STUDIO GRAPH77 is an animation production company that has been making waves for producing "Shikaku," one of the works in "Fujimoto Tatsuki 17-26," a project that will see eight short stories by Tatsuki Fujimoto, a manga artist known for works such as "Chainsaw Man," being animated in one go. FLAGSHIP LINE, a subsidiary of Avex Pictures, established the cutting-edge animation production company in October 2024. FLAGSHIP LINE and STUDIO GRAPH77 are headed by Kazuto Matsumura, who has worked on the animated feature film "Look Back." We spoke to Matsumura about STUDIO GRAPH77.
◇An environment where creators can concentrate on their creations
According to the Anime Industry Report 2025 (Association of Japanese Animations), the market size in 2024 is expected to reach a record high of approximately 3.8407 trillion yen. Despite this boom, production sites are reaching their limits. With over 300 TV anime titles being produced each year, serious labor shortages and exhausted production lines have become the norm.
"As the number of productions increases, it becomes increasingly difficult to control the schedule. By prioritizing the production line, we can seamlessly link production and actual production. Rather than mass-producing multiple production lines in parallel, we want to pour all our efforts into each individual production and ensure quality."
While there are examples like A-1 Pictures and CloverWorks, both of which are affiliated with Aniplex, it may be unusual for a "manufacturer" like Avex Pictures to operate a studio. STUDIO GRAPH77 aims to provide "an environment where creators can concentrate on their creations" and "nurturing the next generation."
"In Japanese anime production, each department is highly specialized, but overseas there are completely different approaches. At overseas studios like DreamWorks, there are not only animators but also project managers who oversee the entire process, and each process is structured. In Japan, lateral movement from animator to key animator, animation director, director, etc. is the norm, but if animators could be offered the option of being managers in charge of scenes, the scope of their careers would be much broader. It might cost more, but it would ensure quality and enable creators to continue working for the company for a long time. By unraveling the structure and systematizing it, I hope to create an even more comfortable working environment."
The overseas market is driving the growth of Japanese anime. It has become an "export industry" that far exceeds the domestic market. Creators will need to have an international perspective in order to target overseas markets.
"Many students at domestic vocational schools are international students. Even if they want to work in Japan after graduation, they may not be able to settle down due to visa issues, and their precious skills and knowledge may end up being lost overseas. Therefore, we need an environment in Japan where overseas creators can work together. By having staff from various cultures interact on a daily basis, we believe that understanding of delicate cultural backgrounds, such as how to express skin color, will also deepen."
◇Initiatives to broaden skills and horizons
FLAGSHIP LINE has established the PLUS CREATORS CAMP, a training program for anime creators, using the Cultural and Artistic Activities Infrastructure Strengthening Fund (Creator Support Fund), established at the Japan Arts Council with a subsidy from the Agency for Cultural Affairs. With Japanese anime gaining popularity around the world, the program aims to foster creators who can be active internationally. Aimed at young creators, the program aims to broaden their skills and horizons through lectures by creators, hands-on training in music video (MV) production, and exchanges with overseas studios and educational institutions.
"The program is centered around directing, and covers everything from sound to filming and planning. By learning about the entire process leading up to the creation of a production, it changes the way you think about other departments. This changes the atmosphere on set, and ultimately increases the quality of the work. The program is open to everyone, not just our own staff."
Nurturing creators should lead to increased sustainability in anime production.
"We've just launched, so we don't have a set format. But not having one would be problematic. We want to create a solid format, and then take on the challenge of breaking it down. The environment surrounding the anime industry is tough, but the trial and error process is fun."
Matsumura is exploring a new style of studio, aiming to create an environment where creators can concentrate on their work and to nurture the next generation. STUDIO GRAPH77's future endeavors are sure to be watched closely. (Anima Mitsuru/MANTANWEB)
