take's Uzaki-chan Wants to Hang Out! Manga Gets TV Anime in July". Anime News Network. Retrieved February 3, 2020.
- ^ Loo, Egan (December 4, 2020). "Cautious Hero Author's Kyōkyoku Shinka Shita Full Dive RPG ga Genjitsu Yorimo Kuso-Ge Dattara Light Novel Gets TV Anime". Anime News Network. Retrieved December 4, 2020.
- ^ Loo, Egan (January 20, 2021). "The Detective Is Already Dead TV Anime Confirmed With Cast, Staff". Anime News Network. Retrieved January 20, 2021.
- ^ Loo, Egan (November 25, 2021). "Trapped in a Dating Sim: The World of Otome Games is Tough for Mobs Light Novels Get TV Anime Next April". Anime News Network. Retrieved November 25, 2021.
- ^ Loo, Egan (June 23, 2022). "Uzaki-chan Wants to Hang Out! Anime Season 2's 1st Promo Video Announces Fall Debut, More Staff, Opening Song Artists". Anime News Network. Retrieved June 23, 2022.
- ^ Loo, Egan (April 8, 2022). "Management of Novice Alchemist Anime's 1st Video Unveils Cast, Staff, October Debut". Anime News Network. Retrieved April 8, 2022.
- ^ Pineda, Rafael Antonio (March 26, 2022). "KanColle Anime Season 2's Teaser Reveals Staff, 8 Episode Run in November". Anime News Network. Retrieved March 26, 2022.
- ^ Pineda, Rafael Antonio (September 15, 2023). "'You Were Experienced, I Was Not: Our Dating Story' Anime's Video Unveils October 6 Debut". Anime News Network. Retrieved September 15, 2023.
- ^ Cayanan, Joanna (February 21, 2024). "Unnamed Memory Anime Reveals Cast Member Chiwa Saito, April 9 Debut". Anime News Network. Retrieved February 21, 2024.
- ^ Pineda, Rafael Antonio (November 8, 2024). "Medalist Anime's Video Reveals Choreographers, Ending Song, January 4 Debut". Anime News Network. Retrieved November 8, 2024.
- ^ アニメ「Unnamed Memory」第2期は1月7日から メインPVやキャスト、主題歌公開. Comic Natalie (in Japanese). Natasha, Inc. December 12, 2024. Retrieved July 27, 2025.
- ^ "BD&DVD | TVアニメ「メダリスト」公式サイト". medalist-pr.com (in Japanese). Retrieved January 25, 2026.
- ^ Cayanan, Joanna (December 9, 2025). "Medalist Season 2's 1st Video Reveals More Cast, Opening Song Artist, January 24 Debut". Anime News Network. Retrieved December 9, 2025.
- ^ Hodgkins, Crystalyn (November 16, 2025). "The Detective is Already Dead Season 2 Anime Reveals July 2026 Debut in Teaser Video". Anime News Network. Retrieved November 16, 2025.
- ^ Hodgkins, Crystalyn (October 24, 2025). "Elements Garden, ENGI, Kadokawa Reveal Ghost Concert: Missing Songs TV Anime for 2026". Anime News Network. Retrieved October 24, 2025.
- ^ Cayanan, Joanna (January 5, 2026). "Trapped in a Dating Sim: The World of Otome Games is Tough for Mobs 2nd Season Anime Reveals Returning Cast, Staff, 2026 Debut". Anime News Network. Retrieved January 5, 2026.
- ^ Pineda, Rafael Antonio (June 27, 2023). "Odekake Kozame Anime Reveals Cast, Staff, August 1 Debut". Anime News Network. Retrieved June 27, 2023.
- ^ Pineda, Rafael Antonio (July 23, 2023). "Gamera -Rebirth- Anime's Trailer Reveals 5th Kaiju, Theme Song Artist, September 7 Netflix Debut". Anime News Network. Retrieved July 23, 2023.
- ^ Cayanan, Joanna (December 18, 2025). "Odekake Kozame Anime Gets 2nd Season in April 2026". Anime News Network. Retrieved December 18, 2025.
External links
[edit]- Official website (in Japanese)
- ENGI english website
- ENGI at Anime News Network's encyclopedia
Overview
Company profile
ENGI Co., Ltd. (株式会社ENGI), known in English as Entertainment Graphic Innovation, is a Japanese animation studio specializing in the production of anime for television, streaming platforms, and related media.[2][7] As a joint venture subsidiary of Kadokawa Corporation, it was formed with founding shareholders Kadokawa Corporation (53%), Sammy Corporation (40%), and Ultra Super Pictures (5%).[1] The company's headquarters is located at 3rd Floor, Ohashi Central Building, 1-13-8 Chuo, Nakano-ku, Tokyo, Japan.[8] ENGI operates with a total equity of ¥100,000,000 and employs approximately 137 staff members as of October 2025.[2][9] The current president is Hiroki Yoshioka, who oversees the studio's operations.[9]Mission and philosophy
ENGI's core mission is to bring innovation to the global animation market by leveraging cutting-edge technology and cross-industry partnerships to create resonant video expressions that entertain audiences worldwide.[10] The studio aims to produce "graphic" content that touches hearts globally, emphasizing new visual expressions derived from the latest technological advancements.[10] This focus on innovation is central to its branding, positioning ENGI as a pioneer in evolving the anime industry beyond traditional boundaries.[11] At its philosophical core, ENGI embraces a hybrid digital animation production model that blends the rich content resources of its parent company, KADOKAWA Corporation, with technological expertise from partners such as Sammy Corporation and Ultra Super Pictures.[7] This approach integrates advanced CGI techniques with conventional methods to enhance production efficiency, foster creativity, and deliver high-quality outputs tailored for international streaming platforms.[10] By prioritizing collaborative models across industries, ENGI seeks to maximize the strengths of diverse expertise, ensuring animations that are both technologically sophisticated and narratively compelling.[7] ENGI's philosophy underscores a commitment to global appeal, adapting content for diverse audiences while maintaining the essence of Japanese animation.[10] This is achieved through strategic partnerships that facilitate efficient workflows and innovative storytelling, distinguishing the studio from conventional producers by embedding technology as a catalyst for creative expression.[7]History
Establishment
ENGI was incorporated on April 4, 2018, as a joint venture animation studio in Tokyo, Japan, aimed at fostering innovation in the global anime industry through collaborative expertise.[1] The founding was driven by the need to consolidate resources amid a consolidating animation sector, leveraging Kadokawa Corporation's extensive intellectual property portfolio, Sammy Corporation's advanced entertainment technologies for pachinko and gaming applications, and Ultra Super Pictures' specialized production capabilities to create a versatile content pipeline.[12] This structure was intended to address challenges in traditional anime production by integrating diverse strengths for more efficient and innovative output.[13] The initial capital investment totaled 100 million yen (approximately US$913,000 at the time), with ownership shares distributed as follows: Kadokawa holding 53%, Sammy 40%, and Ultra Super Pictures 5%.[1] Operations officially commenced on June 1, 2018, marking the studio's entry into active production.[12] Early objectives centered on developing high-quality animation for television series, theatrical releases, promotional videos for games and pachislot machines, and digital content targeted at both domestic Japanese audiences and international markets.[13] The first public announcement of ENGI's formation occurred on June 1, 2018, highlighting the strategic partnerships among the founding entities and their commitment to pioneering new video expressions using cutting-edge technology.[1] This launch emphasized the studio's role in producing resonant content that could expand anime's global reach, setting the foundation for collaborative projects without immediate disclosure of specific works.[12]Growth and developments
Following its establishment, ENGI rapidly expanded its production infrastructure to meet rising demand in the anime industry. On March 25, 2020, ENGI announced the opening of its second facility, ENGI Kurashiki Studio, located in Kurashiki, Okayama Prefecture, with operations beginning in April 2020, aimed at boosting overall production capacity and accommodating a growing slate of projects.[14] By 2023, ENGI had significantly enhanced its in-house capabilities in computer-generated imagery (CGI) during the production of the Netflix original anime series Gamera: Rebirth, marking the studio's first fully 3D-animated project and allowing for greater self-reliance in handling complex visual effects.[15] This expansion coincided with increased workloads from international streaming partnerships, including the global release of Gamera: Rebirth on Netflix, which exemplified ENGI's growing involvement in high-profile adaptations for overseas platforms.[16] These developments occurred amid broader investments in infrastructure and talent. As the anime market surged—reaching an estimated USD 34.3 billion in 2024 and projected to grow at a 9.8% CAGR through 2030, fueled by global streaming demands—ENGI positioned itself to capitalize on the shift toward international distribution and diverse formats.[17] As of 2025, ENGI continues to secure adaptations of prominent intellectual properties, with ongoing work on projects such as the second season of Medalist, scheduled for premiere in January 2026, underscoring the studio's sustained trajectory in responding to evolving viewer preferences for serialized content and major IP extensions. In 2025, ENGI announced new projects including the TV anime adaptation of Ghost Concert: missing Songs for 2026 and the second season of The Detective Is Already Dead premiering in July 2026.[18][6][19]Organization
Leadership
Hiroki Yoshioka has been the president of ENGI since its establishment on April 4, 2018, leading the studio's operations from its inception as a joint venture backed by Kadokawa Corporation, Sammy Corporation, and Ultra Super Pictures.[20] Before joining ENGI, Yoshioka served as a producer and animation producer at Graphinica, where he contributed to notable anime projects including Hellsing Ultimate (as producer for episodes 8-10) and Love Live! Sunshine!! (as 3DCG producer for episode 3), bringing extensive experience in animation production and CG integration to his role at ENGI.[21] Under his leadership, ENGI has focused on leveraging advanced digital technologies to innovate within the global anime industry.[20] Complementing Yoshioka, Junichiro Tamura serves as vice president, representing Kadokawa's interests as a business producer with a background in adapting major light novel series into anime, such as The Rising of the Shield Hero and Bungo Stray Dogs.[22] The board of directors includes Hirotaka Tanaka, Daijou Kudou, and Shinpei Yamashita, alongside auditor Tsutomu Morita and advisor Hiroaki Matsuura, reflecting the collaborative governance structure influenced by ENGI's shareholder companies, including Ultra Super Pictures.[20] ENGI's leadership emphasizes innovation through technological advancement and cross-industry collaboration to expand anime's international reach, as evidenced by strategic partnerships such as the 2023 co-production of the graphic novel series Tankdrome with American toy company Panda Mony, aimed at blending anime aesthetics with Western markets.[23] This approach has guided decisions like investing in hybrid digital animation capabilities, supporting ENGI's growth without reported leadership transitions through 2025.[24]Facilities
ENGI's primary headquarters is situated in Nakano, Tokyo, functioning as the central hub for creative development and administrative operations, equipped with specialized digital animation tools to support production workflows. This location houses the studio's core teams dedicated to planning, storyboarding, and initial animation processes.[11] In 2020, ENGI established its second studio, ENGI Kurashiki, in Kurashiki, Okayama Prefecture, to expand production capacity and leverage regional cost efficiencies for additional animation lines.[14] The facility focuses on scaling output while maintaining quality standards aligned with the headquarters. In 2021, ENGI opened its third studio, ENGI Sapporo, in Sapporo, Hokkaido, as a satellite facility supporting 3DCG, digital in-between animation, backgrounds, compositing, illustration, and manga production to facilitate distributed workflows and talent development.[25] The studio maintains in-house capabilities for CGI and 3D animation, with significant development occurring alongside the 2023 production of the Netflix series Gamera Rebirth, marking ENGI's inaugural fully 3D-animated project. These departments support hybrid 2D/3D workflows, integrating traditional hand-drawn elements with computer-generated imagery for efficient, innovative visual effects.[7] ENGI's infrastructure across sites accommodates approximately 120 employees, incorporating technology integrations such as advanced rendering software to streamline collaborative production and reduce turnaround times.[11]Works
Television series
ENGI's contributions to television anime primarily involve full production as the lead animation studio for adaptations of manga and light novels, with occasional support roles in key animation tasks. The studio's TV output emphasizes dynamic character interactions and isekai or slice-of-life genres, debuting with shorter seasonal runs before tackling longer series. The studio's inaugural television project was Kemono Michi: Rise Up, a 12-episode adaptation of Natsume Akatsuki's manga, which aired from October 2, 2019, to December 18, 2019. ENGI handled full animation production for all episodes.[26] In 2020, ENGI produced Uzaki-chan Wants to Hang Out!, a 12-episode manga adaptation by Take, airing from July 10, 2020, to September 25, 2020, with ENGI responsible for animation across the entire season. A sequel, Uzaki-chan Wants to Hang Out! Double, followed as a 13-episode continuation, broadcast from October 1, 2022, to December 24, 2022, again under ENGI's full production, featuring fluid and expressive character movements that highlight the series' comedic physicality.[27][28] ENGI's 2021 productions included Full Dive: This Ultimate Next-Gen Full Dive RPG That Started as a Bad Game is Amazing!, a 12-episode light novel adaptation by Humitake Orihira, airing from April 7, 2021, to June 23, 2021, with ENGI handling full animation production.[29] Also in 2021, ENGI produced The Detective Is Already Dead, a 12-episode light novel adaptation by Nigozyu, airing from July 4, 2021, to September 19, 2021, managing full animation for the mystery series.[30] ENGI's longest TV series to date is So I'm a Spider, So What?, a 24-episode light novel adaptation by Okina Baba, which aired in two cours from January 8, 2021, to June 25, 2021. The studio managed animation production for the full run, incorporating a mix of 2D and CG elements to depict the protagonist's monstrous transformations.[31] For Akebi's Sailor Uniform, a 12-episode manga adaptation by Hiro that aired from January 9, 2022, to March 27, 2022, ENGI provided in-between animation specifically for episode 4, supporting the lead studio CloverWorks.[32] ENGI returned to lead production with Trapped in a Dating Sim: The World of Otome Games is Tough for Mobs, a 12-episode light novel adaptation by Yomu Mishima, airing from April 3, 2022, to June 19, 2022, handling all animation duties.[33] In late 2022, ENGI produced KanColle: Itsuka Ano Umi de, an 8-episode continuation of the Kantai Collection franchise, airing from November 3, 2022, to December 22, 2022, with full animation production.[34] In 2023, ENGI handled full production for Our Dating Story: The Experienced You and The Inexperienced Me, a 12-episode light novel adaptation by Makiko Nagaoka, airing from October 6, 2023, to December 22, 2023.[35] In 2024, ENGI produced Unnamed Memory, a 12-episode light novel adaptation by Kuji Furumiya, airing from April 4, 2024, to June 20, 2024, overseeing full animation.[36] Most recently, ENGI animated Medalist, a 13-episode adaptation of Tsurumai Kakada's manga, which aired from January 5, 2025, to March 30, 2025. As the sole production studio, ENGI oversaw the full season, focusing on realistic figure skating sequences; a second season, continuing the series, is set to premiere in January 2026, rendering it ongoing as of November 2025.[37]Original net animation
ENGI's original net animations represent a strategic focus on digital-first content, enabling the studio to explore innovative formats tailored for streaming platforms and online distribution. These projects often feature shorter episode structures compared to traditional television series, allowing for quick production cycles and global reach without reliance on broadcast schedules. ENGI leverages its expertise in CGI and 3D animation to integrate experimental elements, such as dynamic monster battles or whimsical character designs, distinguishing these works from conventional TV adaptations. A flagship example is Gamera Rebirth, a 2023 Netflix original ONA series comprising six episodes that reboots the classic kaiju franchise. Produced entirely in-house by ENGI, the series follows a group of children encountering the giant turtle Gamera as he battles ancient monsters in 1980s-1990s Japan, emphasizing high-stakes action through ENGI's pioneering full 3D-CGI animation for the creatures and environments. This marked ENGI's debut in leading a major streaming-exclusive kaiju project, highlighting their technical role in blending practical-inspired effects with digital innovation for immersive spectacle.[38][39] Another notable ONA is Odekake Kozame, released in 2023 as a 12-episode web series on YouTube, adapted from Penguin Box's original web manga. The short, 3-4 minute episodes depict the everyday adventures of Kozame, a curious baby shark navigating human society with endearing anthropomorphic charm, produced by ENGI to capitalize on bite-sized, shareable content ideal for social media and mobile viewing. ENGI handled the full animation production, utilizing vibrant 2D visuals to capture the manga's lighthearted, slice-of-life essence in a format optimized for direct online consumption.[40] In 2023, ENGI extended this digital experimentation with Gamera VS Kozamera, a one-minute crossover ONA streamed on YouTube, pitting the kaiju Gamera against the pint-sized shark Kozame in a humorous clash that bridges the studio's action-heavy and comedic portfolios. This promotional short underscores ENGI's agility in creating experimental, platform-specific content that fosters fan engagement across their original IPs. Overall, these ONAs exemplify ENGI's shift toward global streaming priorities, incorporating 3D integration and concise storytelling to differentiate from episodic TV formats.[41]References
- https://wikizilla.org/wiki/GAMERA_-Rebirth-
