Studio Dotou’s upcoming anime film, KILLTUBE, is generating significant buzz, and for good reason. With its unique blend of Edo-era aesthetics and cyberpunk themes, the film promises a visually stunning and narratively compelling experience. Ahead of its world premiere panel at Anime Expo 2025, a new trailer has been released, offering fans a tantalizing glimpse into this exciting project.
A Sneak Peek at Anime Expo 2025
Anime Expo 2025 attendees are in for a treat. On July 5th, a scene from KILLTUBE, featuring guest director Kazuaki Kuribayashi, will be screened at the JW Platinum Panel Room at 12:00 p.m. PDT. This exclusive premiere offers a sneak peek into the world of KILLTUBE, showcasing its innovative visual style and intriguing storyline.
What is KILLTUBE?
KILLTUBE is an original anime film produced by Japanese company CHOCOLATE Inc., known for their work on live-action films like “Mondays: See You ‘This’ Week!” and contributions to popular anime such as “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba” and “Dark Gathering.” The company announced its plans to produce KILLTUBE in April 2024, with a targeted release in Spring 2026.
The 90-minute film boasts a unique “Edopunk” theme, blending historical Edo-era Japan with futuristic cyberpunk elements. The story is set in 2026, in an alternate reality where Japan remains isolated under the Edo Shogunate. Within this stratified society, the only way to climb the social ladder is through duel battles streamed on a platform called KILLTUBE.
The Story Unfolds
The narrative follows three individuals from the lowest rungs of society who find themselves in a prison cell. Seeking fortune and freedom, they join the KILLTUBE platform, entering a world where the strong amass wealth and fame through dueling. These underdogs face discrimination from powerful samurais and merchants, but as they win battles and gain popularity, they uncover the dark secrets behind the KILLTUBE system.
Visual Style and Production
One of the most striking aspects of KILLTUBE is its visual style. The production team aims to create a look reminiscent of shin-hanga (Showa period woodblock prints) using 3D CG technology. This fusion of traditional art and modern animation techniques promises a visually rich and unique aesthetic.
CHOCOLATE Inc. is collaborating with VFX studio KASSEN and concept artist group WACHAJACK, with a substantial budget of 1 billion yen (approximately US$6.6 million) dedicated to bringing this vision to life.
Key Staff Members
- Director and Planner: Kazuaki Kuribayashi (STUDIO DOTOU)
- Planning and Production: CHOCOLATE Inc.
- Script: Saeri Natsuo, Ryo Takemura, Takenori Tokuyama
- World View Setting: Yuusuke Ujita
- Character Design/Technical Direction: Nike Shimaguchi
- Technical Direction: Takumi Shiga (CAVIAR), Masato Goto, Bivi, Frog96, Marusou
- VFX Supervisor: Takahiro Ōta (KASSEN)
- Music Director: Matsuza Katakumi
- Music Composition: Takao Ogi
- Concept Art Director: Fujihiko Sawai (WACHAJACK)
- Concept Artist: Shusei Sasaya
- Character Settings: ARuFa
- Graphic Designer: Masataka Yoshida
- Art Director: Takuya Sekikawa
- CG Lead Animator: Daisuke Kaneko (StudioNoco)
- CG Supervisor: Yūki Mizoguchi
The Main Characters
While detailed character profiles are still emerging, here’s a glimpse at the central figures in KILLTUBE:
- Musashi: A wild child raised by dogs until the age of 4, later taken in by a samurai. He’s fearless and aims for the highest place in Edo.
- Kikuchiyo: A cunning con-man who believes money is everything. He scams Killtubers to market his products.
- An Inventor: Believing himself to be the reincarnation of Leonardo da Vinci, he has no interest in people and only wants to invent. He’s a business partner of Kikuchiyo.
Other intriguing KILLTUBER characters include:
- Tsunayoshi: A genius weapons demonstrator with a mega-hit KILLTUBE series.
- Rui: An artist who believes dueling is a form of art, using blood splatter to complete his artwork.
- Naosuke: A 28-year-old with the mind of a six-year-old who believes animals should keep humans as pets.
- Zinroku: A descendant of a prestigious kabuki family who combines martial arts and dance in his fighting style.
Themes and Influences
KILLTUBE delves into themes of social stratification, freedom, and the pursuit of wealth and fame in a technologically advanced yet restrictive society. The “Edopunk” aesthetic draws inspiration from both historical Japanese culture and cyberpunk tropes, creating a unique and visually striking world. Some have noted similarities to the “Sunset Overdrive” vibe.
Reception and Expectations
Even before its official release, KILLTUBE has garnered attention and sparked discussion. Comments on platforms like YouTube reveal a range of opinions, with some praising its unique style and visual flair, while others express concerns about its potentially overwhelming aesthetic.
“108 Experiments”
The KILLTUBE project is part of the “108 Experiments” initiative. It is designed to explore new methods of creating, presenting, and monetizing original stories. The staff aims to learn from these experiments and share the results with the global creative community.
Global Release and Partnership Opportunities
CHOCOLATE Inc. has expressed its intention for a worldwide release of KILLTUBE in Spring 2026. They are also seeking overseas partnerships to further develop and promote the film.
What to Expect at Anime Expo
The Anime Expo 2025 panel offers a unique opportunity to witness a scene from KILLTUBE before its official release. Attendees can expect:
- A first look at the film’s visuals and animation style.
- An introduction to the main characters and storyline.
- Insights from guest director Kazuaki Kuribayashi.
- A chance to learn more about the “Edopunk” world of KILLTUBE.
Other Anime Expo 2025 Highlights
Anime Expo 2025 promises a diverse lineup of events and guests. Other notable highlights include:
- World premieres of “The Summer Hikaru Died” anime and the “GINTAMA – Mr. Ginpachi’s Zany Class” spinoff.
- Appearances by renowned creators such as Mokumokuren, Shinobu Seguchi, and Ryukishi07.
- Panels dedicated to popular franchises like “Final Fantasy,” “Gundam,” and “Hatsune Miku.”
- A music festival featuring anisong artists such as FLOW, GRANRODEO, and Hiroshi Kitadani.
- The Anime Expo Masquerade, a prestigious cosplay competition.
Final Thoughts
KILLTUBE is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated anime films of 2026. Its unique blend of historical and futuristic elements, combined with its thought-provoking themes and innovative visual style, make it a project to watch. The world premiere panel at Anime Expo 2025 is sure to generate even more excitement as fans get their first in-depth look at this groundbreaking film.
