Tatsuyuki Tanaka, the visionary animator and illustrator known for his work on Akira and Genius Party Beyond, is set to direct the third episode of the anime anthology series, Enter The Garden. This exciting news, announced by Azuki and Dentsu, marks a significant collaboration blending Tanaka’s artistic prowess with the innovative storytelling approach of the Web3 anime brand.
What is Enter The Garden?
Enter The Garden is a three-part anime anthology series produced by Azuki, Dentsu, Qzil.la, and IMAGICA Infos. Goro Taniguchi (Code Geass, One Piece Film Red) serves as the creative producer for the series. Azuki, created by Los Angeles-based Chiru Labs, describes itself as a “Web3 anime brand that tells stories at the intersection of art, technology, and culture.” The series aims to offer a “personalized experience” by integrating community-owned characters and featuring product placements from businesses owned by Azuki community members.
The first episode, “The Waiting Man,” directed by Junichi Yamamoto, premiered on April 30, 2024, and introduced viewers to Haru, a skater who encounters a mysterious man named T.K. The second episode, “Fractured Reflections,” directed by Yukio Takatsu, was released on February 27, 2025.
Tanaka Takes the Helm
Tatsuyuki Tanaka will not only direct the third episode but also serve as the character designer and scriptwriter. This level of involvement promises a unique and cohesive artistic vision for the final installment of Enter The Garden. The episode is slated to premiere in Winter 2025, exclusively on Azuki’s YouTube Channel and Anime.com.
Azuki teases that the third episode will blend Tanaka’s “visionary artistry with the rich storytelling universe of Azuki.” Furthermore, there will be cameo appearances from licensed holders within the Azuki community, adding another layer of community integration to the project.
Who is Tatsuyuki Tanaka?
Tatsuyuki Tanaka is a highly respected figure in the anime industry, known for his distinctive style and imaginative designs. He began his career as an animator on the groundbreaking film Akira and has since contributed to numerous animated works.
Key Works:
- Akira (1988): Key Animator
- Genius Party Beyond (2008): Director (segment “Tojin Kit”), Storyboard, Character Design, Art Director, Animation Director
- Short Peace: A Farewell to Weapons (2013): Character Designer
- Yokohama Station SF: Illustrator and Original Character Designer
Tanaka’s style is often described as refined and almost European, eschewing the excessive stylization sometimes associated with manga and anime. He is renowned for his hyper-complex backgrounds, detailed machinery, and muted, cinematic color palettes, creating otherworldly and atmospheric moods. His work has been compared to that of Katsuhiro Otomo, Masamune Shirow, and Jean “Moebius” Giraud.
Web3 and Anime: A New Frontier
Enter The Garden represents a fascinating intersection of anime and Web3 technology. Azuki’s approach to anime production incorporates elements of decentralization and community involvement, which are central tenets of the Web3 movement.
Key Aspects of Azuki’s Web3 Approach:
- Community-Owned Characters: Enter The Garden licenses characters owned by members of the Azuki community, allowing them to participate in the creative process.
- Product Placement for Community Businesses: The series features product placements for businesses owned by Azuki community members, providing them with exposure and support.
- Personalized Experiences: Azuki aims to create personalized experiences for viewers by incorporating community feedback and preferences into the production process.
By embracing Web3 principles, Azuki seeks to create a more inclusive and participatory model for anime production, empowering creators and fans alike.
What to Expect from Episode 3
Given Tanaka’s unique artistic style and Azuki’s Web3 approach, the third episode of Enter The Garden promises to be a visually stunning and narratively innovative experience.
Potential Elements:
- Tanaka’s Signature Style: Expect intricate character designs, detailed backgrounds, and a cinematic color palette that creates a distinct atmosphere.
- Web3 Integration: Look for seamless integration of community-owned characters and businesses into the storyline.
- Thought-Provoking Themes: Tanaka’s previous works often explore themes of technology, humanity, and the future, so expect similar themes to be present in this episode.
Other Works of Tatsuyuki Tanaka
To fully appreciate Tanaka’s talent and artistic vision, it’s worth exploring some of his other notable works:
- Akira (1988): Tanaka’s early work on this landmark anime film showcased his skills as an animator and his ability to bring complex characters and scenes to life.
- Genius Party Beyond (2008): Tanaka directed the segment “Tojin Kit” in this anthology film, demonstrating his talents as a director, character designer, and animator.
- Short Peace: A Farewell to Weapons (2013): Tanaka served as the character designer for this short film, contributing to its distinctive visual style.
- Cannabis Works: This art book showcases Tanaka’s illustrations and designs, providing insight into his creative process and artistic vision.
- Cannabis Works 2: This second art collection spans much of his work from 2003 to 2016, including illustrations for books, magazines, record covers, key art for the Tokyo Anime Award Festival 2015, weapon designs for the movie Gantz, and character designs for A Farewell to Weapons. It also includes unpublished illustrations and sketches, such as a 22-page silent manga called Visitor.
Final Thoughts
Tatsuyuki Tanaka’s involvement in Enter The Garden is a significant development for both the anime industry and the Web3 space. This collaboration promises to push the boundaries of anime storytelling and visual expression, while also exploring new models for content creation and community engagement. As Winter 2025 approaches, anticipation is building for the premiere of this highly anticipated episode. The convergence of Tanaka’s artistic genius and Azuki’s Web3 vision is sure to create an anime experience unlike any other.
