"ZAN -ZAN-" Key Visual cYoshitaka Amano Inc.
[Los Angeles] Yoshitaka Amano Inc. (Delaware, USA / Los Angeles-based) announced the launch of "ZAN -ZAN-" (Zan), a completely new original animation by world-renowned artist Yoshitaka Amano. A dark fantasy that transcends time and space, born from over 300 original drawings. Its blade now moves. The pilot film (first public footage) will have its world premiere at the official panel of "Anime Expo 2026," North America's largest anime and pop culture festival, to be held in Los Angeles on July 3rd, local time.
What is "ZAN -ZAN-" ── A World Born from Over 300 Original Drawings
The origin of "ZAN -ZAN-" is an art collection published in 2010 as "DEVA ZAN." Over 300 original drawings by Yoshitaka Amano have shaped a grand dark fantasy world that transcends time and space. In 2013, an official art book was published by Dark Horse Comics in the US, and its world expanded to overseas fans.
"ZAN -ZAN-" is an animated work that brings the world to life, with Japan's top animators hand-drawing each frame based on Yoshitaka Amano's original art. Creators who were captivated by Yoshitaka Amano's vision and volunteered to "create together" have gathered to produce this work.
Story
The battle of the protagonist ZAN, transcending time and space, now begins!
In feudal Japan... During a fierce battle at Azuchi Castle, the young samurai ZAN is guided by a girl's voice, which echoes from nowhere, and steps into another world that transcends time and space. This is a world where "Trope," the symbol of life, and its ruler "RIKKA," who governs it, maintain order. As ZAN engages in intense battles with formidable enemies and Tropes, he begins to question the "justice" he is fighting for. Together with the mechanical lifeform Panther and the mysterious girl Uzume, ZAN cuts his way forward in search of the world's truth──.
Characters
ZAN ── Protagonist. A young samurai who fights across time and space.
UZUME ── A mysterious girl who guided ZAN to another world.
PANTHER ── A mechanical lifeform who fights alongside ZAN.
RIKKA ── The ruler who manipulates "Trope," the symbol of life, and governs the world's order.
Japan's Top Animation Legends Gathered
Under Yoshitaka Amano's vision, Japan's master craftsmen and animation legends have assembled.
Original Work/Concept: Yoshitaka Amano / "Final Fantasy," "Vampire Hunter D," "Guin Saga"
Director: Naruhiko Ikeda / "Ronin Warriors," "Mobile Suit Gundam Wing," "Inuyasha"
Director: Toru Yoshida / "Armored Trooper Votoms," "Blue Comet SPT Layzner," "Mobile Suit Gundam SEED"
Chief Animation Director: Moriyasu Taniguchi / "Armored Trooper Votoms," "City Hunter," "Samurai Champloo"
Series Composition: Ryosuke Takahashi / "Armored Trooper Votoms," "Fang of the Sun Dougram," "The Fable"
Screenplay: Yuya Takashima / "Novel: Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury," "Novel: Space Battleship Yamato: Prelude to the New Era"
Mechanical Design: Kunio Okawara / "Mobile Suit Gundam," "Yatterman," "The King of Braves GaoGaiGar"
Art Director: Minoru Nishida / "Super Dimension Fortress Macross: Do You Remember Love?", "Kill Bill," "Ribbon no Kishi"
Pilot Film World Premiere at Anime Expo
The pilot film will have its world premiere at the Yoshitaka Amano panel at "Anime Expo 2026," North America's largest anime and pop culture festival, to be held in Los Angeles on July 3, 2026. In addition to the video reveal, the panel will also introduce the animation legends on the production team, the launch of the new company Yoshitaka Amano Inc., and the launch of the immersive exhibition event "AMANO."
New US Company Yoshitaka Amano Inc. Launched
This announcement also marks the official launch of Yoshitaka Amano Inc., based in Delaware, USA, with operations in Los Angeles. The company will operate globally with the concept of "Art & Entertainment" from its Los Angeles base.
Our business includes planning and production of animation, art management, licensing, and operation of art events and galleries. As a vertically integrated IP company, we aim to grow Yoshitaka Amano's iconic art into a global entertainment franchise through visuals, art collections, collaborations, galleries, and immersive events. Under the philosophy of "Expanding Yoshitaka Amano's world into a new global experience," we will partner with international partners to deliver this philosophy across generations and cultures.
Immersive Exhibition "AMANO" Goes Global
Simultaneously, we will announce Yoshitaka Amano's "Art & Entertainment" event, "AMANO." Following successful events at "Lucca Comics & Games" in Italy and "Além da Fantasia" in Brazil, "AMANO" will expand its theatrical releases and events worldwide from 2027 onwards.
"AMANO" is a large-scale event that brings together Yoshitaka Amano's world into a single venue, including gallery exhibitions, immersive displays, 3D art installations, an art cafe, and sales of limited edition goods. Visitors can experience an entertainment space where they can not only "see" art but also "immerse" themselves in it.
Partner Companies
The current partner companies of Yoshitaka Amano Inc. are as follows:
Medicom Toy Inc. ── Known worldwide for its premium collectible products and the "BE@RBRICK" series, this company will participate as a planning and manufacturing partner for limited edition "AMANO" products.
Milestone Inc. (Good Smile Company Group) ── Will participate as a logistics and fulfillment partner to support the commercialization and operation of "AMANO."
TWIN PLANET INC. ── As a leading IP production company in Japan, it will participate as an animation production partner and an alliance partner for "AMANO."
Official Websites
ZAN Official Website: https://zan-amano.com/
The top page is currently featuring a teaser countdown. The official opening is July 3, 2026.
Yoshitaka Amano Inc. Official Website: https://www.yoshitakaamanoinc.com/
Latest news and project information for Yoshitaka Amano and the company will be shared.
Official SNS: Instagram @yoshitaka_amano / X @YoshitakaAmanoO
About Yoshitaka Amano
Born in Shizuoka City in 1952. Artist and character designer.
Joined Tatsunoko Production in 1967, where he worked on character designs for "Gatchaman the Science Ninja," "Casshan," "Time Bokan," and "Yatterman." He became independent in 1982 and won the Seiun Award for four consecutive years from 1983 to 1986. In 1987, he was responsible for the character and visual concept design for "Final Fantasy," establishing a globally recognized visual style. He is also known for his illustrations for "Vampire Hunter D" and "Guin Saga," as well as "Angel's Egg." In 1997, he held a major solo exhibition "THINK LIKE AMANO" in New York. In recent years, he has been active internationally, including at "Lucca Comics & Games 2024" (Italy) and "Além da Fantasia 2025-2026" (Brazil).
Major awards include the Seiun Award, Eisner Award, and Inkpot Award.
Inquiries regarding this matter:
© Yoshitaka Amano Inc. Unauthorized reproduction or duplication of artwork is prohibited.
FACT BOX
- Source: PR TIMES
- Category: ビジネス
- Organizations: Yoshitaka Amano Inc. / Dark Horse Comics / Anime Expo 2026