This program welcomes three next-generation creators who will shape the future of Japanese animation—YAMAMOTO Ken, SAITO Keiichiro, and KARIYA Nobuhide—to share their experiences to date and their perspectives for the future.

PROFILE

YAMAMOTO Ken

YAMAMOTO Ken is an animation director and animator. He worked at Production I.G and is now active as a freelancer. His directorial works include the music video Eve “Yakusoku” (2020), the web series Yuki Hodokishi Ni Ai (2022), and the feature film Uma Musume Pretty Derby: Beginning of a New Era (2024). He is currently directing the TV series Shunkashuto Daikosha: Haru no Mai, based on the novel of the same name by Kana Akatsuki, scheduled for broadcast in 2026.

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SAITO Keiichiro

Director and animator. SAITO began his career as an animator in 2016. In 2019, he made his directorial debut as co-director of the OVA “ACCA: 13-Territory Inspection Dept. Regards”. In 2022, he directed his first TV series, “Bocchi the Rock!”. In 2023, he directed the TV series “Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End”. In 2024, he directed the theatrical compilation “Bocchi the Rock! Re:/Re:Re:”. In January 2026, the second season of “Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End” is scheduled to air, with SAITO credited as supporting director.

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KARIYA Nobuhide

Director and animator. Formerly with Studio Khara. Key animator for the OVA ACCA: 13-Territory Inspection Dept. Regards (2019), key animator and animation director for the TV series Sonny Boy (2020), and contributed to the game PV Azur Lane 3rd Anniversary PV (2020). Also worked on the TV series Bocchi the Rock! (2022) and Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End (2023), and participated as storyboard artist and episode director on the TV series My Dress-Up Darling Season 2 (2025).