Masaaki Yuasa
湯浅 政明
Yuasa at the 30th Tokyo International Film Festival (2018)
Born (1965-03-16) March 16, 1965 (age 58)
Fukuoka, Japan
NationalityJapanese
Alma materKyushu Sangyo University
Occupations
Years active1987–present
Employers
  • Freelance affiliated with Ajia-do (1987–1994)
  • Freelance (1994–2013)
  • CEO of Science SARU (2013–2020)[1]
  • Freelance (2020–present)

Masaaki Yuasa (湯浅 政明, Yuasa Masaaki, born March 16, 1965) is a Japanese director, screenwriter, and animator affiliated with Science SARU, a Japanese animation studio which he co-founded with producer Eunyoung Choi in 2013. Yuasa previously served as president of Science SARU, but stepped down from this role in 2020.[1][2] Recognized for his idiosyncratic art style and directorial voice, Yuasa began his career as an animator on the landmark television series Chibi Maruko-chan (1990–1992) and Crayon Shin-chan (1992–present),[3] before moving into directing with the feature film Mind Game (2004) and developing a cult appeal following.[4]

Yuasa spent much of the 2000s and early 2010s working in television directing, helming a trio of series, Kemonozume (2006), Kaiba (2008), and The Tatami Galaxy (2010), before releasing the crowdfunded short film Kick-Heart (2013).[5] During the production of Kick-Heart, Choi proposed the establishment of Science SARU,[6] and the resultant works created at the studio, combined with increased international distribution, led to mainstream breakout successes in the 2010s and saw Yuasa rise to prominence as one of Japan's foremost independent creators.[7][8] At Science SARU, Yuasa focused on directing both television and feature film productions, starting with an episode of the American animated series Adventure Time (2014),[9] and continuing with Ping Pong the Animation (2014),[10] Night Is Short, Walk On Girl (2017),[11] Lu Over the Wall (2017),[12] Devilman Crybaby (2018),[13] Ride Your Wave (2019),[14] Super Shiro (2019),[15] Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken! (2020),[16] Japan Sinks: 2020 (2020),[17] and Inu-Oh (2021).[18]

Yuasa's productions have won international critical acclaim, receiving awards from Annecy,[19][20] the Japan Academy Film Prize,[21] the Mainichi Film Awards,[22][23] and the Japan Media Arts Festival.[24][25][26][27] In recognition of his collective career accomplishments, he has been recognized by the Japanese government and received the Medal of Honor with Purple Ribbon, as well as the Agency for Cultural Affairs' Cabinet Minister Award for Media Fine Arts.[28][29]

Yuasa's latest project is the musical drama feature film Inu-Oh, which premiered at the Venice International Film Festival in September 2021 and was released worldwide in August 2022.[30][31]

Early life

Masaaki Yuasa was born on March 16, 1965, in Fukuoka, Japan. As a child, Yuasa liked animation, and as early as his kindergarten years found he could entertain classmates with his drawings. When Yuasa was in his first year of junior high school and thinking it was time to move away from anime and manga, Space Battleship Yamato The Movie was released in 1977, triggering a huge anime boom in Japan,[32] followed in 1979 by the simultaneous release of Hayao Miyazaki's Lupin III: The Castle of Cagliostro, Osamu Dezaki's Aim for the Ace! The Movie and Rintaro's Galaxy Express 999 The Movie and several other films.[33][34] He decided to pursue a career in the manga/anime industry, encouraged by public opinion (whether it was true or not), including newspaper and television reports that Japanese animation can withstand adult viewing.[33][34] He had no idea about the animation industry and initially thought about becoming a manga artist. However, when he saw animators being treated like stars as creators in a succession of new animation magazines, he decided he wanted to become an animator.[33][34][35] He then studied design in high school and majored in oil painting at the art department of Kyushu Sangyo University.[33][34] During his college years, Yuasa worried he would not be able to make a living as an animator, but continued to study television animation as it aired and familiarize himself with animators whose personal styles resonated with him.[32]

Influences

In his youth, Yuasa was initially drawn to the television animation series Mazinger Z (1972–1974) and Space Battleship Yamato (1974–1975). A crucial influence which led Yuasa to work in the industry was Hayao Miyazaki's landmark feature film debut Lupin III: The Castle of Cagliostro (1979). In the 1980s, Yuasa began to focus on the study of individual animators, namely Takashi Nakamura and his work on Golden Warrior Gold Lightan (1981–1982).[32] He also studied international animation, with particular influences being the works of Tex Avery,[4] the British film Yellow Submarine (1968), The King and the Mockingbird (1980) by French filmmaker Paul Grimault, and Glen Keane's animation work on the climactic fight sequence in The Fox and the Hound (1981).[36] Some of his other favorite animations include Unico in the Island of Magic (1983),[37] Wicked City (1987),[38] Aim for the Ace! (1979), Galaxy Express 999 (1979), Mazinger Z vs. The Great General of Darkness (1974), Fantastic Planet (1973), Pinocchio (1940), Sing (2016), Night on the Galactic Railroad (1985), How to Train Your Dragon (2010),[39] The Wrong Trousers (1994), Gamba no Bouken (1972), Future Boy Conan (1978),[40] Tensai Bakabon (1970), Lupin the 3rd Part I: The Classic Adventures (1971-1972), Tom and Jerry, Heidi, Girl of the Alps (1974), Doraemon: Nobita's Great Adventure into the Underworld (1984),[41] The Man Who Planted Trees (1987), Hedgehog in the Fog (1975),[42] 3000 Leagues in Search of Mother (1976), Anne of Green Gables (1979), The Gutsy Frog (1972-1974), Doraemon: The Records of Nobita, Spaceblazer (1981), Kumo to Tulip (1943), The Animal Neighborhood Community (1941).[43] Outside of animation, Yuasa was also influenced by the art of Salvador Dalí.[4]

Yuasa described his process of inspiration:

I get inspired with a lot of things I see, hear, smell, and touch in everyday life... I often derive inspiration even from really modest visuals; a commercial, a cut from a movie, a movement from an anime as well as nameless flowers and grasses blooming on the road, clouds, stars, and moons in the sky. I’m also inspired with what I’m currently interested in and feeling. My humble wish for creating anime is to have common images, conversations, and scenes sublimed into art works.[4]

Career

Beginnings as an animator

Upon graduation, Yuasa sought work by consulting recruitment advertisements published in the animation magazine Animage. After answering an advertisement posted by Ajia-do, he was hired by the studio as an in between animator. Yuasa initially struggled and came to believe he lacked talent and therefore had no future in the business. After an illness, he contemplated quitting, but lacking a good opportunity to actually do so, he continued on. A key turning point in his perception of his artistic skills came during his transition from drawing in between animation, which requires clean, uniform lifework that is consistent from artist to artist, to drawing key animation, which establishes the key poses of motion and are more reflective of the individual sensibilities of movement of each artist. Yuasa's natural drawing style was fast, intuitive, and rough; it lacked the fine lines emphasized for inbetweening. As a result, when Yuasa became a key animator, he was able to utilize his rougher line style for greater personal expression and began to make a name for himself.[32] During this time, Yuasa also received encouragement and advice from Ajia-do's co-founder Osamu Kobayashi, a veteran animator with decades of experience. Kobayashi told Yuasa that he could not consider himself a master of animation unless he utilized abstract drawings as part of his movement; though these individual frames are not distinguishable in the blur of completed motion, they subconsciously influence viewer perception of the motion and the scene as a whole. The advice synchronized with Yuasa's own study of international animation techniques, and increasingly, he integrated them into his work. Yuasa was also advised by another co-founder of Ajia-do, animator and director Tsutomu Shibayama, who served as a mentor and gave him formative artistic guidance.[36]

Yuasa earned his first significant credits as a key animator in 1990 on the landmark television series Chibi Maruko-chan (1990–1992), which Ajia-do worked on as a subcontractor studio.[44] Based on a popular manga, Chibi Maruko-chan was a major hit and provided opportunities for Yuasa to refine his skills. His next breakthrough came with the film Chibi Maruko-chan: My Favorite Song (1992), on which he was entrusted with two musical sequences. Yuasa storyboarded the sequences, the first time he'd taken on this responsibility, and was able to animate them in his own characteristic style; he later identified these segments as the first time that appreciation of his work by fellow artists led him to view his own work as good.[32]

In 1992, the next major step in Yuasa's animation career occurred when he joined the production team of the long-running and immensely popular series Crayon Shin-chan (1992–present). Consisting of a television series, numerous television specials, and annual theatrical film releases, the Crayon Shin-chan franchise quickly became a massive undertaking with continuous work and production opportunities. Working under the guidance of supervising director Mitsuru Hongo, Yuasa took on a variety of roles within the franchise's many television and film productions, including key animation, storyboarding, set and background design, prop and vehicle design, and contribution of story concepts and ideas.[45] Yuasa quickly became a specialist at imagining, designing, and animating the inventive visual climaxes of the annual Crayon Shin-chan films, a practice he continued for nearly a decade.[46] It was during his work on Crayon Shin-chan that Yuasa at last found enjoyment in his artistic work,[32] as well as his first desire to become a director.[45] That same year, Yuasa had his first chance to direct with an episode of the original video animation (OVA) series Anime Rakugo Kan (1992). Yuasa directed the third episode of the series, entitled The Squash Seller. Stylistically, the episode reflected Yuasa's admiration for the animation created by Kobayashi and Shimoyama earlier in their careers, and thus had a different visual aesthetic than Yuasa's later works. More than just an homage, the episode reflected a continuation of Yuasa's personal artistry; though he initially thought he would develop a completely different style, in the end, he incorporated elements of Kobayashi and Shimoyama's animation into his own.[45][47]

1994 saw two significant developments in Yuasa's animation career: leaving Ajia-do to become a freelance animator, and participating as an animation director on the fourth episode of the landmark OVA series The Hakkenden: A New Saga (1993–1995).[45] Based on the epic historical novel Nansō Satomi Hakkenden (1814–1842) and animated in a serious, realistic style, The Hakkenden was a unique challenge to Yuasa, who until that point had worked on comedic works with a loose, free-flowing visual aesthetic. This resulted in initial mistrust of Yuasa by the production team at AIC, the studio responsible for the series.[32] However, Yuasa had been invited to join the production by episode director and maverick animator Shinya Ohira, who after seeing his work on Crayon Shin-chan sought him out and placed him in a position of responsibility for overseeing the animation on his episode of the series, entitled Hamaji’s Resurrection.[45] Although the production was chaotic due to a compressed schedule which did not allow sufficient time for ensuring the visual coherence traditionally prized in animation, the result was a distinctive episode with an emphasis on realism, moving camera techniques, and expressive attention to small character acting details. As a result of this work, Ohira collaborated with Yuasa on subsequent productions.[48] Hamaji's Resurrection generated considerable conversation within Japan's animation industry, was cited as one of the most important Japanese animated productions of the 1990s, and described as a masterpiece of Japanese animation.[32][49][50]

Following the success of Hamaji's Resurrection, Yuasa continued working as a freelance animator for the remainder of the 1990s, including work on the Studio Ghibli feature film My Neighbors the Yamadas (1999). This freelance work brought additional early directorial and supervisory opportunities. These included the television pilot film Vampiyan Kids (1999), which Yuasa directed and storyboarded; the short film Slime Adventures: Yay, the Sea! (1999), based on the popular Dragon Quest franchise, which Yuasa directed; and the acclaimed short film Cat Soup (2001), on which he served as screenwriter and animation producer.[51] Cat Soup was a critical success, winning an Excellence Award for animation at the Japan Media Arts Festival.[52] The Cat Soup project in particular served as a springboard for Yuasa to move fully into the directorial phase of his career.[53]

Move to directing and Mind Game

Yuasa's opportunity to move into feature film directing came when Eiko Tanaka, the co-founder and CEO of Studio 4°C, requested Yuasa adapt the Robin Nishi manga Mind Game. Although the manga was little-known by the general public, several prominent staff members of Studio 4 °C were passionate about the title, and studio co-founder Kōji Morimoto had previously introduced Yuasa to the series. Yuasa felt the material suited him and agreed to direct the project.[54] The production utilized an experimental visual sensibility, incorporating a variety of illustrated styles and including the use of live-action footage. Yuasa was inspired to make use of this combination of styles in order to preserve the feeling of the original manga, which was drawn in a rough, visual-gag style. In Yuasa's words, "I wanted it to look as though we hadn’t worked very hard on it, though of course we had."[55] Although the film's story stuck closely to that of the original manga, Yuasa made one significant change: he altered the ending to be more positive for all of the characters, not only the protagonist. The intent of this change would be reflected in Yuasa's future works: a desire to create positive stories, where passionate action results in the culmination of dreams and desires.[56]

Produced on a small budget,[55] the making of Mind Game took two years and nine months from planning to completion.[53] The production was also Yuasa's first project with frequent artistic collaborator Nobutake Ito, who was tasked with animating the film's climactic sequence;[57] Ito would subsequently serve as a character designer and animation director on many of Yuasa's later projects.[58] Mind Game was released in 2004 but did not achieve commercial success; following the release of the film, Yuasa struggled to find producers who would support him.[4] However, Mind Game went on to become a cult hit and achieved widespread global critical acclaim, winning the Mainichi Film Awards' Ōfuji Noburō Award,[22] the Japan Media Arts Festival Grand Prize for Animation,[24] and the Fantasia International Film Festival awards for Best Film, Director, Screenplay, and Visual Accomplishment, as well as the Audience Award for Best Animated Film.[59] Upon the film's eventual release in the United States, Mind Game achieved a 100% rating on the review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes.[60]

Television directing at Madhouse

Following the release of Mind Game, Yuasa's next directorial opportunity came when Masao Maruyama, the co-founder of Madhouse, provided a unique chance. Maruyama, who over his decades in the business had developed a reputation for making animated projects that no other producer would consider,[61] offered Yuasa the chance to direct television series' at Madhouse. Moreover, Maruyama used his power as a veteran producer to push the television networks to take risks, allowing Yuasa creative freedom and the opportunity to make precisely the sort of content that he wanted to make.[5][62] The first of these projects was the original horror romance series Kemonozume (2006), which Yuasa created, directed, and wrote.[51] The production marked a significant development in Yuasa's career, as it resulted in him meeting a key collaborator: South Korean artist Eunyoung Choi, who had recently moved to Japan to become an animator.[63] Choi's work on Kemonozume as a key animator and episode animation director won praise from fellow animators and fans,[64][65] and led to her participation in Yuasa's subsequent projects.[66] Kemonozume was awarded a Jury Selection Prize at the Japan Media Arts Festival, continuing Yuasa's run of critical successes.[67]

Before beginning his next project at Madhouse, Yuasa briefly returned to Studio 4 °C to direct a short film for the studio's anthology project Genius Party (2007). The film, entitled Happy Machine, centered on an infant's travels through a mysterious and dangerous world. Produced with a small crew of just four key animators,[68] Happy Machine represented a continuation of the development of Yuasa's surreal visual style, winning acclaim both for its atmospheric sense of wonderment,[69] and for Yuasa himself as a leader of Japan's experimental animation scene.[70]

The following year Yuasa helmed his next television production at Madhouse, the original sci-fi drama series Kaiba (2008), which he created, directed, and wrote.[71] The project saw an expansion of the collaboration with Eunyoung Choi, who directed and storyboarded episodes of the series, as well as co-writing an episode with Yuasa.[72] A narratively-ambitious series dealing with memory, identity, and societal inequality, Kaiba received an Excellence Award at the Japan Media Arts Festival,[73] and earned positive critical attention for its dreamlike visuals and imaginative story, with particular focus on the emotional impact generated from combining childlike imagery with mature themes and at times devastating loss.[74][75][76]

In 2010, Yuasa completed his third and final television series at Madhouse, the absurdist psychological dramedy The Tatami Galaxy (2010). Adapted from a novel by Tomihiko Morimi, the series follows the misadventures of a nameless student who, via supernatural means, repeatedly relives his final year at college in an attempt to achieve his idealized conceptions of romance and happiness.[77] After being approached with the opportunity to adapt the novel, Yuasa quickly saw the story's appeal and agreed, though the project presented challenges in transferring the witty, dialogue-intensive style of the original work into a visual medium. To capture the appeal of the novel, Yuasa emphasized the use of rapid-fire editing and fast-paced dialogue, in order to convey the protagonist's stream of consciousness narration.[78] Unlike the earlier Kemonozume and Kaiba, which aired on the satellite television network WOWOW,[79] The Tatami Galaxy was broadcast on national television via Fuji TV's Noitamina programming block.[62] The broadcasting deal with Fuji TV marked the start of an ongoing relationship with producer Kōji Yamamoto, who served as the chief producer of Noitamina before leaving to found his own development company Twin Engine; this relationship would cover the release of several later projects over the following decade.[80] The Tatami Galaxy was an immediate critical success, winning both the Japan Media Arts Festival Grand Prize for Animation,[25] as well as the Award for Outstanding Television Animation at the Tokyo Anime Awards Festival.[81] As the first of Yuasa's projects to receive a streaming release in North America,[82] the series helped increase awareness of his work globally, and was subsequently named one of the best Japanese animated series of the decade.[83][84]

Following the completion of The Tatami Galaxy, Madhouse was acquired by the broadcasting media conglomerate NTV.[85] The studio's corporate culture underwent change, and Madhouse's creative head Masao Maruyama left to found a new production company.[86] Yuasa once again sought opportunities with other studios,[5] including briefly joining the production of the A-1 Pictures film Welcome to the Space Show (2010), for which he directed and animated a short sequence.[51][87] He also directed the short series Shin-men (2010–2012), a group of special episodes embedded within the main Crayon Shin-chan television series.[51]

Collaboration, crowdfunding, and the founding of Science SARU

Yuasa took advantage of the conclusion of his work at Madhouse to reunite with collaborator Eunyoung Choi, who had left Madhouse after working on The Tatami Galaxy to lead Ankama Japan, a Japan-based subsidiary of the French entertainment and animation company Ankama.[88] The newly opened studio combined techniques of traditional hand-drawn animation with digital animation created via Adobe Animate and other programs,[89] a new approach which Yuasa had not previously used.[90] The studio was not only an international business enterprise, but a creative one as well, with 25 European animators working in the Tokyo-based studio. In a reversal of their prior roles, Yuasa joined a project which Choi had organized, an episode of the company's Wakfu animated series entitled Noximilien the Watchmaker (2010); Choi directed the episode, while Yuasa served as character designer.[91] Shortly after completion of the episode, the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami occurred and Ankama closed the Japan studio.[88][90] However, the experience at Ankama Japan, which mixed an international animation crew with a production method utilizing both traditional and digital animation, served as a model for Yuasa and Choi's later studio, Science SARU.

Yuasa and Choi continued their collaboration on their next project, the crowdfunded short film Kick-Heart (2013), which Yuasa directed and wrote, and for which Choi served as assistant director.[92] An unlikely love story revolving around a masochistic male wrestler and his sadistic female opponent, the film was produced at Production I.G and was the first large-scale Japanese animated project to be successfully crowdfunded on Kickstarter, raising over $200,000 from more than 3,200 backers worldwide.[93] The film received a pair of unannounced surprise screenings on Cartoon Network's Toonami programming block which achieved viewer ratings of 708,000 and 618,000,[94] and earned positive reviews for its colorful visual storytelling.[95][96] Kick-Heart was an official competition selection at Annecy,[97] was awarded a Jury Selection Prize at the Japan Media Arts Festival,[98] and won the prize for Best Animated Short Film at the Fantasia Festival.[99]

During the production of Kick-Heart, Choi proposed establishing a studio with Yuasa.[100] In February 2013, the new company was established under the name Science SARU.[101] Yuasa and Choi settled on the name, which translates into English as "Science Monkey", in an attempt to combine both an international, technological focus (the 'Science' portion of the name, rendered in English), with a Japanese, traditional animation identity (the 'SARU' portion, rendered in Japanese).[100] Additionally, Yuasa, who frequently drew himself as a monkey in self-portraits, wanted the studio to be smarter than an ape; as a result, he added the word Science in front of SARU with the intent of having a company that possesses both instinct and intelligence.[102] The studio's first production location was a small suburban house converted into an impromptu workspace; by the end of 2013, the company had expanded to a staff of five.[103]

Early works at Science SARU

Yuasa's new studio began its corporate activities by taking on subcontracting work, as well as by collaborating with other companies. Science SARU's first project was an episode of the American television series Adventure Time; the episode, entitled Food Chain (2014), was directed by Yuasa, co-directed by Choi,[104] and produced entirely in-house.[105] Food Chain received critical acclaim as one of the best episodes of the series,[106][107][108] was an official competition selection at Annecy,[109] and was nominated for the Annie Award for Outstanding Television Direction.[104]

Later the same year, Yuasa returned to television series direction with an adaptation of Taiyō Matsumoto's sports manga Ping Pong the Animation (2014). In addition to directing the series, Yuasa wrote and storyboarded all of the episodes.[110] Science SARU provided 'digitally assisted' animation production services,[10] while Tatsunoko Production served as the primary studio.[110] The series also reunited Yuasa with his old animation collaborator Shinya Ohira, who contributed the opening credits sequence.[50] A major critical success, the series was highlighted as one of the best Japanese animated series of the decade.[83][111][112][113] Ping Pong the Animation was awarded a Jury Selection Prize at the Japan Media Arts Festival,[114] and won the Grand Prize for Television Animation at the Tokyo Anime Awards Festival; additionally, character designer and longtime collaborator Nobutake Ito won the Best Animator award for individual achievement.[115]

Yuasa finished 2014 by directing an episode of the BONES television series Space Dandy (2014).[116] The episode, entitled "Slow and Steady Wins the Race, Baby", was jointly produced by BONES and Science SARU and received critical acclaim.[117][118][119]

Return to feature films

By early 2016, Science SARU had gained experience and was ready to undertake large-scale projects. The studio's first feature film production, the family-friendly fantasy film Lu Over the Wall (2017), was produced in less than 16 months using 'digitally assisted' animation techniques.[103] Yuasa directed and co-wrote Lu Over the Wall; it was his first feature film with an original story.[12] The film features the importance of self-expression as a central theme; Yuasa emphasized this aspect of the story in hopes of encouraging young people in Japan, who he felt were often not able to express their true feelings and emotions. Yuasa also decided to focus this project on a family audience out of a desire to return to the sensibility of his earlier works as an animator, including Crayon Shin-chan and Chibi Maruko-chan.[120]

During the production of Lu Over the Wall, Yuasa was offered the opportunity to produce a second feature film, the comedy romance The Night Is Short, Walk On Girl (2017), based on the novel by Tomihiko Morimi.[11] The offer served as a unique chance for Yuasa, who had previously hoped to adapt the novel in 2010 after the completion of The Tatami Galaxy, but due to circumstances at the time was unable to. When he was given another chance in 2016, he immediately agreed and made use of the preparatory work he had done when initially offered the project. The film reunited a majority of the key creative staff who had worked on The Tatami Galaxy, with the story serving both as a spiritual successor and as a parallel narrative to the earlier series. The timing of the project resulted in the pre-production work on The Night is Short, Walk On Girl overlapping with the post-production of Lu Over the Wall.[121][122] Although Lu Over the Wall was completed first, it was released after The Night is Short, Walk On Girl; this was in part due to a marketing suggestion that it might be preferable for the studio's first film to be based on a pre-existing property familiar to Japanese audiences.[123]

Both Lu Over the Wall and The Night is Short, Walk On Girl received immediate critical acclaim. Lu Over the Wall received the Annecy Cristal du long métrage,[19][103] the Mainichi Film Awards' Ōfuji Noburō Award,[23] and the Japan Media Arts Festival Grand Prize for Animation.[26] The Night is Short, Walk On Girl was awarded the Japan Academy Film Prize for Animation of the Year,[21] the Ottawa International Animation Festival Grand Prize for Best Animated Feature,[124] a Jury Selection Prize at the Japan Media Arts Festival,[125] and has been listed as one of the best Japanese animated films of the decade.[126][127][128]

International recognition

In 2018, Yuasa achieved widespread international recognition following the release of his prior feature film works, as well as the debut of a landmark new series.[129] The beginning of the year saw Mind Game, Lu Over the Wall, and The Night is Short, Walk On Girl licensed for North American release by acclaimed animation distributor GKIDS.[130] However, even more important for Yuasa's international prominence was the release of the Netflix series Devilman crybaby (2018), based on the manga by Go Nagai.[13] Yuasa had been a fan of the original manga since childhood, but had never dreamed he would have the opportunity to adapt it. Among his key creative decisions in adapting the story were to depict the sexual and violent content in an unrestricted way that was not possible when the manga was initially published, and to update the juvenile delinquent characters of the original as young rappers who use music to speak their minds freely.[131] Devilman crybaby was an immediate and massive international hit;[132][133] with 90% of its viewers outside Japan, the series achieved the largest global audience for both Yuasa and Science SARU to that date.[79] The series inspired internet memes,[23][134] was profiled by YouTuber PewDiePie,[135] and was widely discussed on Twitter.[136] The series was nominated in 7 categories at the Crunchyroll Anime Awards and won for Anime of the Year and Director of the Year,[137] was awarded a Jury Selection Prize at the Japan Media Arts Festival,[138] was cited by Vulture as containing one of the 100 most influential sequences in global animation history,[139] and was listed as one of the best Japanese animated series of the decade.[83][111][112][140][141]

In 2019, Yuasa directed his next feature film, the romance Ride Your Wave (2019). An original story,[14] the film centers on an unlikely couple who are able to come together despite heartbreak, and deals with meditative themes of loss. Despite the success of Lu Over the Wall, following completion of that film, Yuasa grappled with the same lack of confidence in his work that had marked his earlier career. He felt that depicting a story with two characters who lacked self-confidence, but were able to overcome this and other obstacles by accepting risk and riding the metaphorical waves of life, would be meaningful to both audiences and himself.[142][143] Ride Your Wave received worldwide critical acclaim.[144] The film was an official competition selection at Annecy,[145] was nominated for the Mainichi Film Award for Best Animation Film,[146] was nominated for Annie Awards in the categories of Best Indie Feature and Outstanding Feature Film Direction,[147] received a Jury Selection Prize at the Japan Media Arts Festival,[148] and won Best Animated Feature Film awards at the Shanghai International Film Festival,[149] Fantasia International Film Festival,[150] and Sitges Film Festival.[151]

Also in 2019, Yuasa served as director of the series Super Shiro (2019–2020), an installment of the popular Crayon Shin-chan franchise. Yuasa collaborated on directorial duties with veteran animator Tomohisa Shimoyama, who made his directorial debut with the series. The project, animated at Science SARU and produced in association with main Crayon Shin-chan studio Shin-Ei Animation, served as a culmination of Yuasa's long and enduring association with Crayon Shin-chan which dated back to his years as an animator.[15] The series was distributed via streaming and broadcast in Japan and throughout the Asia-Pacific region, excluding China.[152] The end of the year saw the 2010s heralded as Masaaki Yuasa's "breakout decade";[7][8] collectively, Devilman crybaby and the release of Yuasa's films in the United States led to him being acknowledged as one of the most important and exciting directors in animation.[3][23][79]

In 2020, Yuasa directed the comedy television series Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken! (2020), based on the manga by Sumito Ōwara. The series revolves around three high school girls who create animation as passionate amateurs.[16] Prior to the project being proposed, Yuasa had discovered the manga after seeing comments from fans online suggesting that he adapt the title. The production encouraged members of the Science SARU staff, including Yuasa, to share their own experiences about creating animation, all of which added to the story.[6] The series boosted sales of the original manga,[153] inspired internet memes,[154][155] and won the Japanese Broadcast Critics Association's monthly Galaxy Award during its broadcast run.[156] Following the conclusion of the broadcast, Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken! received critical acclaim as one of the best Japanese animated series of both the season that it aired and the year as a whole,[157][158][159][160][161][162][163] and was recognized by The New York Times and The New Yorker as one of the best television series of 2020.[164][165] The series was nominated in 10 categories at the Crunchyroll Anime Awards and won for Director of the Year and Best Animation,[166] was awarded the Grand Prize for Television Animation at the Tokyo Anime Awards Festival,[167] and received the Japan Media Arts Festival Grand Prize for Animation.[27]

Later that year, Science SARU produced the Netflix series Japan Sinks: 2020 (2020), based on the disaster novel by Sakyo Komatsu. Yuasa directed in conjunction with Pyeon-Gang Ho, who made her directorial debut with the series.[17] The project represented a unique challenge for Science SARU in that it depicted serious subject matter in a more realistic style.[168] Central to Yuasa's conception of the series were the immediacy of focus on a single family amid national catastrophe,[169] as well as the idea of societal reincarnation, where the process of breaking and rebuilding can yield something better than what came before.[170] The series attracted criticism within Japan for its condemnation of Japanese nationalism,[171] but also received positive attention for its multiculturalism and inclusiveness,[169] and was named as one of the best anime series of 2020.[161][172] The first episode of the series was awarded the Annecy Jury Prize for a Television Series,[20] and the series as a whole received two nominations at the Crunchyroll Anime Awards.[166] A film compilation version of the series was subsequently released in Japanese theaters in November 2020,[173] and was awarded a Jury Selection Prize at the Japan Media Arts Festival.[174]

On March 25, 2020, Yuasa stepped down as president and representative director of Science SARU. He cited his desire to take a break from directing after seven years of continuous work, but reaffirmed his commitment to completing additional projects with Science SARU in the future.[2] Eunyoung Choi subsequently became CEO and president of the studio. She likewise affirmed Yuasa's continued involvement with the studio as a creator.[175] Yuasa spoke further about his planned break from directing in September 2021, stating that he was "taking a break to study" during his time away from active production.[176]

In early 2021, Yuasa was recognized by the Japanese government's Agency for Cultural Affairs, which awarded him the Cabinet Minister Award for Media Fine Arts for his career achievements.[28] Yuasa thanked the creative collaborators, artistic staff, and cast members of his works, saying that they shared jointly in the honor.[177] Later that year, Yuasa was further recognized with the Medal of Honor with Purple Ribbon by the Japanese government in recognition of his distinguished contributions to artistic and cultural development.[29]

Yuasa's latest project is the musical drama Inu-Oh (2021), based on the novel by Hideo Furukawa.[18] Set in 14th Century Japan, the story centers on a blind musician and a Noh actor afflicted by a terrible curse; Yuasa's goals with the film were to portray both characters as historical equivalents of modern-day pop stars, and to utilize the themes of the narrative to highlight people marginalized by society.[178] The film features character designs by Ping Pong creator Taiyō Matsumoto, is produced by Science SARU, and was licensed for North American theatrical and home-video distribution by GKIDS.[179] The film made its world premiere at the Venice International Film Festival in September 2021, and a worldwide theatrical release followed in August 2022.[31] Inu-Oh earned Yuasa the best reviews of his career and achieved universal critical acclaim during its international film festival run.[180][181] The film won the Best Animated Feature Film award at the Fantasia International Film Festival,[182] the Bucheon International Animation Festival's Special Distinction Prize for an International Feature Film,[183] and was nominated for the Golden Globe Award for Best Animated Feature Film.[184]

Works

Main article: List of works by Masaaki Yuasa

Themes and creative sensibilities

Yuasa's works have been described as emphasizing love, kindness, and acceptance.[4] The importance of communication, self-expression, and the ability to reveal one's true feelings are themes that Yuasa has repeatedly expressed and highlighted as central to his works.[120][131] Yuasa feels a particular affinity for intensely-felt love stories;[5] in portrayals of sex and eroticism, he seeks to visualize the emotions his characters are experiencing, and to understand how their desires would be expressed.[185] In depicting emotions, Yuasa's intent is to maintain realism and authenticity, but the visuals through which the emotions are represented can be expressionistic;[5] moreover, it is Yuasa's view that characters who move freely and unrestrained by strict realism can express a greater and more faithful range of emotionality.[120] Transformation is also a central and recurring motif, whether utilized for the frightening body horror of Kemonozume and Devilman: crybaby, the visualization of life cycles in Food Chain, the unexpected transformation of a dog into a superhero of Super Shiro, the magical shapeshifting of Lu Over the Wall, or the societal renewal of Japan Sinks: 2020.[57][129][170][186] Yuasa's male protagonists have been described as quintessentially aimless, hapless, and afraid to communicate honestly,[77][187] but who are able to find their voice over the course of the story.[120] While female characters in his earlier works received some criticism for not being as well developed,[3] Yuasa's later works have received recognition for strong, independent female protagonists who are neither defined nor restricted by gender assumptions.[188][189] Generational issues are also presented in Yuasa's works, with a recurring theme of young people utilizing acceptance and positivity to help the older generation overcome fears that have caused pain and discrimination in the past.[3] A representative and humanistic identification with people marginalized by society, whether due to race, disability, gender identity, sexuality, or other reasons, runs throughout Yuasa's work.[176][178][190][191][192][193] In telling a story, Yuasa has noted that he hopes to give the audience freedom to feel a variety of different ways about the work. He does not see it as his place to tell viewers how they must feel, but rather to maintain a space between his intent and the audience's interpretation that allows for individual impressions of meaning.[5]

With regard to Yuasa's views on the Japanese animation industry, Yuasa has expressed a desire to move away from a culture of excessive work and long hours which have traditionally been endemic to the business, and to instead focus on practices which more closely resemble those utilized in American and European animation. As a result, Science SARU has modeled itself on these ideas, with emphasis on providing rest, taking time off, and maintaining regular working hours. It is Yuasa's opinion that, in order for Japanese animation to achieve true global success, the industry must itself create a better work environment for its artists and creators.[142] Yuasa has also noted the importance of preserving traditional animation, noting that if the industry does not continuously show how wonderful traditional animation can be, the pressure to switch to computer animation will result in it being supplanted.[176]

Awards and acclaim

Masaaki Yuasa's works have achieved significant acclaim both in Japan and throughout the world. Projects which Yuasa has directed, or for which he has served as a chief creative collaborator, have been recognized by the Annecy International Animated Film Festival (2 wins, 3 nominations),[19][97][109][145][20] the Japan Academy Film Prize Association (1 win),[21] the Golden Globe Awards (1 nomination),[184] the Mainichi Film Awards (2 wins, 1 nomination),[22][23][146] the Japan Media Arts Festival (4 wins, 2 excellence awards, 7 jury selections),[24][25][26][27][52][67][73][98][114][125][138][148][174] the Tokyo Anime Awards (4 wins),[81][115][167] the Crunchyroll Anime Awards (4 wins, 16 nominations),[137][166] the Ottawa International Animation Festival (1 win, 1 nomination),[124][194] the Shanghai International Film Festival (1 win, 1 nomination)[149][195] the Sitges Film Festival (1 win, 3 nominations),[151][196][197] the Fantasia International Film Festival (3 wins, 1 silver, 1 bronze),[99][150][182][198] the Satellite Awards (1 nomination),[199] and the Annie Awards (3 nominations).[104][147] Additionally, Yuasa has been recognized by the Japanese government, receiving the Agency for Cultural Affairs' Cabinet Minister Award for Media Fine Arts, and the Medal of Honor with Purple Ribbon for his career accomplishments.[28][29]

References

  1. ^ a b "About the Change of Representative Director". Science Saru (in Japanese). April 3, 2020. Archived from the original on September 3, 2021. Retrieved September 22, 2021.
  2. ^ a b Harding, Daryl (April 1, 2020). "Masaaki Yuasa Retires as President of Anime Studio Science SARU". Crunchyroll. Archived from the original on February 7, 2021. Retrieved March 15, 2021.
  3. ^ a b c d Yoshida, Emily (March 2, 2018). "An Introduction to Japan's Most Idiosyncratic and Exciting Animation Director, Masaaki Yuasa". Vulture. Archived from the original on November 13, 2020. Retrieved January 28, 2021.
  4. ^ a b c d e f Robinson, Chris (December 5, 2017). "Masaaki Yuasa Speaks in Many Colors". Animation World Network. Archived from the original on February 7, 2021. Retrieved January 28, 2021.
  5. ^ a b c d e f "Interview with Japanese film director and animator Masaaki Yuasa". International Animation Film Festival of Catalonia. Archived from the original on September 24, 2020. Retrieved February 10, 2021.
  6. ^ a b Hanson, Kwok-Wai (December 10, 2019). "INTERVIEW: Science SARU Co-Founder Eunyoung Choi & Eizouken!". Anime Trending. Archived from the original on February 15, 2021. Retrieved February 10, 2021.
  7. ^ a b Baron, Reuben (December 3, 2019). "From Tatami Galaxy to Devilman Crybaby: Masaaki Yuasa's Breakout Decade". CBR. Archived from the original on November 20, 2020. Retrieved January 28, 2021.
  8. ^ a b Harvey, Christophe (February 23, 2020). "Masaaki Yuasa: Director that Made the Decade". Animation for Adults. Archived from the original on November 24, 2020. Retrieved January 28, 2021.
  9. ^ Loo, Egan (April 21, 2014). "Ping Pong/Kick-Heart's Yuasa Directs Adventure Time Episode". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on March 4, 2021. Retrieved February 10, 2021.
  10. ^ a b "Science SARU - Works". Science SARU. Archived from the original on January 31, 2021. Retrieved February 10, 2021.
  11. ^ a b Ressler, Karen (December 14, 2016). "Tatami Galaxy Staff Return for Yoru wa Mijikashi Arukeyo Otome Anime Film". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on November 8, 2020. Retrieved February 10, 2021.
  12. ^ a b Ressler, Karen (January 18, 2017). "Director Masaaki Yuasa Reveals Yoake Tsugeru Lu no Uta Anime Film". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on January 20, 2021. Retrieved February 10, 2021.
  13. ^ a b Ressler, Karen (March 15, 2017). "Masaaki Yuasa Directs New Devilman Anime for Netflix". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on February 15, 2021. Retrieved February 10, 2021.
  14. ^ a b Loo, Egan (October 27, 2018). "Devilman Crybaby Director Masaaki Yuasa Unveils New Anime Film Kimi to, Nami ni Noretara". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on January 20, 2021. Retrieved February 10, 2021.
  15. ^ a b Aguilar, Carlos (February 11, 2019). "Masaaki Yuasa To Direct New Crayon Shin-Chan Spin-off Series". Cartoon Brew. Archived from the original on February 15, 2021. Retrieved February 10, 2021.
  16. ^ a b Pineda, Rafael Antonio (May 7, 2019). "Devilman Crybaby Director Masaaki Yuasa Directs Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken! TV Anime". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on February 15, 2021. Retrieved February 10, 2021.
  17. ^ a b Pineda, Rafael Antonio (October 8, 2019). "DEVILMAN crybaby's Masaaki Yuasa Helms Japan Sinks Novel's 1st Anime for Netflix". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on February 15, 2021. Retrieved February 15, 2021.
  18. ^ a b Loo, Egan (June 12, 2019). "Devilman Crybaby Director Masaaki Yuasa Unveils Inu-Oh Anime Film for 2021". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on February 15, 2021. Retrieved January 28, 2021.
  19. ^ a b c Hodgkins, Crystalyn (June 18, 2017). "Lu Over the Wall, In This Corner of the World anime films win awards at Annecy". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on February 15, 2021. Retrieved January 28, 2021.
  20. ^ a b c "2021 Winning Selection, Television | Japan Sinks: 2020: "The Beginning of the End"". Annecy International Animated Film Festival (in French). Archived from the original on October 20, 2021. Retrieved June 19, 2021.
  21. ^ a b c Komatsu, Mikikazu (March 2, 2018). "Masaaki Yuasa's The Night Is Short, Walk on Girl Wins Japan Academy Prize's "Animation of the Year"". Crunchyroll. Archived from the original on February 15, 2021. Retrieved January 28, 2021.
  22. ^ a b c Macdonald, Christopher (January 24, 2005). "2004 Mainichi Film Awards". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on February 7, 2021. Retrieved January 28, 2021.
  23. ^ a b c d e Inoa, Christopher (May 18, 2018). "Devilman Crybaby's Masaaki Yuasa might be the most important voice in anime right now". SYFY WIRE. Archived from the original on November 13, 2020. Retrieved January 28, 2021.
  24. ^ a b c "Grand Prize - Mind Game | Animation Division | 2004 [8th]". Japan Media Arts Festival. Archived from the original on February 1, 2021. Retrieved January 28, 2021.
  25. ^ a b c "Grand Prize - The Tatami Galaxy | Animation Division | 2010 [14th]". Japan Media Arts Festival. Archived from the original on February 1, 2021. Retrieved January 28, 2021.
  26. ^ a b c "Grand Prize - Lu Over the Wall | Animation Division | 2018 [21st]". Japan Media Arts Festival. Archived from the original on November 13, 2020. Retrieved January 28, 2021.
  27. ^ a b c "Grand Prize - Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken! | Animation Division | 2021 [24th]". Japan Media Arts Festival. Archived from the original on March 16, 2021. Retrieved March 15, 2021.
  28. ^ a b c Pineda, Rafael Antonio (March 4, 2021). "Director Masaaki Yuasa, Demon Slayer's Gotouge Win Agency for Cultural Affairs' Media Arts Awards". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on March 5, 2021. Retrieved March 15, 2021.
  29. ^ a b c "「秋の褒章」俳優の内野聖陽さんなどが受章へ". NHK (in Japanese). November 2, 2021. Archived from the original on November 22, 2021. Retrieved January 3, 2022.
  30. ^ Mateo, Alex (July 26, 2021). "Masaaki Yuasa's Inu-Oh Anime Film Reveals Trailer, Cast, Staff, Early Summer 2022 Opening". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on December 8, 2021. Retrieved August 9, 2021.
  31. ^ a b Mateo, Alex (May 26, 2022). "Inu-Oh Anime Film Opens in U.S. Theaters on August 12". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on December 12, 2022. Retrieved December 14, 2022.
  32. ^ a b c d e f g h Oguro, Yuichiro (December 2, 1998). "An Interview with Masaaki Yuasa". Animage (in Japanese). No. February 1999. Tokuma Shoten. pp. 82–85.
  33. ^ a b c d Watanabe, Maki (December 28, 2021). "湯浅政明 挑戦から学んだこと 第1回 スタートはアニメーターから。大きな財産にもなった『クレヨンしんちゃん』 (1/2)". PIA News (in Japanese). PIA CORPORATION. Retrieved December 8, 2023.
  34. ^ a b c d Watanabe, Maki (April 17, 2017). "「夜は短し歩けよ乙女」「夜明け告げるルーのうた」と映画2本が連続公開される湯浅政明監督にインタビュー". GIGAZINE (in Japanese). OSA. Retrieved December 8, 2023.
  35. ^ Heskins, Andrew (October 4, 2017). "Masaaki Yuasa interview: "I thought great, I don't have to stop watching animation!"". Eastern Kicks. Archived from the original on March 23, 2021. Retrieved March 23, 2021.
  36. ^ a b Narigon, Nick (October 12, 2018). "Animation Director Masaaki Yuasa Takes Us Inside His Flamboyantly Surreal Worlds". Tokyo Weekender. Archived from the original on February 8, 2021. Retrieved February 1, 2021.
  37. ^ @masaakiyuasa (August 16, 2013). 「ユニコ魔法の島へ」は大好きな作品。魔法使いの見習いや、猫ロボット、泥人形、四角い船、秀逸なデザインいっぱいだけど、何と言っても魔法使いのククルック！！変化する形と透過光バリバリの動きはアニメ史上に残るべきキャラ！！ (Tweet). Archived from the original on January 11, 2023. Retrieved January 16, 2023 – via Twitter.
  38. ^ @masaakiyuasa (January 31, 2021). 妖獣都市（1987）これは大人向けです。菊池秀行の小説に基づく。劇画アニメーションの一つの到達点で、娯楽作としてもしっかりしていた様に思います。魔界からの犯罪を取り締まる闇ガードの活躍 (Tweet). Archived from the original on January 11, 2023. Retrieved January 16, 2023 – via Twitter.
  39. ^ @masaakiyuasa (May 7, 2017). ルパン三世カリオストロの城　エースをねらえ！　銀河鉄道９９９　マジンガーZ対暗黒大将軍イエローサブマリン　ファンタスティックプラネット　ピノキオ　シング　銀河鉄道の夜ヒックとドラゴン アニメ１０傑　好きなのテレビが多かった「シング」めっさ面白かった (Tweet). Archived from the original on January 11, 2023. Retrieved January 16, 2023 – via Twitter.
  40. ^ @masaakiyuasa (April 27, 2018). 映画秘宝別冊「アニメでなぜ悪い」いただきました〜。「デビルマン」や「マインドゲーム」にも触れてあって有難い。昔は何故かdésoléくんと呼ばれていた。読んでると自分も考えてしまうアニメオールタイムベスト。「ペンギンに気をつけろ！」「ユニコ2」「ガンバ」「カリオストロ」「こなん」旧「バ (Tweet). Archived from the original on January 11, 2023. Retrieved January 16, 2023 – via Twitter.
  41. ^ @masaakiyuasa (April 27, 2018). 旧「バカボン」ファースト「ルパン」「幼獣都市」「ピノキオ」映画1作目「999」「トムとジェリー」「暗黒大将軍」「ハイジ」ファースト「ヤマト」「魔界大冒険」映画「エース！」荒木伸吾のアレ もう全然10超えてるけど (Tweet). Archived from the original on January 16, 2023. Retrieved January 16, 2023 – via Twitter.
  42. ^ @masaakiyuasa (April 28, 2018). そうだ 猫版「銀河鉄道の夜」もあった。映画はその前後の体験も大きい。好きな映画は見た時の前後語れる。「木を植えた男」「霧につつまれたハリネズミ」、「イエローサブマリン」や「ファンタスティックプラネット」もあるが、完全に10本には収まりきらなくなる (Tweet). Archived from the original on January 11, 2023. Retrieved January 16, 2023 – via Twitter.
  43. ^ @masaakiyuasa (April 29, 2018). 「三千里」「アン」「ど根性ガエル」「宇宙開拓史」「くもとちゅうりっぷ」「どうぶつ隣組」 (Tweet). Archived from the original on January 16, 2023. Retrieved January 16, 2023 – via Twitter.
  44. ^ Ettinger, Benjamin (May 6, 2002). "Masaaki Yuasa Filmography". Anipages. Archived from the original on November 13, 2020. Retrieved February 1, 2021.
  45. ^ a b c d e "Interview: Masaaki Yuasa". Wave Motion Cannon. April 6, 2016. Archived from the original on February 13, 2021. Retrieved February 2, 2021.
  46. ^ Ettinger, Benjamin (May 4, 2005). "Yuasa's Shin-chan". Anipages. Archived from the original on February 7, 2021. Retrieved February 1, 2021.
  47. ^ Ettinger, Benjamin (November 11, 2011). "Masaaki Yuasa's The Squash Seller". Anipages. Archived from the original on August 13, 2018. Retrieved March 10, 2021.
  48. ^ "Shinya Ohira". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on January 26, 2021. Retrieved February 15, 2021.
  49. ^ Ettinger, Benjamin. "Karisuma Animators - Shinya Ohira". Anipages. Archived from the original on February 14, 2021. Retrieved February 4, 2021.
  50. ^ a b Ettinger, Benjamin (April 26, 2014). "Ping Pong Recap: Staking Your Life On Table Tennis is Revolting (Ep. 3)". Cartoon Brew. Archived from the original on December 3, 2020. Retrieved February 4, 2021.
  51. ^ a b c d "Masaaki Yuasa". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on March 15, 2021. Retrieved March 22, 2021.
  52. ^ a b "Excellence Award | Nekojiru-So | Animation Division | 2001 [5th]". Japan Media Arts Festival. Archived from the original on July 10, 2015. Retrieved February 11, 2021.
  53. ^ a b "Mind Game Yuasa Director Interview - Page 3". Studio 4°C (in Japanese). Archived from the original on March 23, 2021. Retrieved March 22, 2021.
  54. ^ "Mind Game Yuasa Director Interview - Page 1". Studio 4°C (in Japanese). Archived from the original on March 28, 2020. Retrieved February 10, 2021.
  55. ^ a b Schilling, Mark (July 28, 2004). "Director has whale of a time making experimental Mind Game". The Japan Times. Archived from the original on July 13, 2020. Retrieved February 10, 2021.
  56. ^ "Mind Game Yuasa Director Interview - Page 4". Studio 4°C (in Japanese). Archived from the original on March 23, 2021. Retrieved March 22, 2021.
  57. ^ a b Ettinger, Benjamin (April 11, 2014). "Ping Pong Recap: The Wind Makes It Too Hard to Hear". Cartoon Brew. Archived from the original on May 15, 2019. Retrieved February 15, 2021.
  58. ^ "Nobutake Ito". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on November 7, 2020. Retrieved February 15, 2021.
  59. ^ "Official award list of the 9th edition of the Fantasia International Genre Film Festival". Fantasia International Film Festival. July 26, 2005. Archived from the original on November 7, 2017. Retrieved February 10, 2021.
  60. ^ "Mind Game (2004)". Rotten Tomatoes. Fandango Media. Archived from the original on August 5, 2020. Retrieved February 10, 2021.
  61. ^ Ink (January 31, 2016). "MAPPA: Boldly making anime nobody else would venture to make before". Otaku USA. Archived from the original on October 29, 2020. Retrieved February 11, 2021.
  62. ^ a b Itoi, Kazuomi (April 21, 2010). "The Highlight Work of Director Masaaki Yuasa, The Tatami Galaxy, Airs on April 22 on Noitamina (page 3)". Mynavi Corporation (in Japanese). Archived from the original on March 23, 2021. Retrieved March 22, 2021.
  63. ^ Moo, William. "Interview with Producer Eunyoung Choi". Manga.Tokyo. Archived from the original on January 19, 2021. Retrieved February 11, 2021.
  64. ^ Mihara, Michio (June 11, 2014). "Do You Know Eunyoung-san?". WEB Anime Style (in Japanese). Archived from the original on July 8, 2020. Retrieved February 11, 2021.
  65. ^ Ettinger, Benjamin (September 26, 2006). "Kemonozume #6". Anipages. Archived from the original on September 19, 2015. Retrieved February 11, 2021.
  66. ^ Teteruck, B. (March 3, 2018). "FEATURE: Creative Spotlight: Eunyoung Choi". Crunchyroll. Archived from the original on January 3, 2021. Retrieved February 11, 2021.
  67. ^ a b "Kemonozume | Jury Selections | Animation Division | 2006 [10th]". Japan Media Arts Festival. Archived from the original on March 23, 2021. Retrieved March 22, 2021.
  68. ^ "Happy Machine (movie)". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on December 17, 2020. Retrieved February 15, 2021.
  69. ^ Matthijs, Niels (July 24, 2009). "Genius Party Review". Screen Anarchy. Archived from the original on September 27, 2020. Retrieved February 15, 2021.
  70. ^ Sevakis, Justin (October 20, 2008). "Genius Party - Review". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on February 1, 2021. Retrieved February 15, 2021.
  71. ^ "Kaiba (TV)". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on March 4, 2021. Retrieved March 22, 2021.
  72. ^ "Guest of Honor - Eunyoung Choi". AnimeFest. Archived from the original on July 2, 2017. Retrieved February 15, 2021.
  73. ^ a b "Excellence Award - KAIBA | Animation Division | 2008 [12th]". Japan Media Arts Festival. Archived from the original on May 18, 2017. Retrieved February 15, 2021.
  74. ^ Vijn, Ard (July 7, 2011). "KAIBA DVD Review". Screen Anarchy. Archived from the original on September 18, 2020. Retrieved February 15, 2021.
  75. ^ Blair, Georgia (January 25, 2012). "Kaiba - DVD - Review". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on March 18, 2021. Retrieved March 22, 2021.
  76. ^ Vera, Noel (February 28, 2020). "Total Recall". BusinessWorld. Archived from the original on December 3, 2020. Retrieved February 15, 2021.
  77. ^ a b Frank, Allegra (August 22, 2018). "Follow Masaaki Yuasa's Night is Short, Walk on Girl with his TV classic, The Tatami Galaxy". Polygon. Archived from the original on November 9, 2020. Retrieved February 16, 2021.
  78. ^ Itoi, Kazuomi (April 21, 2010). "The Highlight Work of Director Masaaki Yuasa, The Tatami Galaxy, Airs on April 22 on Noitamina (page 1)". Mynavi Corporation (in Japanese). Archived from the original on March 23, 2021. Retrieved March 22, 2021.
  79. ^ a b c Hadfield, James (October 25, 2018). "Masaaki Yuasa: Anime for the discerning fan". The Japan Times. Archived from the original on November 28, 2020. Retrieved February 16, 2021.
  80. ^ "Interview with 'Genocidal Organ' Producer Kouji Yamamoto". Manga.Tokyo. Archived from the original on November 12, 2020. Retrieved February 16, 2021.
  81. ^ a b "Arrietty Wins Tokyo Anime Fair's Top Award & 4 More". Anime News Network. March 1, 2011. Archived from the original on January 25, 2021. Retrieved February 16, 2021.
  82. ^ Loo, Egan (April 15, 2010). "Funimation Adds House of Five Leaves, The Tatami Galaxy". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on January 25, 2021. Retrieved February 16, 2021.
  83. ^ a b c "The best anime of the decade". Polygon. November 6, 2019. Archived from the original on February 26, 2021. Retrieved February 16, 2021.
  84. ^ Orsini, Lauren (December 2, 2019). "The Best Anime Of The Decade - 2010 And 2011". Forbes. Archived from the original on December 4, 2020. Retrieved February 16, 2021.
  85. ^ Loo, Egan (February 8, 2011). "NTV to Make Madhouse Anime Studio Its Subsidiary". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on January 26, 2021. Retrieved February 16, 2021.
  86. ^ "Otakon 2014 Guests". Otakon. Archived from the original on November 2, 2014. Retrieved February 17, 2021.
  87. ^ Cabrera, David (August 10, 2010). "Welcome to the Space Show". Otaku USA. Archived from the original on November 27, 2020. Retrieved February 17, 2021.
  88. ^ a b "Eunyoung Choi | LinkedIn". LinkedIn. Retrieved February 16, 2021.
  89. ^ Sheffield, Brandon (October 1, 2009). "Interview: Ankama Talks Dofus, Animation, Subscribers". Gamasutra. Archived from the original on July 9, 2020. Retrieved February 16, 2021.
  90. ^ a b "Breaking Walls with the Power of Love Interview with Eunyoung Choi, VP of Science SARU". Chinese Film Market. October 25, 2018. Archived from the original on July 13, 2020. Retrieved February 16, 2021.
  91. ^ Ettinger, Benjamin (July 24, 2010). "Wakfu bonus ep". Anipages. Archived from the original on November 12, 2020. Retrieved July 21, 2020.
  92. ^ "Kick-Heart (movie)". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on March 4, 2021. Retrieved March 22, 2021.
  93. ^ "Crowdfunded Anime "Kick-Heart" Nominated for the 2013 Annecy International Animation Film Festival". Tokyo Otaku Mode. June 21, 2013. Archived from the original on November 13, 2020. Retrieved February 17, 2021.
  94. ^ Green, Scott (September 5, 2013). "Over a Million Tune in to Toonami's Evangelion 2.22 Broadcast". Crunchyroll. Archived from the original on January 30, 2021. Retrieved February 17, 2021.
  95. ^ Vijn, Ard. "Review: KICK-HEART Kicks Hard, Tickles Heart". Twitch Film. Archived from the original on September 17, 2013. Retrieved February 17, 2021.
  96. ^ Schley, Matt. "Kick-Heart Anime Film Premieres in Tokyo". Otaku USA. Archived from the original on October 2, 2013. Retrieved February 17, 2021.
  97. ^ a b "2013 Official Selection, film index | Kick-Heart". Annecy International Animated Film Festival. Archived from the original on March 23, 2021. Retrieved March 22, 2021.
  98. ^ a b "Kick-Heart | Jury Selections | Animation Division | 2013 [17th]". Japan Media Arts Festival. Archived from the original on May 18, 2015. Retrieved February 17, 2021.
  99. ^ a b "FANTASIA 2013 AWARD WINNERS!". Fantasia Festival. Archived from the original on February 15, 2017. Retrieved February 17, 2021.
  100. ^ a b Hanson, Kwok-Wai (December 10, 2019). "INTERVIEW: Science SARU Co-Founder Eunyoung Choi & Eizouken!". Anime Trending. Archived from the original on February 15, 2021. Retrieved February 18, 2021.
  101. ^ "Science SARU - About". Science SARU Official Website (in Japanese). Archived from the original on October 22, 2020. Retrieved February 18, 2021.
  102. ^ "Lu Over the Wall Official Website - Staff". Lu Over the Wall Official Website (in Japanese). January 24, 2017. Archived from the original on March 19, 2021. Retrieved March 22, 2021.
  103. ^ a b c Shukla, Ajay (May 21, 2020). "How Science SARU Animation Studio is Redefining the Japanese Animation Industry". Adobe Inc. Archived from the original on August 3, 2020. Retrieved February 18, 2021.
  104. ^ a b c "42nd Annual Annie Awards - Legacy". ASIFA-Hollywood. Archived from the original on November 10, 2017. Retrieved February 18, 2021.
  105. ^ Bilski, Jonathan (April 20, 2014). "Things To Do In Los Angeles: Adventure Time Panel WonderCon 2014". Archived from the original on March 16, 2021. Retrieved March 22, 2021.
  106. ^ Sava, Oliver (June 12, 2014). "Adventure Time: Food Chain". The A.V. Club. The Onion. Archived from the original on August 13, 2017. Retrieved February 18, 2021.
  107. ^ Franich, Darren (September 3, 2018). "Adventure Time's 30 best episodes - Food Chain". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on March 23, 2021. Retrieved March 22, 2021.
  108. ^ Thurm, Eric (August 31, 2018). "Adventure Time - Here Are the 10 Best Episodes". The New York Times. Archived from the original on January 7, 2021. Retrieved February 18, 2021.
  109. ^ a b "2015 Official Selection, television index | Adventure Time: "Food Chain"". Annecy International Animated Film Festival. Archived from the original on March 15, 2021. Retrieved March 22, 2021.
  110. ^ a b "Ping Pong (TV)". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on March 4, 2021. Retrieved March 23, 2021.
  111. ^ a b "The Best Anime of the Decade (2010 - 2019)". IGN. January 1, 2020. Archived from the original on March 9, 2021. Retrieved March 23, 2021.
  112. ^ a b Coats, Cayla (November 26, 2019). "Crunchyroll Editorial's Top 100 Anime of the Decade: 25-1". Crunchyroll. Archived from the original on November 29, 2020. Retrieved February 18, 2021.
  113. ^ Orsini, Lauren (December 16, 2019). "The Best Anime Of The Decade - 2014 And 2015". Forbes. Archived from the original on November 13, 2020. Retrieved February 18, 2021.
  114. ^ a b "PING PONG | Jury Selections | Animation Division | 2014 [18th]". Japan Media Arts Festival. Archived from the original on March 24, 2021. Retrieved March 23, 2021.
  115. ^ a b Saabedra, Humberto (March 22, 2015). "Masaaki Yuasa Wins TAAF Award For Ping Pong The Animation". Crunchyroll. Archived from the original on November 21, 2020. Retrieved February 18, 2021.
  116. ^ "Space Dandy Season 2 (TV)". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on January 25, 2021. Retrieved February 18, 2021.
  117. ^ Kurland, Daniel (July 20, 2014). "Space Dandy: Slow and Steady Wins the Race, Baby Review". Den of Geek. Archived from the original on March 24, 2021. Retrieved March 23, 2021.
  118. ^ Zoth, Thomas (July 21, 2014). "Space Dandy Episode #16 (Dubbed) Anime Review". The Fandom Post. Archived from the original on January 7, 2021. Retrieved February 18, 2021.
  119. ^ Ettinger, Benjamin (August 9, 2014). "Space Dandy #16". Anipages. Archived from the original on January 9, 2021. Retrieved February 18, 2021.
  120. ^ a b c d Aguilar, Carlos (May 9, 2018). "INTERVIEW: Masaaki Yuasa On His Creative Process For Lu Over The Wall". Cartoon Brew. Archived from the original on November 9, 2020. Retrieved February 18, 2021.
  121. ^ Kawamata, Ayaka (April 22, 2017). "The Night is Short, Walk on Girl: Interview with Director Masaaki Yuasa (part 1)". Manga.Tokyo. Archived from the original on September 21, 2020. Retrieved February 18, 2021.
  122. ^ Hamman, Dan (October 5, 2017). "Masaaki Yuasa Interview Part 1 (Night is Short, Walk On Girl)". Animation for Adults. Archived from the original on January 17, 2021. Retrieved February 18, 2021.
  123. ^ Chapman, Matt (December 9, 2017). "Masaaki Yuasa interview: Lu Over the Wall & The Night is Short, Walk on Girl". Archived from the original on September 4, 2020. Retrieved February 18, 2021.
  124. ^ a b Milligan, Mercedes (September 24, 2017). "Ugly and Night Is Short Win Grand Prizes at Ottawa". Animation Magazine. Archived from the original on December 1, 2020. Retrieved February 18, 2021.
  125. ^ a b "Night is Short, Walk on Girl | Jury Selections | Animation Division | 2018 [21st]". Japan Media Arts Festival. Archived from the original on November 17, 2020. Retrieved March 1, 2021.
  126. ^ Coats, Cayla (November 25, 2019). "Crunchyroll Editorial's Top 100 Anime of the Decade: 100-26". Crunchyroll. Archived from the original on February 18, 2021. Retrieved February 18, 2021.
  127. ^ Egan, Toussaint (October 18, 2019). "The Best Anime Movies of the 2010s". Paste. Archived from the original on November 3, 2020. Retrieved February 18, 2021.
  128. ^ Fisher, Kieran (November 13, 2019). "The 25 Best Animated Movies of the Decade". Film School Rejects. Archived from the original on December 16, 2020. Retrieved February 18, 2021.
  129. ^ a b Schindel, Daniel (August 20, 2018). "Exploring Devilman Crybaby director Masaaki Yuasa's anime career in 5 recommendations". Polygon. Archived from the original on February 15, 2021. Retrieved February 18, 2021. After developing a cult reputation among anime fans, 2018 is when anime director Masaaki Yuasa landed in the U.S. with atomic force.
  130. ^ Pedersen, Erik (January 2, 2018). "Gkids Acquires Three Anime Pics From Director Masaaki Yuasa". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on February 11, 2021. Retrieved February 18, 2021.
  131. ^ a b Yamazaki, Haruna (January 4, 2018). ""The most shocking manga in my life" - How did Masaaki Yuasa adapt this great original?". BuzzFeed Japan (in Japanese). Archived from the original on October 1, 2020. Retrieved February 18, 2021.
  132. ^ Kelts, Roland (November 25, 2018). "Netflix anime welcomes the dark side". The Japan Times. Archived from the original on January 18, 2021. Retrieved February 18, 2021.
  133. ^ Orsini, Lauren (February 1, 2018). "Why Netflix Making More Anime May Not Be A Good Thing For Fans". Forbes. Archived from the original on January 4, 2019. Retrieved February 18, 2021.
  134. ^ Alexander, Julia (January 26, 2018). "Devilman Crybaby's hypnotic theme is YouTube's new favorite meme". Polygon. Archived from the original on November 13, 2020. Retrieved February 18, 2021.
  135. ^ Valdez, Nick (January 15, 2018). "Pewdiepie Has A Lot To Say About Devilman Crybaby". ComicBook.com. CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on December 23, 2019. Retrieved February 18, 2021.
  136. ^ Peters, Megan (January 9, 2018). "The Internet Has A Lot To Say About Devilman Crybaby". ComicBook.com. CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on February 15, 2021. Retrieved February 18, 2021.
  137. ^ a b "Winners of the 2019 Anime Awards—Updated Live!". Crunchyroll. February 16, 2019. Archived from the original on February 15, 2021. Retrieved February 19, 2021.
  138. ^ a b "DEVILMAN crybaby | Jury Selections | Animation Division | 2019 [22nd]". Japan Media Arts Festival. Archived from the original on September 6, 2020. Retrieved March 1, 2021.
  139. ^ Vilas-Boas, Eric; Maher, John (October 5, 2018). "The 100 Sequences That Shaped Animation". Vulture. Archived from the original on March 4, 2021. Retrieved March 23, 2021.
  140. ^ Broughton, Carl (December 8, 2019). "The 25 Best Animated Series of the Decade". Film School Rejects. Archived from the original on November 13, 2020. Retrieved February 18, 2021.
  141. ^ Orsini, Lauren (December 30, 2019). "The Best Anime Of The Decade - 2018 And 2019". Forbes. Archived from the original on January 18, 2021. Retrieved February 18, 2021.
  142. ^ a b Eisenbeis, Richard (April 24, 2019). "Interview: Devilman Crybaby Director Masaaki Yuasa". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on February 16, 2021. Retrieved February 18, 2021.
  143. ^ Grobar, Matt (February 8, 2021). "Ride Your Wave Director Masaaki Yuasa Talks Timely Message Behind Oscar-Contending Animated Pic And His Upcoming Feature, Inu-Oh". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on February 15, 2021. Retrieved February 18, 2021.
  144. ^ "Ride Your Wave (2019)". Rotten Tomatoes. Fandango Media. Archived from the original on August 21, 2020. Retrieved February 18, 2021.
  145. ^ a b "2019 Official Selection, Feature Films in Competition | Ride Your Wave". Annecy International Animated Film Festival. Archived from the original on February 1, 2020. Retrieved February 18, 2021.
  146. ^ a b "Mainichi Film Concours 2020". IMDb. Archived from the original on March 24, 2021. Retrieved March 24, 2021.
  147. ^ a b Desowitz, Bill (March 3, 2021). "Soul and Wolfwalkers Lead 48th Annie Awards with 10 Nominations". IndieWire. Archived from the original on March 9, 2021. Retrieved March 15, 2021.
  148. ^ a b "Ride Your Wave | Jury Selections | Animation Division | 2020 [23rd]". Japan Media Arts Festival. Archived from the original on July 17, 2020. Retrieved March 1, 2021.
  149. ^ a b "Winners of the 22nd SIFF Golden Goblet Awards". Shanghai International Film Festival. June 23, 2019. Archived from the original on June 30, 2020. Retrieved February 18, 2021.
  150. ^ a b Pineda, Rafael Antonio (July 26, 2019). "Ride Your Wave, Human Lost Films Win Awards at Fantasia Int'l Film Festival". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on November 23, 2020. Retrieved February 18, 2021.
  151. ^ a b Sherman, Jennifer (October 14, 2019). "Ride Your Wave Wins Best Animated Film at Spain's Sitges". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on February 15, 2021. Retrieved February 18, 2021.
  152. ^ Tran, Kevin (February 18, 2019). "Super Shiro Anime Series Inspired by Crayon Shin-chan". Variety. Archived from the original on December 19, 2020. Retrieved February 20, 2021.
  153. ^ Mateo, Alex (January 30, 2020). "Eizouken Manga Has 500,000 Copies in Print After Anime Boosts Sales". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on November 13, 2020. Retrieved February 20, 2021.
  154. ^ Dennison, Kara (January 15, 2020). "Move Over, Blend-S—The Eizouken! OP is Twitter's Latest Meme". Crunchyroll. Archived from the original on November 12, 2020. Retrieved February 20, 2021.
  155. ^ Ashcraft, Brian (January 24, 2020). "Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken Has A Catchy Song And Endless Memes". Kotaku. Archived from the original on February 26, 2021. Retrieved March 24, 2021.
  156. ^ Mateo, Alex (April 21, 2020). "Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken! Anime Wins March's Galaxy Award". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on December 8, 2020. Retrieved February 20, 2021.
  157. ^ "The Best (And Worst) Anime of Winter 2020". Anime News Network. March 31, 2020. Archived from the original on October 20, 2020. Retrieved February 20, 2021.
  158. ^ Barder, Ollie (January 20, 2020). "Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken! Is Easily The Best Anime Of The Season". Forbes. Archived from the original on February 12, 2021. Retrieved February 20, 2021.
  159. ^ Dupree, Nicholas; Silverman, Rebecca; Jones, Steve (December 29, 2020). "The Best Anime of 2020 – Nick, Rebecca, Steve & Best Characters". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on January 26, 2021. Retrieved February 20, 2021.
  160. ^ Farris, Christopher; Beckett, James; Martin, Theron (December 30, 2020). "The Best Anime of 2020 – Chris, James, Theron, & The Best Moments". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on January 27, 2021. Retrieved February 20, 2021.
  161. ^ a b Moore, Caitlin; Loveridge, Lynzee (December 31, 2020). "The Best Anime of 2020 – Caitlin, Lynzee, & The Best Songs". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on January 26, 2021. Retrieved February 20, 2021.
  162. ^ Jones, Austin (December 24, 2020). "The 5 Best New Anime Series of 2020". Paste. Archived from the original on January 27, 2021. Retrieved February 20, 2021.
  163. ^ Hetfeld, Malindy (December 28, 2020). "The Best Anime of 2020 on Netflix, Crunchyroll and More Streamers". TechRadar. Archived from the original on January 8, 2021. Retrieved February 20, 2021.
  164. ^ Poniewozik, James; Hale, Mike; Lyons, Margaret (December 1, 2020). "The Best TV Shows of 2020". The New York Times. Archived from the original on March 17, 2021. Retrieved March 24, 2021.
  165. ^ St. Félix, Doreen (December 10, 2020). "The Best TV Shows of 2020". The New Yorker. Archived from the original on March 10, 2021. Retrieved March 24, 2021.
  166. ^ a b c Luster, Joseph (February 20, 2021). "Rewatch the 2021 Anime Awards Here (and Find Out Who Won!)". Crunchyroll. Archived from the original on March 13, 2021. Retrieved March 24, 2021.
  167. ^ a b Pineda, Rafael Antonio (February 12, 2021). "Violet Evergarden: The Movie, Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken! Anime Win TAAF's Top Awards". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on March 10, 2021. Retrieved March 24, 2021.
  168. ^ Cardine, Kyle (January 24, 2020). "INTERVIEW: Science Saru Co-Founder On Yuasa's Habit of Googling Himself". Crunchyroll. Archived from the original on January 23, 2021. Retrieved February 21, 2021.
  169. ^ a b Schley, Matt (July 3, 2020). "Japan Sinks: 2020: When disaster strikes, keep your family close". The Japan Times. Archived from the original on November 30, 2020. Retrieved February 21, 2021.
  170. ^ a b Coats, Cayla (July 22, 2020). "To Make Something Solid: A Conversation with Kensuke Ushio, Composer of Japan Sinks 2020". Crunchyroll. Archived from the original on December 30, 2020. Retrieved February 21, 2021.
  171. ^ Ashcraft, Brian (July 13, 2020). "Japan Sinks Is Grim But Relevant". Kotaku. Archived from the original on November 18, 2020. Retrieved February 21, 2021.
  172. ^ Kurland, Daniel (July 9, 2020). "Japan Sinks: 2020 Review". Den of Geek. Archived from the original on January 17, 2021. Retrieved March 1, 2021.
  173. ^ Hodgkins, Crystalyn (August 20, 2020). "Masaaki Yuasa's Japan Sinks: 2020 Anime Gets Compilation Film in Japan on November 13". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on January 19, 2021. Retrieved February 21, 2021.
  174. ^ a b "Animation Division | 2021 [24th]". Japan Media Arts Festival. Archived from the original on March 12, 2021. Retrieved March 15, 2021.
  175. ^ Harding, Daryl (April 2, 2020). "Eunyoung Choi Becomes the CEO of Anime Studio Science SARU After Masaaki Yuasa Retires". Crunchyroll. Archived from the original on February 15, 2021. Retrieved February 21, 2021.
  176. ^ a b c Schilling, Mark (September 7, 2021). "Japanese Animator Yuasa Masaaki Discusses Venice Festival Film Inu-Oh". Variety. Archived from the original on September 9, 2021. Retrieved January 3, 2022.
  177. ^ @masaakiyuasa (March 3, 2021). 父母に感謝（泰典　陽子）他身内にも 作品成果への栄誉ですから原作者関係者の皆様、協力的なスタッフ、キャストの皆様を代表して いただいて来ますね (Tweet). Archived from the original on March 3, 2021. Retrieved March 15, 2021 – via Twitter.
  178. ^ a b Dudok de Wit, Alex (June 25, 2020). "Gkids Will Release Masaaki Yuasa's Inu-Oh Theatrically In The U.S. Next Year". Cartoon Brew. Archived from the original on December 3, 2020. Retrieved February 21, 2021.
  179. ^ Sherman, Jennifer (June 25, 2020). "GKIDS Licenses Masaaki Yuasa's Inu-Oh Anime Film". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on December 12, 2020. Retrieved February 21, 2021.
  180. ^ "Inu-Oh (2021)". Rotten Tomatoes. Fandango. Archived from the original on October 25, 2021. Retrieved January 3, 2022.
  181. ^ "Inu-Oh Reviews - Metacritic". Metacritic. CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on November 17, 2021. Retrieved January 3, 2022.
  182. ^ a b Hazra, Adriana (July 27, 2022). "Inu-Oh, Summer Ghost, My Broken Mariko, Kappei Win Awards at Fantasia Int'l Film Fest". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on July 28, 2022. Retrieved December 14, 2022.
  183. ^ "BIAF2021 Award Winner Announcement". Bucheon International Animation Festival. October 24, 2021. Archived from the original on May 22, 2022. Retrieved December 14, 2022.
  184. ^ a b Mateo, Alex (December 12, 2022). "Inu-Oh Anime Film Receives Golden Globes Nomination". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on December 13, 2022. Retrieved December 14, 2022.
  185. ^ Vijn, Ard (October 7, 2013). "Interview: Yuasa Masaaki Talks About Anime! Part 2 of 2: Film, Music and Eroticism..." Screen Anarchy. Archived from the original on September 23, 2020. Retrieved March 1, 2021.
  186. ^ Pineda, Rafael Antonio (July 11, 2019). "Masaaki Yuasa's Shin-chan Spinoff Super Shiro Reveals Cast, October 14 Debut in Video". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on November 7, 2020. Retrieved March 1, 2021.
  187. ^ St-Hilaire, Frédéric (June 2018). "An Interview with Masaaki Yuasa". Offscreen. Archived from the original on October 26, 2020. Retrieved March 1, 2021.
  188. ^ Morrissy, Kim (January 6, 2020). "Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken! Episode 1 Director Discusses Making of the Episode". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on April 21, 2020. Retrieved March 1, 2021.
  189. ^ Solomon, Charles (February 19, 2020). "Ride Your Wave Review: The best Masaaki Yuasa anime yet". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on October 4, 2020. Retrieved March 1, 2021.
  190. ^ Toy, Daniel (February 7, 2018). "Devilman Crybaby Makes a Stunning Case for and Against Humanity". Syndicated. Archived from the original on January 19, 2021. Retrieved March 1, 2021.
  191. ^ Rosenberg, Lizzy (July 21, 2020). "Many Are Looking up to Kite From Netflix's Japan Sinks: 2020 as a Transgender Icon". Distractify. Archived from the original on November 22, 2020. Retrieved March 1, 2021.
  192. ^ Vera, Noel (August 7, 2020). "Japan rises". BusinessWorld. Archived from the original on September 20, 2020. Retrieved March 1, 2021.
  193. ^ Motamayor, Rafael (November 3, 2020). "Devilman Crybaby is an Anime For Those Who Recognize 2020 as a Bleak and Grotesque Apocalyptic Hellscape". /Film. Archived from the original on December 3, 2020. Retrieved March 1, 2021.
  194. ^ "Ottawa International Animation Festival 2017 Program Book". Issuu. Archived from the original on March 25, 2021. Retrieved March 24, 2021.
  195. ^ "Shanghai International Film Festival 2017". IMDb. Archived from the original on March 25, 2021. Retrieved March 24, 2021.
  196. ^ "Sitges - Cataloninan International Film Festival (2013)". IMDb. Archived from the original on March 25, 2021. Retrieved March 24, 2020.
  197. ^ "50 International Film Festival of Catalonia- Sitges 2017". FilmAffinity. Archived from the original on October 21, 2020. Retrieved March 1, 2021.
  198. ^ Milligan, Mercedes (August 3, 2017). "Fantasia Announces 2017 Winners". Animation Magazine. Archived from the original on November 26, 2020. Retrieved March 1, 2021.
  199. ^ Anderson, Erik (December 8, 2022). "Top Gun: Maverick leads International Press Academy's 27th Satellite Awards nominations". Awards Watch. Archived from the original on December 9, 2022. Retrieved December 14, 2022.

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Masaaki Yuasa.
Works of Masaaki Yuasa
Authority control databases
Categories