The legendary creator of Akira, Katsuhiro Otomo, has remained largely enigmatic regarding his upcoming endeavors. While he was announced as the writer and director for the feature Orbital Era back in 2019—with Sunrise attached to produce—a new development has emerged: Otomo has officially launched his own animation house, Oval Gear. Whether this signals a pivot to an entirely new venture or provides fresh momentum for Orbital Era remains to be seen, but speculation is already running high.
It has been nearly thirteen years since Otomo’s last directorial contribution, the Hi no Youjin short featured in the 2013 Short Peace anthology. Nevertheless, his foundational impact on cinema and comics is undeniable. A pivotal figure in Japan’s “manga New Wave” of the 1970s, he spent a decade honing his craft as a mangaka before delivering the masterpiece Akira (1982–1990). He subsequently wrote and directed its 1988 anime adaptation, which evolved into one of the most commercially successful and culturally significant animated films in history.
Image: Oval GearWhile specific details regarding Otomo’s next feature are scarce, the Oval Gear website showcases a cosmonaut character immediately recognizable to those following Orbital Era updates. The site is minimalist, yet its mission statement is bold: “This studio was established with the aim of passing on the visual expression and authorship that Katsuhiro Otomo has cultivated over many years to the next generation, and to disseminate new animation works to the world.” A dedicated portal for job openings suggests that the studio is actively preparing to mentor a fresh wave of talent.
Oval Gear confirms that a new anime production is underway, which will almost certainly be Orbital Era, with further updates promised soon. For now, we must remain patient, though the global community of animation enthusiasts is rightfully eager for the next chapter of Otomo’s storied career.
Source: Polygon
