Forging a New Era in Anime Production: The Future CA Soa is Building with Creators

—What future do you envision for the studio?

Ogawa: We are aiming for two things: first, to build a production environment where creators can do their absolute best work, and second, to leverage that environment to consistently produce high-quality anime that captivates a global audience.

Japanese anime is revered globally, and its artistic expression and animation quality are evolving every single day. To ensure this incredible culture continues to thrive, CA Soa is dedicated to building the infrastructure and environment needed to unlock the full potential of our creators.
We believe that by doing so, we will not only produce exceptional work, but also contribute to the overall advancement of the anime industry itself. 

I've been in this industry for over two decades, and my experience tells me that there is still untapped potential on the ground floor to better channel individual passion and talent into organizational strength. Frameworks that allow teams to share knowledge and work seamlessly, and that ensure creators are properly rewarded as the market grows—these are absolutely critical.

 That’s why at CA Soa, we are really focused on being "creator-first." We aim to pioneer a new production model that allows artists to focus on their craft without worry, where their hard work is rewarded, and where the studio floor itself drives the pursuit of excellence.

—Arisawa-san, what were your expectations when you decided to join CA Soa?

Arisawa: I strongly resonated with Ogawa-san's vision to fundamentally improve the production environment. The "creator-first" principle is particularly encouraging for us artists. I am hopeful that we can achieve an ideal way of working, creating high-quality works while valuing our lifestyles.

I've worked as a freelancer on many different projects, but I have always wanted to be more deeply and consistently involved in the creation of a project. I am very excited to play a role at CA Soa, a studio that aims to balance production efficiency with the pursuit of creativity through technological innovation.
 

Arisawa: Some creators might feel a mix of excitement and anxiety about new technology. However, as Ogawa-san said, we highly value hands-on craftsmanship.

 We use technology to become more efficient, and then we invest the time we save into the things that require a human touch: the meticulous detail in a character's close-up, the unique atmosphere of a scene—the kind of power that can only come from hand-drawn animation. 

Viewers can feel the difference. There's a certain energy, a nuance in the expression, that comes from the human hand that AI can't replicate. That is the core value of our craft, and we have a responsibility to protect and pass it on to young creators.

—Finally, what do you think is the ultimate vision for CA Soa?
 
Ogawa: We should earn trust by establishing a solid production system.  From there, we will proceed to tackle original projects. We will create world-class animation guided by a simple belief: the creator is the protagonist, and our mission is to make something truly exceptional.
The industry needs a creator-led update now. We aim for the new culture emerging from CA Soa to be a positive catalyst that contributes to the entire industry by prioritizing the value of our creators and the environment around them.

Arisawa: We are entering an era where "what we aim for, who we work with, and how we work" are becoming even more critical. For anyone who would like to master their craft and take on new challenges, CA Soa offers a world of possibilities and inspiration. I would like to buid a team that views the pursuing the future of the entire industry as our mission, a team that can grow alongside the next generation of forward-thinking creators.