It has been announced that a brand new original anime series, "ZAN," by world-renowned artist Yoshitaka Amano, is in the works. Based on the art collection "DEVA ZAN" released in 2010, Amano's original artwork will be used as the basis for animation, with top Japanese animators hand-drawing each frame. Directed by Narumi Ikeda and Toru Yoshida, the series boasts a stellar staff including chief animation director Moriyasu Taniguchi, series composition by Ryosuke Takahashi, script by Yuya Takashima, mechanical design by Kunio Okawara, and art direction by Minoru Nishida.
In the midst of a fierce battle at Azuchi Castle in Sengoku-era Japan, young samurai ZAN is led by a girl's voice from nowhere into another world beyond time and space. In a world where the life-symbol Tropes and their ruler RIKKA govern order, ZAN engages in fierce battles against powerful enemies and Tropes, and begins to question the "justice" he is fighting for. Together with the mechanical lifeform Panther and the mysterious girl Uzume, ZAN fights his way forward in search of the truth of the world.
The pilot film will have its world premiere on July 3rd at Anime Expo 2026, one of the largest anime and pop culture festivals in the United States, held in Los Angeles.
It was also announced that "Yoshitaka Amano Inc.," based in Los Angeles, Delaware, will be launched. With the philosophy of "expanding Yoshitaka Amano's world into a new global experience," the company will be based in Los Angeles and will be involved in anime planning and production, art management, licensing, and the operation of art events and galleries.
