Katsuhiro Otomo, the legendary manga artist and filmmaker behind AKIRA, is officially building something new.
The creator of the original AKIRA manga and director of its iconic 1988 anime film adaptation has established OVAL GEAR Animation Studio, a production company operating under Oval Gear Co. Ltd.
According to the launch announcement, the studio is being set up to carry forward the filmmaking methods and creative sensibility Otomo has developed across decades of work. The bigger aim is not just nostalgia, though — OVAL GEAR is also planning to produce new animated works for a global audience.
And yes, there is already something cooking. A new project from Otomo is currently in production at the studio, though details like title, format, release window, cast, or platform have not been announced yet. Future updates are expected through OVAL GEAR’s official website and X account.
Why this matters for anime fans in Malaysia and SEA
For older anime fans, AKIRA is one of those titles that changed the way people looked at Japanese animation. Even if you watched it years after release, the film’s cyberpunk visuals, city destruction, biker-gang energy, and insane animation detail still hit hard.
For younger fans in Malaysia and Southeast Asia, this is interesting because Otomo’s new studio is clearly thinking beyond Japan from day one. The announcement specifically mentions new animated works for global release, which matters in a region where anime fandom is massive but often depends on streaming availability, cinema releases, and licensing timing.
If OVAL GEAR’s future projects get proper international distribution, Malaysian fans may not have to wait forever or rely on random import Blu-rays, festival screenings, or dodgy uploads just to keep up. That global angle could mean better access through streaming platforms, regional cinema runs, or official merchandise pipelines — all the stuff that helps anime culture feel less like we are watching from the sidelines.
OVAL GEAR is also looking for new talent
Alongside the studio reveal, OVAL GEAR Animation Studio also confirmed that it plans to open recruitment for animators and production staff.
The studio says it will welcome applications from both young talent and experienced professionals. Full details about the application process and job requirements will be posted later on the official site.
That part is worth watching closely. Anime production has been under heavy pressure for years, with studios balancing global demand, tight schedules, and talent shortages. A new studio attached to someone with Otomo’s reputation could become a serious training ground if it actually succeeds in passing down his production approach to the next generation.
For SEA creatives who follow the Japanese animation industry closely, this is also another reminder that the anime business is becoming more globally visible — not just in terms of viewers, but potentially talent pipelines too. No international hiring details have been shared, so don’t jump the gun yet, but the recruitment announcement alone makes OVAL GEAR more than just a vanity label.
Still early, but definitely one to track
Right now, OVAL GEAR is mostly a promise: a new studio, a new Otomo project in production, and a mission to preserve and evolve his style of animated filmmaking.
But when the person behind AKIRA starts a fresh animation studio, anime fans should absolutely pay attention. We don’t need to overhype a project we haven’t seen yet — but bro, this is the kind of industry move that could become very important if OVAL GEAR lands its first title properly.
Source: Automaton Media