In a recent interview, Mr. Michiyuki Honma, the president of Studio Pierrot, provided significant insights that stirred excitement among anime enthusiasts, especially those following “Boruto” and “Black Clover.”
His discussion highlighted a potential shift towards seasonal productions, influenced notably by the success of “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba” and its groundbreaking approach to anime production.
Mr. Honma praised “Demon Slayer” for its exceptional quality and cross-demographic appeal, which was achieved through substantial budgets and dedicated time commitments. He acknowledged,
“I think ‘Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba’ was a major turning point for the animation industry. A high-quality work with an ample budget and a solid time commitment was broadcast became a huge hit, and was watched by people of all ages. I really felt that we had to change the way things were made before and after ‘Demon Slayer’ was released.”
Studio Pierrot Contemplates Seasonal Approach for Anime Productions
Reflecting on Studio Pierrot’s traditional long-run series format, exemplified by productions like “Naruto” and “Bleach,” Mr. Honma mentioned the successful seasonal return of “Bleach” in its “The Thousand Year Blood War Arc.”
This shift not only garnered a positive reception but also enhanced the series’ animation quality significantly. Mr. Honma stated,
“I think it is definitely wonderful to produce one work for a long period of time, as Studio Pierrot has done in the past. At the same time, it entails great risks in terms of large budgets and time running costs. But I wonder if the same traditional way of making a film can compete with such a new way of making a film.”
He further elaborated on the studio’s strategic pivot towards finding new production formats and artistic styles.
“We will probably lose our brand. I don’t want to lose. I want to be No. 1, and so does Pierrot. With this in mind, the entire company was committed to creating a new kind of animation when we created BLEACH: The Thousand Year Blood War Arc.”
The conclusion of the interview was particularly promising for fans of “Boruto” and “Black Clover.” Mr. Honma highlighted the studio’s ongoing transformation, hinting at adopting the seasonal format for these beloved series. He urged audiences to keep an eye on Studio Pierrot’s latest series “Karasu wa Aruji wo Erabanai,” and emphasized,
“I want people to pay attention to the new way of creating anime. Please look forward to the future of Pierrot, which is taking on the challenge of creating new animations.”
The implication of Studio Pierrot transitioning “Boruto” and “Black Clover” to a seasonal format is significant. This change could potentially enhance the quality of these series, allowing for concentrated bursts of production that avoid the need for filler content, which was a notable issue in past series like Masashi Kishimoto’s.
As the anime industry continues to evolve, the anticipation for these adaptations grows, leaving fans eager to see how these adjustments will manifest in their favorite shows.
