Yanmar Holdings is gearing up to launch its original anime project, Miru: Paths To My Future, and has now revealed the studios and key staff members collaborating on each of the five episodes. The sci-fi anthology series is scheduled to premiere in Japan in April 2025, promising a unique blend of human stories and robot interaction.
A Glimpse into the Future: Yanmar’s Anime Venture
Miru: Paths To My Future is set in a world where humans and robots coexist, facing environmental challenges. The story revolves around MIRU, a weaponless robot from the distant future with the ability to travel through time. MIRU journeys across different eras and locations, offering support to people navigating their own struggles. The anime aims to highlight the potential for positive change, emphasizing that even small actions can lead to a brighter future.
Yanmar Holdings, known for its agricultural machinery and industrial engines, is producing the anime to convey a message of sustainability and human potential. The company’s principle of HANASAKA, which values belief in people’s potential and encourages new challenges, is a core theme within the anime.
Five Episodes, Five Studios: A Diverse Creative Landscape
To bring its vision to life, Yanmar has partnered with five distinct animation studios, giving each the freedom to express their individual creativity. This approach promises a diverse and engaging viewing experience across the five-episode series.
Here’s a breakdown of the studios and staff involved in each episode:
Episode 079: “Stardust Memory”
- Animation Production: LinQ
- Director: Norio Kajima (known for Kakyuusei and Refrain Blue)
- Script: Yasushi Hirano
- CG Director: Tatsuya Kawano
- Character Design: Sumakidori
- Character Supervisor: Yuta Hatakeyama
- Mecha Design: Kenji Teraoka
- Compositing Director of Photography: Maki Ueda
Norio Kajima shares his vision for the episode: “We invite you to join Yoshimura, a debris collection pilot, on his journey through grief as a parent. This story illustrates the Butterfly Effect, demonstrating how even minor factors—such as the presence of space debris— can trigger a devastating chain reaction, leading to the loss of Yoshimura’s daughter, a young space pilot. The story begins ten years after his tragic loss when a promising young pilot becomes his partner. The dynamic between this seasoned veteran and the young pilot sets off an unexpected chain of events. We hope you enjoy the full CGI animation, portraying their determination to avert another tragedy.”
Episode 101: “The King of the Forest”
- Animation Production: TriF Studio
- Director: Okamoto (known for Mecha-Ude: Mechanical Arms)
Episode 217: “Kono Yo no Namikaze Sawagi”
- Animation Production: SCOOTER FILMS and Shirogumi Inc.
- Director: Tomohiro Kawamura (known for Eiga Shimajiro: Shimajiro to Yuki no Uta)
Episode 630: “Re: MIRU”
- Animation Production: Reirs
- Director: Tadashi Mishina (known for Fate/Grand Order THE MOVIE Divine Realm of the Round Table: Camelot Wandering; Agateram)
Episode 926: “Mattete, Ima Iku”
- Animation Production: LARX and Studio Hibari
- Director: Saori Nakashiki (known for Tales of Wedding Rings)
Key Staff and Production Details
The anime boasts a talented team behind the scenes, ensuring a high-quality production.
- Created and Produced by: Yanmar Holdings Co., Ltd.
- Executive Producer: Masuo Ueda (known for Mobile Suit Gundam III: Encounters in Space and City Hunter)
- Story Scripts: Shigeru Morita
- Production Support: Skyfall Co., Ltd.
- Planning Cooperation: btrax Japan LLC
- Robot Design: Yanmar’s in-house Design Division
Opening Theme and Music
The opening theme song, “AI=UTA,” is performed by the virtual artist group V.W.P (Virtual Witch Phenomenon), which includes members KAF, RIM, Harusaruhi, Isekaijoucho, and KOKO. The song is composed and arranged by Noriyasu Agematsu from Elements Garden, with Akihiro Tomita as the producer.
KAF, speaking on behalf of V.W.P, described “AI=UTA” as “a dramatic and fast-paced song… I can’t wait for everyone to listen to this song in full chorus, as it makes you want to take a step forward toward a new future!”
Agematsu shared his hopes for the song, stating, ” ‘AI=UTA’ is a song that I hope will remain somewhere in the future even if it is 10,000 years later.”
A Message for the Future
Miru: Paths To My Future aims to inspire viewers to believe in their power to shape the future. By showcasing stories of individuals overcoming challenges and robots offering support, the anime seeks to foster a commitment to a sustainable society.
As Yanmar states, “The future is in our hands.” The company hopes that the anime will make a positive impact on the world by encouraging viewers to take steps towards building a better future.
Broadcast Details and Global Release
Miru: Paths To My Future is scheduled to premiere in Japan in April 2025, airing on Japanese terrestrial TV stations. Details regarding a global release will be announced once confirmed.
