U.S. Version of 'Tenchi Muyo!' New Anime 'Tenchi Galaxy' Pilot (Directed by Hiroshi Negishi) Launches Kickstarter Campaign in the U.S. – Funding Goal Achieved in Just 2 Days!

Creative Minds LLC (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; Representative: Ikuko Ogiso) announces the launch of a crowdfunding campaign on U.S.-based Kickstarter for 'Tenchi Galaxy,' a new U.S. version of the 'Tenchi Muyo!' anime series, beginning July 10, 2026 (Japan time).

The project is produced by Toru Miura, with Hiroshi Negishi—renowned for directing iconic entries in the franchise such as 'Tenchi Muyo! Earth Chapter / Space Chapter,' 'Tenchi Muyo! in LOVE,' 'Ai Tenchi Muyo!,' and 'Tenchi Muyo! GXP: Paradise Starting Chapter'—serving as director. The production is handled by Armiger Entertainment (U.S.), a studio that successfully crowdfunded the U.S. 'Tenchi Muyo!' omnibus comic on Kickstarter in 2025 and brought that project to life.

'Tenchi Galaxy' is a brand-new series, not a continuation of the existing 'Tenchi Muyo!' anime timeline or the 'Tenchi Muyo! Ryo-Ohki' series by original creator Masaki Kajishima. As a U.S.-based initiative, the pilot will be produced in English, with a Japanese-dub version to be created upon reaching the Kickstarter funding goal.

The Kickstarter campaign reached its initial $400,000 target—intended for the pilot animation—just two days after its launch on July 10 (JST). Support from fans worldwide continued to surge, leading to the achievement of stretch goals: Japanese audio production ($450,000) on Day 3, 4K version production ($475,000) on Day 4, and a making-of documentary ($500,000) on Day 5.

[Project Overview Upon Goal Achievement]

If the project's goals are met, the following will be produced:

Project Positioning: Pilot episode (Episode 1) aimed at launching a full series

Title: 'Tenchi Galaxy'

Format: U.S.-original pilot animation (1 episode, approx. 30 minutes)

Audio Language: English (featuring a star-studded cast of voice actors from previous U.S. 'Tenchi Muyo!' series)

Producer: Toru Miura

Director: Hiroshi Negishi

Production Company: Armiger Entertainment (U.S.)

Co-Producer: Ikuko Ogiso, Creative Minds LLC (Japan)

Voice Cast Participation: Nerissa Ravenclaw, 'Voice Demon' from Hololive English -Advent-, joins as a voice actor for an original character in the series

Character Voiced by Nerissa Ravenclaw: Risa

[Synopsis]

After a sacred relic is stolen from the planet Jurai, Tenchi and his companions travel to the pirates' stronghold to retrieve it. Forced to participate in an intergalactic tournament for the entertainment of rowdy spectators, they face off against a majestic space pirate queen—and uncover long-buried secrets tied to Ryoko's tragic past.

Japanese 'Tenchi Muyo!' Fans Can Participate: How to Support the Campaign

The Kickstarter campaign for this pilot is open to fans in Japan, and support from within Japan is fully supported.

[Support Steps]

1. Create a Kickstarter Account: Register in advance via the official Kickstarter website or app.

2. Visit the Project Page: Access the 'Tenchi Galaxy' project page at: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/armigerentertainment/tenchi-galaxy-anime-pilot

3. Select a Reward Tier: Choose your preferred pledge level and associated rewards.

4. Complete Payment: Enter your credit card or other payment details to finalize your pledge.

Comment from Toru Miura (Producer):

'I am amazed and deeply grateful that we reached the goal for the Japanese version in such a short time. Words cannot express my gratitude to the team at Armiger who made this project a reality. I bow deeply to them. What does true global animation mean? Where should we go from here? It is a great joy to walk forward with Armiger and Director Negishi.'

Comment from Hiroshi Negishi (Director):

'Sometimes I see posts from overseas—mostly from the U.S.—on X asking about 'Tenchi Muyo!' I’m not the rights holder, but I’ve asked Toru-san and Kajishima-san what fans think about a new series. Lately, I haven’t been getting much feedback from overseas, so seeing this Kickstarter response has been really exciting. There really are still so many Tenchi fans out there! (Laughs). The overseas posts feel so positive—the reactions come through directly. It’s heartwarming to see so many people talking about their love for 'Tenchi.' I hope 'Tenchi Galaxy' reaches fans of 'Tenchi Muyo!' all over the world.'

Comment from Ikuko Ogiso (Co-Producer):

'I am deeply grateful that this new overseas pilot project is being supported by fans who grew up watching 'Tenchi Muyo!' during a time—20 to 30 years ago—when it was difficult to broadcast Japanese anime on American television. I’m also profoundly thankful to the original creator for granting permission. Amid countless productions, I’m both nervous and hopeful that a work born from the desires of the original creator, creators, and fans can truly come to life.'