Japanese streaming giant ABEMA has officially launched “Project PRISMation,” a new initiative designed to collaborate with and nurture the next generation of independent anime creators globally. The project, announced last Thursday, aims to bring fresh and innovative original anime works to audiences, with the first three pilot films slated to premiere in January 2026.
Cultivating New Talent in Anime Production
“Project PRISMation” is a significant step by ABEMA to foster creative freedom and support animators who primarily produce web animation, often as individuals or small teams. The initiative underscores ABEMA’s philosophy that “great IP is born from creators’ passion and creativity,” seeking to co-create original anime pilot films that resonate with viewers and inspire participating artists.
The name “PRISMation” is a portmanteau of “PRISM” and “Animation,” symbolizing a space where diverse talents converge and shine brightly, much like a prism disperses white light into a spectrum of colors.
First Wave of Collaborators Unveiled
The inaugural lineup for Project PRISMation features three distinct creative groups from across Asia, each celebrated for their unique artistic styles. These pilot films will be released over three consecutive weeks, showcasing the diverse potential of independent animation.
- “Poppin-Play Kitchen” by Zemyata (Thailand): Premiering Friday, January 16, 2026, this bizarre and colorful cooking show is the creation of Thailand-based animator Zemyata, known for vivid color palettes and a dark yet pop aesthetic.
- “Gluttomy” by rapitus (Vietnam): The second work, set to debut on January 23, 2026, comes from the Vietnamese duo RaPis and Tus. “Gluttomy” follows a hardworking scholarship student named Appel and his encounter with mysterious pink-haired twins.
- “The Horrors’ Horror Home” by Uguiso Kobo (Japan): The final initial pilot film, premiering January 30, 2026, is a Japanese production directed by Rushio Moriyama of Uguiso Kobo and written by Yūya Matsuzaki. The short introduces the quirky Horrors family, including a vampire father Dracule and an onryō wraith mother Sadako.
All three works will be available for streaming on ABEMA and its official Project PRISMation social media channels.
ABEMA’s Commitment to Anime and Future Prospects
ABEMA, launched in April 2016, has established itself as a prominent next-generation TV streaming platform in Japan. It offers a wide array of content, including a 24-hour news channel, original dramas, sports, and a significant catalog of anime. The platform has previously supported the anime community through original programs like “SHIBUYA ANIME BASE” and events such as the “ABEMA Anime Festival,” which have spotlighted rising creators and independent animation.
Looking ahead, “Project PRISMation” is designed to be an ongoing initiative, with ABEMA planning to expand its collaborations with diverse creators annually beyond 2026. Furthermore, the project will open its doors to public submissions for original concepts and works from both domestic and international artists around May 2026, with more details to be announced at a later date.
