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MAPPA
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MAPPA Co., Ltd. (Japanese: 株式会社MAPPA, Hepburn: Kabushiki-gaisha MAPPA) is a Japanese animation studio headquartered in Nakano, Tokyo.[2] Founded in 2011 at Suginami, Tokyo by Madhouse co-founder and producer Masao Maruyama, it has produced anime television series including Terror in Resonance, Yuri!!! on Ice, In This Corner of the World, Kakegurui, Banana Fish, Zombie Land Saga, Dororo (with Tezuka Productions), Dorohedoro, Jujutsu Kaisen, Attack on Titan (season 4), Vinland Saga (season 2), Chainsaw Man, Hell's Paradise: Jigokuraku, and Ranma ½ (2024). MAPPA is an acronym for Maruyama Animation Produce Project Association.[3][4]
Key Information
Business
[edit]History
[edit]The studio was established on June 14, 2011, by Masao Maruyama, a co-founder and former producer of Madhouse, at the age of 70.[5] Maruyama served as the company's first representative director, and the studio's initial goal was to produce Sunao Katabuchi's In This Corner of the World. Due to financial difficulties at Madhouse, Maruyama and Katabuchi established MAPPA in the hopes of producing the film; however, despite moving studios, the film had a lot of production troubles, and wasn't released until 5 years later.[6] Maruyama first started working with Katabuchi for the film in 2010 during Madhouse era, but it took three years to start the production due to difficulties to raising funds.[7]
In April 2016, Maruyama resigned as a CEO of the studio and became a chairman, withdrawing his management position and going on to establish Studio M2 to create Pluto (Japanese TV series). Leaving the studio in hands of animation producer Manabu Otsuka, a founding member of MAPPA and a former employee of Studio 4°C, who became the CEO following Maruyama's official departure.
In September 2019, Otsuka established Animation Studio Contrail to produce director Sunao Katabuchi's next work. Serving as the president for the same.[8]
Production System
[edit]In addition to the Head Office in Nakano, a studio in Sendai was established in April of 2018 specializing in in-betweening and finishing and a studio in Osaka in March of 2022 that specializes in 3DCGI, To decentralize the excessive concentration of animation production in Tokyo and to bring opportunities for the graduates of the local vocational schools in their own respective region, instead of them having to move to Tokyo.[9]
Tokyo Studio
[edit]The Tokyo studio consists of production department, CGI department, directing department, animation department, rights division, planning and development department.[10]
Currently, other than every animation related project being primarily handled here, The head office also houses The Rights department which is responsible for copyright, illustrations, merchandises, coordination of events and advertisement of related intellectual property(s). To expand in this area in April 2025, a record label "mappa records" was started Kensuke Ushio's OST for Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc being the first publication under that label [11]
Sendai Studio
[edit]Opened on April 2018, it was established to build a more stable production base, and to increase the percentage of in-house production, is mainly responsible for the processes of in-between animation and digital painting. There are future plans to establish a CGI section for 3DCG, compositing, and backgrounds.
Osaka Studio
[edit]Opened in 2023,in the center of Osaka city acts as a satellite office of the CGI Department. This studio is primarily staffed by the 3DCG section artists. The studio has future plans to establish other departments such as the CGI Department's background art section, the Animation Department, and the Production Department, with the aim of creating a functional production equivalent to that of Tokyo.
Productions
[edit]Anime television series
[edit]| Year | Title | Director(s) | Animation producer(s) | Source | Eps. | Refs. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | Kids on the Slope (co-produced with Tezuka Productions) |
Shinichirō Watanabe | Manabu Otsuka Masao Morosawa Sumio Udagawa |
Manga | 12 | [12] |
| Teekyu | Shin Itagaki | Masashi Tanaka | Manga | 12[a] | [13] | |
| 2013 | Teekyu 2 | Shin Itagaki | Manabu Otsuka | Manga | 12[b] | [14] |
| Teekyu 3 | Shin Itagaki | Manabu Otsuka | Manga | 12[c] | [15] | |
| 2013–2014 | Hajime no Ippo: Rising (co-produced with Madhouse) |
Jun Shishido | Shintarou Hashimoto Yasuteru Iwase Masakazu Watanabe |
Manga | 25 | [16] |
| 2014 | Terror in Resonance | Shinichirō Watanabe | Manabu Otsuka | Original work | 11 | [17] |
| Rage of Bahamut: Genesis | Keiichi Sato | Manabu Otsuka | Video game | 12[d] | [19] | |
| 2014–2015 | Garo: The Carved Seal of Flames | Yuichiro Hayashi | Manabu Otsuka | Original work Tokusatsu series |
24 | [20] |
| 2015 | Punch Line | Yutaka Uemura | Manabu Otsuka Fuuko Noda |
Original work | 12 | [21] |
| Ushio & Tora (co-produced with Studio VOLN) |
Satoshi Nishimura | Manga | 26 | [22] | ||
| 2015–2016 | Garo: Crimson Moon | Atsushi Wakabayashi | Original work Tokusatsu series |
23[e] | [23] | |
| 2016 | Ushio & Tora Part 2 | Satoshi Nishimura | Manga | 13 | [24] | |
| Days | Kōnosuke Uda | Manabu Otsuka | Manga | 24 | [25] | |
| Yuri!!! on Ice | Sayo Yamamoto Jun Shishido[f] |
Takahiro Ogawa Fuuko Noda |
Original work | 12[g] | [27] | |
| 2017 | Idol Incidents (co-produced with Studio VOLN) |
Daisuke Yoshida | Media-mix project | 12 | [28] | |
| Rage of Bahamut: Virgin Soul | Keiichi Sato | Katsuhito Masuda | Video game | 24 | [29] | |
| Kakegurui | Yuichiro Hayashi | Manga | 12[h] | [30] | ||
| Altair: A Record of Battles | Kazuhiro Furuhashi | Wataru Kawagoe | Manga | 24 | [31] | |
| Inuyashiki | Keiichi Sato[i] Shuhei Yabuta |
Katsuhito Masuda | Manga | 11 | [32] | |
| 2017–2018 | Garo: Vanishing Line | Sunghoo Park | Takahiro Ogawa Manabu Otsuka |
Original work Tokusatsu series |
24 | [33] |
| 2018 | Banana Fish | Hiroko Utsumi | Manabu Otsuka | Manga | 24 | [34] |
| Zombie Land Saga | Munehisa Sakai | Manabu Otsuka | Original work | 12 | [35] | |
| 2019 | Dororo (co-produced with Tezuka Productions) |
Kazuhiro Furuhashi | Masato Matsunaga | Manga | 24 | [36] |
| Kakegurui ×× | Yuichiro Hayashi[i] Kiyoshi Matsuda |
Takahiro Ogawa | Manga | 12 | [37] | |
| Sarazanmai (co-produced with Lapin Track) |
Kunihiko Ikuhara Nobuyuki Takeuchi[j] |
Manabu Otsuka Masakazu Watanabe |
Original work | 11 | [38] | |
| To the Abandoned Sacred Beasts | Jun Shishido | Takahiro Ogawa | Manga | 12 | [39] | |
| Granblue Fantasy The Animation (season 2) | Yui Umemoto | Masato Matsunaga | Video game | 12[k] | [42] | |
| 2020 | Uchitama?! Have you seen my Tama? (co-produced with Lapin Track) |
Kiyoshi Matsuda | Tooru Kubo Masakazu Watanabe |
Character franchise | 11 | [43] |
| Dorohedoro | Yuichiro Hayashi | Fuuko Noda | Manga | 12[l] | [45] | |
| Listeners | Hiroaki Ando | Takahiro Ogawa | Original work | 12 | [46] | |
| The God of High School | Sunghoo Park | Tooru Kubo Wataru Kawagoe |
Manhwa | 13 | [47] | |
| Mr Love: Queen's Choice | Munehisa Sakai | Fuuko Noda | Mobile game visual novel |
12 | [48] | |
| The Gymnastics Samurai | Hisatoshi Shimizu | Fuuko Noda | Original work | 11 | [49] | |
| 2020–2021 | Jujutsu Kaisen | Sunghoo Park | Keisuke Seshimo | Manga | 24 | [50] |
| 2020–2023 | Attack on Titan (season 4) | Yuichiro Hayashi Jun Shishido[f] |
Masato Matsunaga (part 1) Wataru Kawagoe (parts 2–4) |
Manga | 35[m] | [n] |
| 2021 | Zombie Land Saga Revenge | Munehisa Sakai | Takahiro Ogawa | Original work | 12 | [56] |
| Re-Main | Masafumi Nishida[i] Kiyoshi Matsuda |
Manabu Otsuka | Original work | 12 | [57] | |
| The Idaten Deities Know Only Peace | Seimei Kidokoro | Fuuko Noda | Manga | 11 | [58] | |
| Takt Op. Destiny (co-produced with Madhouse) |
Yuuki Itoh | Wataru Kawagoe Yuuichirou Fukushi |
Media-mix project | 12 | [59] | |
| 2022 | Dance Dance Danseur | Munehisa Sakai | Takahiro Ogawa | Manga | 11 | [60] |
| Chainsaw Man | Ryū Nakayama Makoto Nakazono[f] |
Keisuke Seshimo | Manga | 12 | [61] | |
| 2023 | Vinland Saga (season 2) | Shūhei Yabuta | Hiroya Hasegawa | Manga | 24 | [62] |
| Campfire Cooking in Another World with My Absurd Skill | Kiyoshi Matsuda | Takahiro Ogawa | Light novel | 12 | [63] | |
| Hell's Paradise | Kaori Makita | Wataru Kawagoe | Manga | 13 | [64] | |
| Jujutsu Kaisen (season 2) | Shōta Goshozono | Keisuke Seshimo | Manga | 23 | [65] | |
| 2024 | Bucchigiri?! | Hiroko Utsumi | Takahiro Ogawa | Original work | 12 | [66] |
| Oblivion Battery | Makoto Nakazono | Hiroya Hasegawa Kouya Okamura |
Manga | 12 | [67] | |
| Ranma ½ | Kōnosuke Uda | Kouya Okamura | Manga | 12 | [68] | |
| 2025 | Zenshu | Mitsue Yamazaki | Takahiro Ogawa | Original work | 12 | [69] |
| Lazarus (co-produced with Sola Entertainment) |
Shinichirō Watanabe | Masato Matsunaga | Original work | 13 | [70] | |
| Campfire Cooking in Another World with My Absurd Skill (season 2) | Kiyoshi Matsuda | Kodai Kato | Light novel | 12 | [71] | |
| Ranma ½ (season 2) | Kōnosuke Uda | Kouya Okamura | Manga | 12 | [72] | |
| 2026 | Hell's Paradise (season 2) | Kaori Makita | Wataru Kawagoe | Manga | TBA | [73] |
| Jujutsu Kaisen (season 3) | Shōta Goshozono | TBA | Manga | TBA | [74] | |
| Dorohedoro (season 2) | Yuichiro Hayashi | TBA | Manga | TBA | [75] |
Anime films
[edit]| Year | Title | Director(s) | Animation producer(s) | Source | Refs. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Garo: Divine Flame | Yuichiro Hayashi | Manabu Otsuka Takahiro Ogawa |
Original work Tokusatsu series |
[76] |
| In This Corner of the World | Sunao Katabuchi | Ryoichiro Matsuo | Manga | [77] | |
| 2019 | In This Corner (and Other Corners) of the World[o] | Sunao Katabuchi | Ryoichiro Matsuo | Manga | [78] |
| 2021 | Jujutsu Kaisen 0 | Sunghoo Park | Keisuke Seshimo | Manga | [79] |
| 2022 | A Girl Meets a Boy and a Robot | Shinichiro Watanabe | Original work[p] | [80] | |
| 2023 | Maboroshi | Mari Okada Seimei Kidokoro[f] |
Fuuko Noda Ryouta Kitsunai |
Original work | [81] |
| 2024 | Attack on Titan The Movie: The Last Attack | Yuichiro Hayashi | Wataru Kawagoe | Manga | [82] |
| Gekijōban Inazuma Eleven: Aratanaru Eiyū-tachi no Joshō | Akihiro Hino[i] Shuhei Yabuta |
Yuriko Waki | Video game | [83] | |
| 2025 | The Rose of Versailles | Ai Yoshimura | Wataru Kawagoe Fuuko Noda |
Manga | [84] |
| Jujutsu Kaisen: Hidden Inventory / Premature Death – The Movie | Shōta Goshozono | Keisuke Seshimo | Manga | [85] | |
| Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc | Tatsuya Yoshihara | Manga | [86] | ||
| Zombie Land Saga: Yumeginga Paradise | Kōnosuke Uda[i] Takeru Sato Takafumi Ishida |
Yuriko Waki | Original work | [87] |
Original video animations (OVAs)
[edit]| Year | Title | Director(s) | Animation producer(s) | Source | Eps. | Refs. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Days: OVA | Kōnosuke Uda | Manga | 2 | [88] | |
| Onihei: Sono Otoko, Hasegawa Heizou | Shigeyuki Miya | Manga | 1 | |||
| 2018 | Days: Touin Gakuen-sen! | Kōnosuke Uda | Manga | 3 | [89] |
Original net animations (ONAs)
[edit]| Year | Title | Director(s) | Animation producer(s) | Source | Eps. | Refs. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012–2015 | Komachi and Dangorō | Hisashi Abe | Original work | 4 | [90] | |
| 2020 | Oblivion Battery | Parako Shinohara | Ayako Sekine | Manga | 1 | [91] |
| 2021 | Yasuke | LeSean Thomas Takeru Sato[f] |
Takahiro Ogawa | Original work | 6 | [92] |
| 2022 | Kakegurui Twin | Yuichiro Hayashi[i] Kaori Makita |
Takahiro Ogawa | Manga | 6 | [93] |
| 2026 | Dorohedoro (season 2) | Yuichiro Hayashi | TBA | Manga | TBA | [94] |
Music videos (MVs)
[edit]| Year | Title | Director(s) | Animation producer(s) | Artist(s) | Notes | Refs. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | Hana wa Saku | Sunao Katabuchi | Manabu Otsuka | Yoko Kanno | The theme for NHK's Great Eastern Japan Earthquake Project | [95] |
| 2015 | Korekarasaki, Nando Anata to. | Sunao Katabuchi | Ryoichiro Matsuo | Mishmash Aimee Isobe |
[96] | |
| 2018 | Nanatsuiro REALiZE | Munehisa Sakai | Katsuhito Masuda | IDOLiSH7 | [96] | |
| 2021 | Oretachi Maji-kō Destroy | [97] | ||||
| 2023 | Seventeen | Parako Shinohara | Ayako Sekine | YOASOBI | Produced by Contrail | [98] |
| 2024 | Like the Flatwoods Monster | Satomi Maiya | Ryo Oikawa | Eve Deu |
[99] | |
| Lucky | Kyohei Ishiguro | Nulbarich Sunny UMI |
Co-produced with Contrail |
Video games
[edit]| Year | Title | Director(s) | Animation producer(s) | Publisher | Notes | Refs. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Persona 5 Royal | Yuichiro Hayashi | Atlus | Opening animation | ||
| 2022 | Jujutsu Kaisen: Phantom Parade | Takuji Miyamoto | Keisuke Seshimo | Toho Games | Opening animation | |
| 2024 | Emio – The Smiling Man: Famicom Detective Club | Kyohei Ishiguro | Ayako Sekine | Nintendo | Cutscene in Minoru: Famicom Detective Club, co-produced with Contrail | [101] |
| 2025 | Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition | Masaki Tamano | Nintendo | 3DCG Animation | ||
| 2025 (Upcoming) | Ark: Survival Ascended | Studio Wildcard | Upcoming Lost Colony DLC | |||
| Inazuma Eleven: Victory Road | Yuriko Waki | Level-5 | Cutscenes | [102] |
Other productions
[edit]- Sex: Prologue (OVA, 2018) – promotional video for the 30th anniversary of manga Sex by Atsushi Kamijo; directed by Sayo Yamamoto[103]
- Kick-Flight Promotional Video; Kick-Flight × KANA-BOON (ONA, 2019) – promotional video for the mobile game Kick-Flight, featuring the song "Flyers" by Kana-Boon; directed by Munehisa Sakai[104]
- Mechronicle (unknown, TBA) – directed by Shinji Kimura[105][106]
Cancelled projects
[edit]- Dreaming Machine (film) – cancelled film, originally directed by Satoshi Kon and taken over by Yoshimi Itazu after Kon's death; planned co-production with Madhouse[107][108]
- Yuri!!! On Ice: Ice Adolescence (film) – cancelled film to be directed by Sayo Yamamoto and announced in 2017 before being delayed in 2019 and in production hell for several years. The film was cancelled in April 2024.[109]
Notable staff
[edit]Representative staff
[edit]- Masao Maruyama (founder, first president (2011~2016), board chairman since 2016)
- Manabu Otsuka (second president since 2016)
- Wataru Kawagoe (animation producer; MAPPA Sendai representative)
- Makoto Kimura (board member, 2018~2024)[110]
- Hiroya Hasegawa (animation producer; executive vice president since 2024)[111]
- Yasuteru Iwase (board member since 2024; former animation producer)[111]
- Yuusuke Tannawa (board member since 2024)[111]
- Shuuhei Yabuta (board member since 2024)[111]
- Kousuke Hosokai (board member since 2024)[111]
- Yuuichi Fukushima (executive vice president at CloverWorks; external board member since 2025)
- Keisuke Seshimo (animation producer; executive officer since 2024)[111]
- Motoi Okunou (executive officer since 2025)
- Eiji Matsuo (chief rights officer since 2024)[111]
Animation producers
[edit]- Masato Matsunaga (2012~present)
- Masakazu Watanabe (2012~2014; co-founder of Lapin Track)
- Fuuko Noda (2014~2024)
- Takahiro Ogawa (2014~present)
- Kouya Okamura (2015~present)
- Tooru Kubo (2015~2021)
- Katsuhito Masuda (2017~2018)
- Ryouta Kitsunai (2023~present)
- Ryou Ooigawa (2024~present)
- Yuriko Waki (2024~present)
- Koudai Katou (2025~present)
- Makoto Arakawa (2025~present)
Directors
[edit]- Munehisa Sakai (2017~2022)[112]
Animators
[edit]- Tadashi Hiramatsu (2018~present)
Controversies
[edit]The studio's scheduling, work, and culture have been the subject of scrutiny by industry creators and critics.[113] Veteran animator Hisashi Eguchi criticized the studio's low pay.[114] Mushiyo, another animator at MAPPA, also criticized the company for not properly training its animators and the studio's culture of overwork, which led to them eventually quitting their job at the studio.[115] Besides the animator's individual output within the studio, they also criticized the company's decision to produce four series concurrently.[115] Kevin Cirugeda from Sakugablog suggested the problems were due to the studio's incredibly fast-paced growth and "recklessness".[116]
MAPPA denied offering "unreasonable compensation" to "creators" in a response to claims that the studio underpaid workers;[117] however, animator Ippei Ichii claimed that an anime produced by MAPPA under Netflix was suggesting a pay of ¥3,800 per cut,[117] to which Ichii claimed that ¥15,000 is the minimum cost that animators should negotiate for.[117]
See also
[edit]- List of Japanese animation studios
- Grizzly, an animation studio specialized solely on BL titles
Notes
[edit]- ^ Four special episodes were included in the Blu-ray/DVD release.
- ^ Two special episodes were included in the Blu-ray/DVD release (volume 2).
- ^ Two special episodes were included in the Blu-ray/DVD release (volume 3).
- ^ A recap of the first six episodes was aired on November 17, 2014. Two special "short story" episodes were released on December 28, 2016, and February 20, 2017.[18]
- ^ A special episode titled Imprint Butterfly was included in the BD/DVD release.
- ^ a b c d e Chief Unit Director (演出チーフ)
- ^ A special episode titled Yuri!!! on Ice: Yuri Plisetsky GBF in Barcelona EX "Welcome to the Madness" was included in the BD/DVD release (volume 6).[26]
- ^ Three special picture drama episodes were included in the BD/DVD release.
- ^ a b c d e f Credited as Chief Director (総監督, Sō Kantoku).
- ^ Chief Director (チーフディレクター)
- ^ Two special episodes were streamed on March 28, 2020, and August 26, 2020.[40][41]
- ^ Six short bonus episodes were included in the Blu-ray release (volume 2).[44]
- ^ The season consisted of 28 standard-length episodes followed by two specials, which were later edited into seven additional standard-length episodes.[51]
- ^
- ^ An extended version of In This Corner of the World featuring about 30 minutes of additional footage for a total duration of 168 minutes. It surpassed the extended 70mm cut of Final Yamato by five minutes to become the longest animated film to date.
- ^ Part of the Chinese Anthology TAISU project.
References
[edit]- ^ "COMPANY". MAPPA (in Japanese). Retrieved April 26, 2023.
- ^ "Relocation Of Tokyo Head Office". MAPPA (in Japanese). October 1, 2024. Retrieved December 14, 2024.
- ^ "Otakon 2014 Guests". Otakon. Archived from the original on November 2, 2014. Retrieved December 9, 2014.
- ^ "Cowboy Bebop Helmer Shinichiro Watanabe, MAPPA Plan New TV Anime". Anime News Network. October 15, 2012. Retrieved November 27, 2014.
- ^ "About". www.mappa.co.jp (in Japanese). MAPPA. Archived from the original on June 22, 2017. Retrieved November 27, 2014.
- ^ "アニメプロデューサー丸山正雄氏 MAPPA設立を語る". アニメ!アニメ!ビズ. September 22, 2012. Archived from the original on November 19, 2020. Retrieved May 9, 2015.
- ^ "ドロヘドロ、ゾンビランドサガ…アニメスタジオ・MAPPA、ヒット作の裏にある"手のかかること"をやる精神【インタビュー】". アニメ!アニメ!. July 1, 2020. Retrieved July 26, 2020.
- ^ "「この世界の片隅に」片渕須直監督、次回作に向けたスタジオ設立!". animeanime. December 23, 2019. Retrieved October 3, 2025.
- ^ "Animation production from sendai". sendai city.
- ^ "The Company". mappa.co.jp.
- ^ "Mappa records". mappa.co.jp.
- ^ "坂道のアポロン KIDS ON THE SLOfPE". Media Arts Database (in Japanese). Agency for Cultural Affairs. Retrieved March 20, 2022.
- ^ "てーきゅう". Media Arts Database (in Japanese). Agency for Cultural Affairs. Retrieved March 20, 2022.
- ^ "てーきゅう[第2期]". Media Arts Database (in Japanese). Agency for Cultural Affairs. Retrieved March 20, 2022.
- ^ "てーきゅう[第3期]". Media Arts Database (in Japanese). Agency for Cultural Affairs. Retrieved March 20, 2022.
- ^ "はじめの 一歩 THE FIGHTING! Rising". Media Arts Database (in Japanese). Agency for Cultural Affairs. Retrieved March 20, 2022.
- ^ "残響の テロル". Media Arts Database (in Japanese). Agency for Cultural Affairs. Retrieved March 20, 2022.
- ^ Pineda, Rafael Antonio (February 20, 2017). "Rage Of Bahamut Virgin Soul Anime' 2nd 'Short Story' Video Feature Kaiser and Jeanne". Anime News Network. Retrieved February 22, 2017.
- ^ "神撃のバハムート GENESIS". Media Arts Database (in Japanese). Agency for Cultural Affairs. Retrieved March 20, 2022.
- ^ "GARO 炎の刻印". Media Arts Database (in Japanese). Agency for Cultural Affairs. Retrieved March 20, 2022.
- ^ "パンチ ライン". Media Arts Database (in Japanese). Agency for Cultural Affairs. Retrieved March 20, 2022.
- ^ "うしおととら". Media Arts Database (in Japanese). Agency for Cultural Affairs. Retrieved March 20, 2022.
- ^ "牙狼 紅蓮ノ月". Media Arts Database (in Japanese). Agency for Cultural Affairs. Retrieved March 20, 2022.
- ^ "うしおととら[第2期]". Media Arts Database (in Japanese). Agency for Cultural Affairs. Retrieved March 20, 2022.
- ^ "DAYS". Media Arts Database (in Japanese). Agency for Cultural Affairs. Retrieved March 20, 2022.
- ^ Loo, Egan (April 10, 2017). "Last Yuri!!! on Ice Anime Volume Adds New Yuri Exhibition Video". Anime News Network. Retrieved December 30, 2020.
- ^ "ユーリ!!! YURI ON ICE". Media Arts Database (in Japanese). Agency for Cultural Affairs. Retrieved March 20, 2022.
- ^ "アイドル事変". Media Arts Database (in Japanese). Agency for Cultural Affairs. Retrieved March 20, 2022.
- ^ "神撃のバハムート VIRGIN SOUL". Media Arts Database (in Japanese). Agency for Cultural Affairs. Retrieved March 20, 2022.
- ^ "賭ケグルイ". Media Arts Database (in Japanese). Agency for Cultural Affairs. Retrieved March 20, 2022.
- ^ "将国のアルタイル". Media Arts Database (in Japanese). Agency for Cultural Affairs. Retrieved March 20, 2022.
- ^ "いぬやしき". Media Arts Database (in Japanese). Agency for Cultural Affairs. Retrieved March 20, 2022.
- ^ "牙狼<GARO>-VANISHINGLINE-". Media Arts Database (in Japanese). Agency for Cultural Affairs. Retrieved March 20, 2022.
- ^ "BANANAFISH". Media Arts Database (in Japanese). Agency for Cultural Affairs. Retrieved March 20, 2022.
- ^ Pineda, Rafael Antonio (September 10, 2018). "Zombieland Saga Anime's Video Reveals Staff, More Cast, October 4 Premiere". Anime News Network. Retrieved September 10, 2018.
- ^ Hodgkins, Crystalyn (September 3, 2018). "Dororo TV Anime's 1st Promo Video, Cast, Staff, Visual Revealed". Anime News Network. Retrieved September 3, 2018.
- ^ Ressler, Karen (August 21, 2018). "Kakegurui Anime's 2nd Season to Debut in January With Returning Staff, Cast". Anime News Network. Retrieved August 21, 2018.
- ^ Hodgkins, Crystalyn (March 14, 2019). "Sarazanmai Anime Reveals New Promo Video, Ending Theme Artist". Anime News Network. Retrieved March 20, 2022.
- ^ Hodgkins, Crystalyn (June 3, 2019). "To the Abandoned Sacred Beasts Anime's Promo Video Reveals July 1 Premiere". Anime News Network. Retrieved March 20, 2022.
- ^ Sherman, Jennifer (December 27, 2019). "Granblue Fantasy Anime's Djeeta Special Reveals Visual, March 27 Premiere". Anime News Network. Retrieved January 10, 2021.
- ^ Hodgkins, Crystalyn (July 4, 2020). "Granblue Fantasy Season 2 Anime's Extra Episode to Stream on Crunchyroll, HIDIVE, Funimation, AnimeLab". Anime News Network. Retrieved January 10, 2021.
- ^ Loo, Egan (August 3, 2019). "Granblue Fantasy Anime Season 2's 1st Promo Reveals Revamped MAPPA Staff, Cast, October 4 Debut". Anime News Network. Retrieved August 3, 2019.
- ^ Pineda, Rafael Antonio (June 13, 2019). "MAPPA, Lapin Track Make Tama and Friends' Uchi Tama!? TV Anime for Winter 2020". Anime News Network. Retrieved June 13, 2019.
- ^ Hodgkins, Crystalyn (May 1, 2020). "Dorohedoro's 6 'Ma no Omake' Bonus Anime Shorts Previewed in Video". Anime News Network. Retrieved December 30, 2020.
- ^ Pineda, Rafael Antonio (October 11, 2019). "Dorohedoro TV Anime Reveals Promo Video, Staff, Cast, January 12 Premiere Date". Anime News Network. Retrieved October 11, 2019.
- ^ Loo, Egan (February 1, 2020). "Rock Battle TV Anime 'Listeners' Confirms More Cast, Characters, Story, Ending Song Artist, April Premiere (Updated)". Anime News Network. Retrieved February 1, 2020.
- ^ Pineda, Rafael Antonio; Sherman, Jennifer (April 16, 2020). "The God of High School Anime Reveals Trailer, Cast, Staff". Anime News Network. Retrieved March 20, 2022.
- ^ Hodgkins, Crystalyn (June 15, 2020). "Mr Love: Queen's Choice TV Anime Reveals Theme Song Artists, July 15 Debut". Anime News Network. Retrieved June 15, 2020.
- ^ Loo, Egan (August 13, 2020). "MAPPA's Zombie Land Saga Team Makes Original Gymnastics TV Anime Taiso Samurai in October". Anime News Network. Retrieved August 13, 2020.
- ^ Pineda, Rafael Antonio (May 19, 2020). "Jujutsu Kaisen Anime's Video Reveals New Cast, Staff, October Premiere". Anime News Network. Retrieved May 24, 2020.
- ^ "Hōsō Jōhō | Terebi Anime "Shingeki no Kyojin'" Za Fainaru Shīzun" 放送情報 | TVアニメ「進撃の巨人」The Final Season [Broadcast Information | TV Anime "Attack on Titan" The Final Season]. shingeki.tv (in Japanese). Retrieved November 5, 2023.
- ^ Pineda, Rafael Antonio (September 23, 2020). "Attack on Titan The Final Season Anime Premieres on December 7 (Updated)". Anime News Network. Retrieved March 20, 2022.
- ^ Hodgkins, Crystalyn (October 13, 2021). "Attack on Titan The Final Season Anime's Part 2 Video Reveals Premiere on January 9". Anime News Network. Retrieved October 13, 2021.
- ^ Hodgkins, Crystalyn (January 17, 2023). "Attack on Titan The Final Season Anime's Conclusion to Air in 2 Parts With 1st Part on March 3". Anime News Network. Retrieved January 17, 2023.
- ^ Cayanan, Joanna (July 2, 2023). "Attack on Titan The Final Season Part 4 Anime Reveals Trailer". Anime News Network. Retrieved July 29, 2023.
- ^ Loo, Egan (December 31, 2020). "Zombie Land Saga Revenge Anime's Promo Video Announces Cast, Staff, April Premiere". Anime News Network. Retrieved December 31, 2020.
- ^ Pineda, Rafael Antonio (March 4, 2021). "MAPPA Reveals RE-MAIN Water Polo TV Anime With Tiger & Bunny Writer". Anime News Network. Retrieved March 4, 2021.
- ^ Hodgkins, Crystalyn (November 5, 2020). "MAPPA Animates Heion Sedai no idaten-tachi Anime for Noitamina in July 2021". Anime News Network. Retrieved November 5, 2020.
- ^ Hodgkins, Crystalyn (June 27, 2021). "takt:op Anime Reveals Promo Video, Cast, Staff, October 5 Premiere". Anime News Network. Retrieved June 27, 2021.
- ^ Hodgkins, Crystalyn (March 10, 2022). "MAPPA Animates Dance Dance Danseur TV Anime". Anime News Network. Retrieved March 20, 2022.
- ^ Hodgkins, Crystalyn (December 18, 2021). "Chainsaw Man Anime Premieres in 2022". Anime News Network. Retrieved March 20, 2022.
- ^ Mateo, Alex (June 8, 2022). "Vinland Saga Anime's 2nd Season Reveals Promo Video, Cast, January 2023 Premiere, Production by MAPPA". Anime News Network. Retrieved June 8, 2022.
- ^ Hodgkins, Crystalyn (October 29, 2022). "Campfire Cooking in Another World with My Absurd Skill Novels Get TV Anime by MAPPA in January". Anime News Network. Retrieved October 29, 2022.
- ^ Hodgkins, Crystalyn (December 18, 2022). "Hell's Paradise: Jigokuraku Anime's New Promo Video Reveals 7 Main Cast Members, April 2023 Debut". Anime News Network. Retrieved December 18, 2022.
- ^ Harding, Daryl (March 24, 2023). "JUJUTSU KAISEN Anime Reveals Gojo's School Life in First Season 2 Trailer". Crunchyroll. Archived from the original on March 25, 2023. Retrieved March 25, 2023.
- ^ Hodgkins, Crystalyn (May 21, 2023). "Banana Fish Director Hiroko Utsumi, MAPPA Unveil Bucchigiri?! TV Anime for January". Anime News Network. Retrieved May 21, 2023.
- ^ Hodgkins, Crystalyn (December 17, 2023). "Bōkyaku Battery Baseball TV Anime Reveals Staff, More Cast, April 2024 Debut". Anime News Network. Retrieved December 17, 2023.
- ^ アニメ「らんま1/2」新作キャスト発表、山口勝平・林原めぐみ・日高のり子らが続投. Comic Natalie (in Japanese). Natasha, Inc. July 17, 2024. Retrieved July 17, 2024.
- ^ Hodgkins, Crystalyn (October 18, 2024). "ZENSHU. Anime's New Trailer Reveals January 2025 Debut, More Cast". Anime News Network. Retrieved October 18, 2024.
- ^ Mateo, Alex (July 26, 2024). "Uzumaki Anime's Trailer Reveals September 28 Premiere on Toonami". Anime News Network. Retrieved July 26, 2024.
- ^ Loo, Egan (May 3, 2025). "Campfire Cooking in Another World with My Absurd Skill Season 2's Teaser Unveils New Cast & Staff, October Debut". Anime News Network. Retrieved May 3, 2025.
- ^ Loo, Egan (June 22, 2025). "New Ranma 1/2 Anime Season 2's 1st Trailer Unveils More Cast, Updated Staff, October Debut". Anime News Network. Retrieved June 22, 2025.
- ^ Hodgkins, Crystalyn (December 21, 2024). "Hell's Paradise: Jigokuraku Anime's 2nd Season Reveals January 2026 Debut in New Video". Anime News Network. Retrieved December 22, 2024.
- ^ Mateo, Alex (December 29, 2023). "Jujutsu Kaisen Anime Gets Sequel Adapting 'Culling Game' Arc". Anime News Network. Retrieved December 29, 2023.
- ^ Hazra, Adriana (October 13, 2025). "Dorohedoro Anime's Sequel Season Reveals Spring 2026 Debut, Visual". Anime News Network. Retrieved October 13, 2025.
- ^ "[劇場版]GARO DIVINE FLAME". Media Arts Database (in Japanese). Agency for Cultural Affairs. Retrieved March 20, 2022.
- ^ "この世界の片隅に". Media Arts Database (in Japanese). Agency for Cultural Affairs. Retrieved March 20, 2022.
- ^ Hodgkins, Crystalyn (March 29, 2019). "In This Corner of the World Anime Film's Extended Version Opens on December 20". Anime News Network. Retrieved March 30, 2019.
- ^ Mateo, Alex (March 26, 2021). "Jujutsu Kaisen Anime Gets Film This Winter". Anime News Network. Retrieved March 26, 2021.
- ^ Hodgkins, Crystalyn (July 13, 2022). "Shinichiro Watanabe Directs 'A Girl Meets a boy and a Robot'Animated short for Chinese Anthology". Anime News Network. Retrieved March 22, 2023.
- ^ Hodgkins, Crystalyn (May 21, 2023). "Mari Okada, MAPPA's Alice to Therese no Maboroshi Kōjō Anime Film Reveals Cast, Story, Teaser, September 15 Debut". Anime News Network. Retrieved May 21, 2023.
- ^ Hazra, Adriana (December 8, 2024). "Crunchyroll Licenses Attack on Titan Finale Compilation Film for Theatrical Release in Early 2025". Anime News Network. Retrieved January 20, 2025.
- ^ Loo, Egan (September 1, 2024). "2-Part Inazuma Eleven the Movie 2025 Anime Opens on December 27". Anime News Network. Retrieved September 1, 2024.
- ^ Tai, Anita (July 1, 2024). "New Rose of Versailles Anime Film's 2nd Teaser Unveils Cast, Staff, Early 2025 Opening". Anime News Network. Retrieved July 1, 2024.
- ^ Hodgkins, Crystalyn (December 20, 2024). "Jujutsu Kaisen Anime Reveals May 30 Debut for Season 2 Arc's Compilation Film, Visual for 'Culling Game' Arc". Anime News Network. Retrieved January 20, 2025.
- ^ Hodgkins, Crystalyn (December 21, 2024). "Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc Anime Reveals 2025 Debut in New Trailer". Anime News Network. Retrieved December 21, 2024.
- ^ 佐賀万博開幕!?映画「ゾンビランドサガ」10月24日公開 特報&ティザービジュアルも. Comic Natalie (in Japanese). Natasha, Inc. April 25, 2025. Retrieved April 25, 2025.
- ^ Loo, Egan (September 6, 2016). "DAYS Soccer Manga to Bundle to 2 New Original Anime DVDs". Anime News Network. Retrieved December 30, 2020.
- ^ Loo, Egan (October 17, 2017). "DAYS Soccer TV Anime Gets Finale as 3 New Original Anime DVDs". Anime News Network. Retrieved December 30, 2020.
- ^ Loo, Egan (November 15, 2012). "MAPPA & Niigata City's Komachi To Dangorō Anime Stream". Anime News Network. Retrieved November 15, 2012.
- ^ Hodgkins, Crystalyn (October 8, 2020). "Bōkyaku Battery Event Anime Reveals Staff, Visual". Anime News Network. Retrieved October 9, 2020.
- ^ Mateo, Alex (October 27, 2020). "LeSean Thomas, MAPPA's Yasuke Anime Reveals Spring 2021 Debut, Character Designs". Anime News Network. Retrieved March 20, 2022.
- ^ Loo, Egan (June 5, 2022). "Kakegurui Twin Anime's Trailer Reveals More Cast & Staff, i☆Ris Opening Song, August 4 Debut". Anime News Network. Retrieved June 5, 2022.
- ^ Hazra, Adriana (October 10, 2025). "Dorohedoro Anime's Sequel Season Reveals Spring 2026 Debut, Visual". Anime News Network. Retrieved October 10, 2025.
- ^ Loveridge, Lynzee (April 14, 2013). "Yoko Kanno's Quake Relief CD Includes Anime Video". Retrieved March 21, 2022.
- ^ a b "WORKS | 株式会社MAPPA". Retrieved January 19, 2025.
- ^ Loo, Egan (April 1, 2021). "MajiDesu: Oretachi Maji-kō Destroy Manga Volume 5 Gets Music Video Animated by MAPPA". Anime News Network. Retrieved August 3, 2023.
- ^ "Have you seen "Seventeen" Music Video??". Ayase / YOASOBI. April 3, 2023. Retrieved April 24, 2023.
- ^ Mateo, Alex (May 3, 2024). "MAPPA Animates Music Video for Eve, PEOPLE 1's Deu". Anime News Network. Retrieved August 31, 2024.
- ^ "MAPPA list of works: Pokémon Music Collective Nulbarich and Sunny 「Lucky (feat.UMI)」". MAPPA. Archived from the original on August 31, 2024. Retrieved August 31, 2024.
- ^ "MAPPA list of works: Emio - The Smiling Man: Famicom Detective Club". MAPPA. Archived from the original on September 7, 2024. Retrieved September 7, 2024.
- ^ Romano, Sal (March 9, 2023). "Inazuma Eleven: Victory Road – LEVEL-5 Vision 2023 Tsuzumi teaser trailer, new details". Gematsu. Archived from the original on March 9, 2023. Retrieved March 9, 2023.
- ^ Loveridge, Lynzee (December 27, 2017). "Yuri on Ice's Sayo Yamamoto Directs Sex Manga Anime Promo". Anime News Network. Retrieved December 30, 2020.
- ^ Loveridge, Lynzee (June 5, 2019). "Zombieland Saga Director Makes Kick-Flight Game's Anime Promo". Anime News Network. Retrieved June 6, 2019.
- ^ Sherman, Jennifer (June 14, 2017). "Pluto Anime, New Patlabor EZY Anime Project Revealed". Anime News Network. Retrieved August 30, 2021.
- ^ "Tokyo Animation Business Accelerator our Exhibition in 2017". anime-tokyo.com. June 14, 2017. Retrieved August 30, 2021.
- ^ Toole, Michael (September 10, 2010). "The Dreams Of Satoshi Kon: Chapter VI - The Endless Dream". Anime News Network. Retrieved September 11, 2010.
- ^ Sevakis, Justin (July 28, 2012). "Masao Maruyama/MAPPA Q&A". Anime News Network. Retrieved July 29, 2012.
- ^ "Yuri!!! On Ice: Ice Adolescence Film Canceled". Anime News Network. April 18, 2024. Retrieved April 24, 2024.
- ^ Kimura, Makoto [@Kimu777] (April 3, 2024). MAPPAの役員を3月末で退任して独立しました!会社名は株式会社BLUE RIGHTSです!これまでやってきたアニメ、音楽、商品、イベント、催事、海外展開などなど!日本初の素晴らしいカルチャーを世界に届け、作り手が幸せになるスキームを再構築すべく頑張っていこうと思ってます!よろしくお願いします! [I resigned from the board of MAPPA at the end of March and became independent! The company name is BLUE RIGHTS Co., Ltd.! I have been working on anime, music, products, events, promotions, overseas expansion, etc! that have been done so far. I will do my best to deliver Japan's first great culture to the world and rebuild a scheme that makes creators happy! Thank you very much!] (Tweet) (in Japanese). Retrieved April 3, 2024 – via Twitter.
- ^ a b c d e f g 新経営体制に関するお知らせ [Notice Regarding New Management Structure]. MAPPA (in Japanese). April 1, 2024. Retrieved April 1, 2024.
- ^ "境宗久① オープニングに胸高鳴らせた『銀河鉄道999』". Febri (in Japanese). October 17, 2022. Retrieved October 17, 2022.
- ^ Liborek (September 19, 2017). "WHAT'S UP WITH MAPPA?". Sakugablog. Retrieved February 14, 2022.
- ^ Cirugeda, Kevin (January 3, 2019). "WINTER 2019 ANIME PREVIEW". Sakugablog. Retrieved February 14, 2022.
- ^ a b Loveridge, Lynzee (May 15, 2021). "Former MAPPA Animator Describes Working Conditions as Like a 'Factory'". Anime News Network. Retrieved February 4, 2022.
- ^ Cirugeda, Kevin (June 2, 2020). "ATTACK ON TITAN THE FINAL SEASON AND STUDIO MAPPA: FATED TO END TOGETHER". Sakugablog. Retrieved February 14, 2022.
- ^ a b c Loveridge, Lynzee (February 15, 2022). "Attack on Titan The Final Season Episode Director Goes Home for the First Time in 3 Days". Anime News Network. Retrieved February 16, 2022.
External links
[edit]- Official website(in Japanese)
- Official website
- Company profile Archived May 31, 2019, at the Wayback Machine(in English)
- MAPPA at Anime News Network's encyclopedia
- Contrail at Anime News Network's encyclopedia
MAPPA
View on GrokipediaCompany Background
Founding and Initial Operations
MAPPA Co., Ltd. was established on June 14, 2011, in Suginami, Tokyo, by Masao Maruyama, a veteran anime producer and co-founder of the studio Madhouse.[9] [2] Maruyama, then aged 70, departed Madhouse after growing dissatisfied with its increasingly corporate structure and limited creative freedom, seeking to pursue independent projects aligned with his vision.[10] [11] The studio's name derives from "Maruyama Animation Produce Project Association," reflecting its origins as a producer-driven entity focused on animation production.[2] In its initial phase, MAPPA operated as an independent animation studio emphasizing television series and feature films, with Maruyama serving as president and creative overseer.[9] The company began with a small team recruited from Maruyama's prior networks, prioritizing high-quality, artist-centric workflows over volume production, in contrast to the assembly-line approaches prevalent in the industry.[10] Early operations centered on securing collaborations with established directors and composers to build reputation, while maintaining lean resources typical of a startup studio.[12] MAPPA's debut production was the 12-episode television series Kids on the Slope (Sakamichi no Apollon), co-produced with Tezuka Productions and aired from April 12 to June 28, 2012.[2] [12] Directed by Shinichirō Watanabe with music by Yoko Kanno, the adaptation of Yuki Kodama's manga showcased the studio's capacity for visually dynamic jazz-infused storytelling, marking a deliberate entry into prestige projects rather than filler content.[2] This launch established MAPPA's early operational model: selective project intake emphasizing directorial autonomy and stylistic innovation, which attracted talent and laid groundwork for subsequent works like Terror in Resonance in 2014.[12]Leadership Transitions and Organizational Growth
MAPPA was established on June 14, 2011, by Masao Maruyama, a veteran producer who previously co-founded Madhouse and served as the studio's initial president.[2] In April 2016, Maruyama resigned as president to found Studio M2, shifting to the position of chairman while Manabu Otsuka—a former Studio 4°C employee who contributed to MAPPA's early projects—took over as president.[13][14] This transition marked a pivot toward expanded commercial operations under Otsuka, who had participated in MAPPA's formation from its outset.[15] The change in leadership coincided with accelerated organizational growth, as MAPPA scaled from a modest operation—employing about 11 animators and 26 staff in CGI, compositing, and support roles as of 2017—to a larger entity with a dedicated CGI division exceeding 160 members.[10][9] Post-2016, the studio doubled its annual project intake, establishing a Sendai branch alongside its Tokyo headquarters to handle increased workloads in television series and films.[16][17] This expansion enabled MAPPA to secure high-profile adaptations, though it has drawn scrutiny for straining resources amid rapid scaling.[13] Subsequent refinements to the executive structure supported ongoing development, including Hiroya Hasegawa's appointment as vice president and Shuuhei Yabuta's addition to the board in April 2024, followed by a new external board member and executive officer effective April 1, 2025.[18][19] These moves aimed to bolster strategic oversight as MAPPA pursued diverse productions, reflecting its evolution from a boutique producer to a key industry player.[9]Financial and Strategic Developments
MAPPA has implemented strategic expansions to enhance its production capacity, including the establishment of a dedicated CGI studio in Osaka announced in March 2022, aimed at recruiting additional CGI animators, production staff, and administrative personnel to support growing demands for 3D animation integration in its projects.[20] Earlier, in 2017, the studio actively scaled its in-house teams by expanding production, 3D, and compositing divisions while prioritizing hires for digital animators, background artists, and concept designers to accommodate an increasing slate of high-profile adaptations.[10] These moves reflect a broader emphasis on internal resource development, as stated on MAPPA's official recruitment page, which highlights ongoing training programs for staff to build sustainable growth amid rising global demand for anime content.[9] In terms of management restructuring, MAPPA announced changes effective April 2024, including the appointment of Hiroya Hasegawa as vice president, the addition of director Shuuhei Yabuta to the board, and the promotion of Keisuke Seshimo to a director role, signaling efforts to professionalize operations and address production challenges.[21] A key strategic decision was the studio's full self-financing of Chainsaw Man season 1, covering 100% of production costs without relying on external production committees, which CEO Manabu Otsuka described as a "complete financial success" due to retained profits and enhanced creative control.[22][23] However, Otsuka noted that while profitable, the series fell short of expectations in metrics like Blu-ray sales and overall cultural impact compared to Jujutsu Kaisen, with revenue primarily driven by streaming and merchandise rather than physical media.[22] In January 2026, MAPPA entered a strategic partnership with Netflix to co-create a world-class animation studio model, collaborating on new original anime projects from story development to merchandise, with Netflix securing exclusive global streaming rights for a slate of MAPPA-produced titles premiering simultaneously worldwide. This partnership builds on the tripling of anime viewership on Netflix over the past five years, during which over half of its members have engaged with anime content.[24] Financial data for MAPPA remains opaque as a private entity, but industry analyses indicate typical thin margins for Japanese anime studios, with reported fiscal year 2022 sales of approximately 2.8 billion yen and zero profit, underscoring reliance on hit projects for reinvestment rather than consistent profitability.[25] Successes like Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc, which surpassed 5 billion yen in Japanese box office earnings by October 16, 2025, demonstrate potential for high returns from theatrical ventures, though such outcomes depend heavily on pre-existing IP popularity and global distribution deals.[26] This approach aligns with MAPPA's risk-taking strategy, prioritizing ambitious adaptations to capture market share in a competitive industry where overseas licensing increasingly offsets domestic constraints.[22]Productions
Television Series
MAPPA has produced over 20 television anime series since 2012, spanning genres including action, fantasy, psychological drama, and sports, with a focus on high-fidelity adaptations of manga and light novels that emphasize dynamic animation sequences and character-driven narratives.[27] Early productions established the studio's reputation for handling complex storytelling, while later works like shonen battle series gained international acclaim for their fluid combat choreography and visual effects.[4] The studio often collaborates with experienced directors and has adapted properties from publishers such as Shueisha and Kodansha, contributing to its expansion amid industry demands for quality output.[1] Key early television series include Kids on the Slope (Sakamichi no Apollon), which aired 12 episodes from April 7 to June 30, 2012, adapting Yuki Kodama's manga set in 1960s Japan and centering on two boys' friendship forged through jazz music and personal growth.[4] In 2014, MAPPA released Terror in Resonance (Zankyou no Terror), a 11-episode summer series directed by Shinichirō Watanabe, depicting two enigmatic teenagers executing terrorist acts in Tokyo while pursued by authorities, drawing from themes of isolation and morality.[28] That same year, Rage of Bahamut: Genesis premiered as a 12-episode fantasy action series based on a trading card game, featuring humans, gods, and demons in a war over a mythical key, followed by its sequel Rage of Bahamut: Virgin Soul in 2017 with another 24 episodes expanding the conflict.[4] The mid-2010s saw expansions into supernatural and gambling narratives, such as Kakegurui (2017), a 12-episode adaptation of Homura Kawamoto's manga about high-stakes psychological gambling at an elite academy, noted for its intense character animations and mind games, with a second season in 2019 and spin-off Kakegurui ×× (2019).[1] Altair: A Record of Battles (Shoukoku no Altair), airing 24 episodes from July to December 2017, adapted Kotono Katou's manga chronicling a young ruler's diplomatic and military struggles against imperial expansion in a historical fantasy setting.[4] Other 2010s entries include Garo: The Animation (2014, 24 episodes), a dark fantasy about armored knights battling horrors; Ushio and Tora (2015–2016, 26 episodes across two cours), adapting Kazuo Umezu's yokai-hunting tale; Punch Line (2015, 12 episodes), an original sci-fi comedy involving cat transformations and apocalypse prevention; and Inuyashiki: Last Hero (2017, 11 episodes), based on Hiroya Oku's manga exploring mortality through two men gaining cybernetic bodies amid urban violence.[27] In the 2020s, MAPPA's television output shifted toward high-profile shonen adaptations, beginning with The God of High School (July–September 2020, 13 episodes), a martial arts tournament series from Yongje Park's webtoon featuring superhuman fights and conspiracy elements.[28] Jujutsu Kaisen, premiering October 3, 2020, with 24 episodes in its first season adapting Gege Akutami's manga about curse users battling supernatural entities, achieved widespread popularity for its cursed energy battles and received a second season from July to December 2023 covering the Shibuya Incident and later arcs.[1] The studio co-produced Attack on Titan: The Final Season starting December 7, 2020, handling Parts 2 (2022, 12 episodes), 3 (specials in 2023), and the concluding chapters, adapting Hajime Isayama's epic with large-scale titan warfare and political intrigue.[27] Chainsaw Man (October–December 2022, 12 episodes) brought Tatsuki Fujimoto's manga to screen, following a devil hunter merging with a chainsaw devil in gritty, visceral action against demonic threats.[27] Additional recent series encompass Vinland Saga Season 2 (January–June 2023, 24 episodes), continuing the Viking revenge saga with a focus on pacifism and historical realism; Hell's Paradise: Jigokuraku (April–July 2023, 13 episodes), adapting Yuji Kaku's ninja executioner tale involving immortality quests on a deadly island; Dance Dance Danseur (April–June 2022, 11 episodes), a ballet drama based on Asuka Kominato's manga emphasizing rigorous training and rivalry; and Kakegurui Twin (January–March 2022, 10 episodes + special), a prequel exploring academy gambling origins.[1] These productions highlight MAPPA's capacity for handling demanding schedules, though the studio has faced criticism from animators regarding working conditions during peaks like the 2020–2023 period.[29]| Series | Premiere Year | Episodes | Adaptation Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kids on the Slope | 2012 | 12 | Manga (Yuki Kodama)[4] |
| Rage of Bahamut: Genesis | 2014 | 12 | Card game IP[4] |
| Terror in Resonance | 2014 | 11 | Original (Shinichirō Watanabe)[28] |
| Kakegurui | 2017 | 12 | Manga (Homura Kawamoto)[1] |
| Jujutsu Kaisen | 2020 | 24 (S1) | Manga (Gege Akutami)[1] |
| Chainsaw Man | 2022 | 12 | Manga (Tatsuki Fujimoto)[27] |
| Attack on Titan: The Final Season (Parts 2–Final) | 2020–2023 | 28 (specials/cour) | Manga (Hajime Isayama)[27] |
Films and Specials
MAPPA's film productions include feature-length theatrical releases and original video animations (OVAs), often serving as prequels, side stories, or standalone adaptations that complement their television output. These works showcase the studio's capacity for high-stakes action sequences and detailed character animation, though production challenges like tight schedules have been reported in industry accounts.[27][29] A prominent example is Jujutsu Kaisen 0 (released December 24, 2021), a prequel film adapting Gege Akutami's manga volume zero, directed by Sunghoo Park with animation production led by MAPPA. The film depicts Yuta Okkotsu's battle against a cursed spirit tied to his childhood friend, grossing over ¥13.8 billion (approximately $120 million USD) at the Japanese box office within its initial run, making it one of the highest-grossing anime films of 2021.[27] Earlier, Garo: Divine Flame (theatrical release May 21, 2016) marked MAPPA's entry into fantasy action cinema, serving as a sequel to the Garo television series with original story elements involving knights battling horrors in a medieval-inspired world; it was directed by Yuichiro Hayashi and praised for its fluid combat choreography despite a modest budget.[30][27] In 2023, MAPPA released maboroshi (September 29, 2023), an original film directed by Mari Okada adapting her own novel, featuring surreal body horror elements as a high school girl confronts a town frozen in time; the project highlighted the studio's experimental side with detailed environmental animation.[27][31] For OVAs and specials, MAPPA contributed to Days: Tōin Gakuen-sen!! (January 2018 release), a two-episode adaptation of the soccer manga side story, handling full animation production and focusing on intense sports action sequences.[32] Additionally, the studio produced promotional specials like Bokyaku Battery (January 2020 event screening), a short baseball-themed OVA tied to Jump Special Anime Festa, emphasizing quick-paced athletics.[27][33]| Title | Type | Release Year | Key Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Garo: Divine Flame | Theatrical Film | 2016 | Fantasy sequel; directed by Yuichiro Hayashi; animation production.[30] |
| Days: Tōin Gakuen-sen!! | OVA (2 eps.) | 2018 | Soccer side story; full production including CG.[32] |
| Bokyaku Battery | Event OVA | 2020 | Promotional short; baseball adaptation.[27] |
| Jujutsu Kaisen 0 | Theatrical Film | 2021 | Prequel; ¥13.8B box office; directed by Sunghoo Park.[27] |
| maboroshi | Theatrical Film | 2023 | Original surreal drama; directed by Mari Okada.[27] |
Digital and Other Media
MAPPA has expanded into digital formats through original net animations (ONAs), web-exclusive shorts, and streaming-exclusive series, often distributed via platforms like Netflix. A notable example is Kakegurui Twin (2022), an ONA sequel to the Kakegurui franchise, which premiered on Netflix on August 4, 2022, consisting of six episodes that delve into the backstory of characters from Hyakkaou Private Academy.[27] Similarly, Boukyaku Battery (2020) was released as a promotional ONA at the Jump Special Anime Festa on October 11, 2020, directed by Parako Shinohara and focusing on baseball themes to hype the upcoming TV adaptation. The studio has also contributed to international digital projects, such as Blade Runner: Black Out 2022 (2017), a U.S.-produced ONA short film released online as part of the Blade Runner anthology, where MAPPA handled additional compositing work.[34] Another Netflix collaboration, Yasuke (2021), featured MAPPA providing digital in-between animation for select episodes in this ONA series about the historical African samurai.[35] These efforts demonstrate MAPPA's role in adapting anime for global streaming audiences, prioritizing fluid digital delivery over traditional broadcast schedules. Beyond ONAs, MAPPA produces music videos, commercials, and promotional content. In 2024, the studio animated music videos for Pokémon Music Collective Nulbarich and Sunny's "Lucky (feat. UMI)" (May 2024) and Like The Flatwoods Monster (May 2024), showcasing vibrant, character-driven sequences.[27] Commercials include the 2023 MARO17 hair care ad featuring "UTAKATA FEAT. TETSU" (July 2023) and a 2025 Citizen Watch spot with B'z's "INTO THE BLUE," emphasizing high-production animation for brand promotion.[27][36] MAPPA's other media includes in-game animations and web shorts, such as the 2024 in-game animation for Emio - The Smiling Man: Famicom Detective Club (August 2024) and early web movies like Fruit Juice Gummy: Megumi and Taiyo (2012). Original animation DVDs (OADs), such as DAYS OAD (January 2018) bundled with manga volumes, bridge print and digital consumption.[27] These projects, often shorter in duration, allow MAPPA to experiment with styles and collaborate on niche digital platforms, supplementing their core TV and film output.Major Adaptations and Original Projects
MAPPA's major adaptations predominantly draw from manga sources, emphasizing high-fidelity action sequences and detailed character animation that have elevated the studio's reputation in shonen and seinen genres. Jujutsu Kaisen, adapted from Gege Akutami's manga serialized in Weekly Shōnen Jump from March 2018 to September 2024, debuted with its first season from October 2020 to March 2021, covering the "Fearsome Womb" and "Kyoto Goodwill Event" arcs; a prequel film, Jujutsu Kaisen 0, released on December 24, 2021, while the second season aired in 2023.[4][27] Chainsaw Man, based on Tatsuki Fujimoto's manga published from December 2018 to December 2020 in the same magazine, aired from October 12 to December 28, 2022, spanning 12 episodes that adapted the "Public Safety Saga" with distinctive fluid combat choreography.[1][4] The studio's handling of Attack on Titan: The Final Season, succeeding Wit Studio for Hajime Isayama's manga (serialized September 2009 to April 2021 in Bessatsu Shōnen Magazine), commenced with Part 1 from December 7, 2020, to March 29, 2021 (16 episodes), followed by Part 2 from January 10 to April 4, 2022 (12 episodes), and concluding specials in 2023 that resolved the series' themes of freedom and cyclical violence.[4][27] Other prominent adaptations include Vinland Saga Season 2 (January to June 2023), adapting Makoto Yukimura's historical Viking manga (ongoing since 2009); Hell's Paradise: Jigokuraku (April to June 2023), from Yuji Kaku's 2018-2021 manga depicting Edo-period ninja quests; and Dororo (January to June 2019), a co-production with Tezuka Productions adapting Osamu Tezuka's 1967-1969 manga about a demon-cursed swordsman.[1][4] In contrast, MAPPA's original projects, though fewer, have explored diverse themes like psychological thriller and sports drama without preexisting source material. Terror in Resonance (Zankyou no Terror), MAPPA's first original television series premiered July to September 2014 (11 episodes), follows two enigmatic teenagers executing bombings in Tokyo as part of a high-stakes "game," directed by Shinichirō Watanabe with original screenplay by Hiroshi Seko.[2] Yuri!!! on Ice, an original 2016 series (October to December, 12 episodes), centers on competitive figure skater Yuri Katsuki's mentorship under Victor Nikiforov, blending sports realism with interpersonal dynamics under director Sayo Yamamoto.[37] Zombie Land Saga, another original, launched October to December 2018 (12 episodes) with a sequel Revenge in 2021, featuring seven historical Japanese women revived as zombies to form an idol group aimed at revitalizing Saga Prefecture through performances.[38] These originals demonstrate MAPPA's capability for self-contained narratives, often yielding cult followings despite lower production volumes compared to adaptations.[2]Artistic Approach and Innovations
Animation Techniques and Style
MAPPA's animation techniques prioritize a hybrid approach blending traditional 2D key animation with extensive digital processing and CGI integration to achieve fluid, high-fidelity visuals under tight production schedules. The studio promotes digital in-between animation, particularly at its Sendai facility established in 2018, replacing traditional pencil-on-paper methods to ensure uniformity from rough animation through to digital painting and compositing.[9] This workflow allows for efficient iteration, with in-house tool development optimizing processes across departments. 2D animators employ both analog and digital drawing methods, focusing on expressive key frames that emphasize drawing quality and subtle details—such as individual blood droplets or facial wrinkles—over gratuitous motion excess.[39] The studio's CGI division, its largest with over 160 members, handles 3D modeling for backgrounds, props, and complex camera work using tools like 3ds Max and Blender, often redrawn in 2D to preserve stylistic charm while saving time on compositions.[9][39] This integration is evident in productions like Chainsaw Man (2022), where 3D elements support dynamic fight sequences without dominating the hand-drawn aesthetic, and Attack on Titan: The Final Season (2020–2023), employing CGI for titans and environments amid resource constraints from the COVID-19 pandemic.[39] MAPPA avoids a rigid house style to adapt to diverse genres, but its output consistently features energetic, tactile sakuga—highlight animation moments with sketchy linework, realistic proportions, and slender character designs that convey intensity through dark line shading and layered effects like scratches or debris.[39] Innovations include a two-month onboarding program for CGI recruits and regional studios in Tokyo, Sendai, and Osaka (opened 2023) to distribute workload and foster specialized skills, enabling ambitious sequences that balance emotional resonance with technical precision.[9] Animator Benjamin Faure, who contributed to Jujutsu Kaisen (2020–present) and Chainsaw Man, highlights testing multiple rendering approaches to adapt 3D aids to 2D priorities, critiquing over-reliance on CGI for lacking the "charm" of redrawn elements.[39] This method supports MAPPA's reputation for visually striking action, though it has drawn scrutiny for occasional CGI stiffness in high-stakes scenes due to scheduling pressures.[39]Contributions to Genre and Storytelling
MAPPA has advanced anime storytelling by adapting source materials with a emphasis on thematic complexity and narrative innovation, particularly in action and supernatural genres. In series such as Chainsaw Man (2022), the studio preserved the manga's erratic tonal shifts—merging visceral horror, absurd humor, and emotional vulnerability—while enhancing pacing to sustain viewer immersion across episodes. This approach, influenced by the production team's enthusiasm for Tatsuki Fujimoto's original work, has been credited with amplifying the story's manic energy for global audiences, setting a benchmark for unconventional shonen adaptations.[40][41][42] For Attack on Titan: The Final Season (2020–2023), MAPPA tackled the source's labyrinthine plot twists and philosophical undertones, employing tight episode structures to balance large-scale conflicts with intimate character resolutions, thereby delivering a cohesive conclusion to the series' decade-long arc. This handling of moral ambiguity and existential stakes has contributed to the studio's reputation for elevating mature narratives within established franchises.[2][43] In Jujutsu Kaisen (2020–present), MAPPA integrated intricate curse mechanics with interpersonal dynamics, fostering storytelling that prioritizes strategic depth over rote action, which has helped propagate darker, psychologically layered shonen tropes across the industry. Overall, the studio's willingness to explore societal critiques and genre hybridization—evident in diverse outputs from idol dramas to fantasy epics—has broadened anime's narrative scope, prioritizing expressive forms that resonate internationally without diluting original intents.[44][45][46]Key Personnel
Founders and Executives
MAPPA was founded on June 14, 2011, by Masao Maruyama, a prominent anime producer who co-founded Madhouse in 1972 and oversaw productions including Ninja Scroll (1993) and Perfect Blue (1997).[9][47] At age 70 upon establishing the studio, Maruyama named it Maruyama Animation Produce Project Association to foster innovative animation projects independent of prior affiliations, drawing on his experience addressing production challenges at Madhouse.[2] He continues to serve as Chairman of the Board of Directors.[19] Manabu Otsuka has led MAPPA as President and CEO since at least 2019, guiding the studio through expansions in high-profile adaptations like Jujutsu Kaisen (2020–present) and Chainsaw Man (2022).[19][48] Otsuka, previously involved in production management, has emphasized strategic project selection balancing commercial viability with artistic ambition.[48] In April 2024, MAPPA restructured its management, promoting Hiroya Hasegawa to Executive Vice President and adding director Shuuhei Yabuta to the board of directors to enhance operational efficiency amid growing workloads.[18] Hasegawa, a producer on titles like Attack on Titan The Final Season (2020–2023), focuses on production oversight.[49] Further updates in April 2025 appointed Yuichi Fukushima, Vice President of CloverWorks, as an external board member and Motoi Okuno, a 3DCG specialist from Chainsaw Man, as Executive Officer, bolstering expertise in external partnerships and technical animation.[19] Other key roles include Chief Rights Officer Eiji Matsuo and board members such as Yusuke Tannawa and Kosuke Hosokai.[19]Directors and Lead Animators
Sunghoo Park served as a chief director for multiple MAPPA projects, including Garo: Vanishing Line (2017), The God of High School (2020), and the first season of Jujutsu Kaisen (2020), as well as the film Jujutsu Kaisen 0 (2021).[2] Park, a Korean director who gained prominence through his work at MAPPA, departed the studio in 2021 to establish his own animation company, Studio Mirko.[50] Yuichiro Hayashi has directed several high-profile series at MAPPA since joining in 2014, most notably the final season of Attack on Titan (2020–2023), where he oversaw the adaptation's shift to MAPPA's production following WIT Studio.[51][52] Earlier, Hayashi helmed GARO| Director | Notable MAPPA Works |
|---|---|
| Sunghoo Park | Garo: Vanishing Line (2017), Jujutsu Kaisen Season 1 (2020) |
| Yuichiro Hayashi | Attack on Titan Final Season (2020–2023)[51] |
| Shūhei Yabuta | Vinland Saga Season 2 (2023)[18] |
| Hiroko Utsumi | Banana Fish (2018)[2] |