Tatsunoko Production

Tatsunoko Production

Type	Kabushiki gaisha
Industry	Animation studio, planning and production
Founded	October 19, 1962[1]
Founder	Tatsuo Yoshida Kenji Yoshida Ippei Kuri
Headquarters	Musashino, Tokyo, Japan
Products	Anime
Owner	Nippon Television (54.3%) Takara Tomy (20.0%) Horipro (13.5%) Production I.G (11.2%)
Number of employees	59 (April 1, 2015)
Divisions	I.G Tatsunoko 1987–1993
Website	tatsunoko.co.jp

Tatsunoko Production Company (株式会社タツノコプロ Kabushiki gaisha Tatsunoko Puro), previously known as Kabushiki gaisha Tatsunoko Purodakushon (株式会社竜の子プロダクション) and often shortened to Tatsunoko Pro (竜の子プロ or タツノコプロ Tatsunoko Puro), is a Japanese animation company. It was founded in October 1962 by anime pioneer Tatsuo Yoshida and his brothers, Kenji and Toyoharu (pen name "Ippei Kuri").^[2] The studio's name has a double meaning in Japanese: "Tatsu's child" (Tatsu is a nickname for Tatsuo) and "sea dragon", the inspiration for its seahorse logo.^[2][3] Tatsunoko's headquarters are in Musashino, Tokyo.^[1]

History

The studio's first production was the 1965 TV series Space Ace. Since then many figures in the anime industry have worked with Tatsunoko, including Mizuho Nishikubo, Hiroshi Sasagawa, Koichi Mashimo, Katsuhisa Yamada, Hideaki Anno (Tatsunoko provided animation work on the Neon Genesis Evangelion TV series), and Kazuo Yamazaki. Sasagawa is notable for bringing his fondness for comedy animation to the forefront in Tatsunoko series such as the Time Bokan (1975) franchise.^[4] The company later licensed Macross to Harmony Gold, who then produced Robotech.

Takara acquired Tatsunoko on June 3, 2005 after purchasing an 88-percent stake and made the company a subsidiary.^[5] Production I.G was established in 1987 as I.G. Tatsunoko, a branch for the production of Zillion led by Mitsuhisa Ishikawa.^[6][7][8]

In 2009, Tatsunoko announced that it would collaborate with Marvel Comics on a joint television project and other ventures.^[9] IG Port announced on June 2, 2010 that its subsidiary, Production I.G, had purchased an 11.2-percent stake in Tatsunoko. Production I.G president Mitsuhisa Ishikawa became a part-time director of the studio.^[10]

Talent agency Horipro announced on February 23, 2013 that it had acquired a 13.5-percent stake in Tatsunoko.^[11] At Anime Expo 2013, Sentai Filmworks announced a deal to license and release some of Tatsunoko's titles, including Gatchaman and Casshan.^[12] Nippon Television announced on January 29, 2014 that it had purchased a 54.3-percent stake in Tatsunoko and adopted the company as its subsidiary.^[13][14][15]

Works

1960s

• Space Ace (Uchuu Ace) (1965–1966)
• Mach Go Go Go (Speed Racer) (original) (1967–1968)
• Oraa Guzura Dado (original) (1967)
• Dokachin the Primitive Boy (or simply, "Dokachin") (1968–1969)
• Judo Boy (Kurenai Sanshiro) (1969)
• The Genie Family (Hakushon Daimaō) (1969–1970)

1970s

• The Adventures of Hutch the Honeybee (Mitsubachi Monogatari Minashigo Hacchiand La Abeja Hutch) (1970–1971)
• The Funny Judo Champion (Inakappe Taisho) (1970–1972)
• Hyppo and Thomas (Kabatotto) (1971–1972)
• Animentari Ketsudan (1971–1972)
• Mokku of the Oak Tree (Saban's Adventures of Pinocchio) (1972–1973)
• Science Ninja Team Gatchaman (Kagaku Ninja-Tai Gatchaman) (also Battle of the Planets, G-Force: Guardians of Space, Eagle Riders) (1972–1974)
• Tamagon the Counselor (Kaiketsu Tamagon) (1972–1973)
• Demetan Croaker, The Boy Frog (Kerokko Demetan, U.S.: The Brave Frog) (1973)
• Casshan (Shinzo Ningen Casshan) (1973–1974)
• Adventure of Korobokkuru, 1973 (co-produced by Topcraft)
• New Honeybee Hutch (Shin Minashigo Hutch) (1974)
• Hurricane Polymar (1974–1975)
• The Song of Tentomushi [Ladybug] (Tentomushi no Uta) (1974–1976)
• Tekkaman: The Space Knight (Uchū no Kishi Tekkaman) (1975)
• Time Bokan (1975–1976) (co-produced by Topcraft)
• Goliath the Super Fighter (Gowappā 5 Godam or Gowapper 5 Godam) (1976)
• Paul's Miraculous Adventure (Paul no Miracle Daisakusen) (1976–1977)
• The Time Bokan Series: Yatterman (Time Bokan Series Yattâman) (1977–1979)
• Ippatsu Kanta-kun ("Home Run" Kanta-kun) (1977–1978)
• Temple the Balloonist (Fūsen Shōjo Tenpuru-chan) (also Temple the Balloonist, Sabrina's Journey) (1977–1978)
• Tobidase! Machine Hiryuu (1977, with Toei Doga)
• Gatchaman II (Kagaku Ninja-Tai Gatchaman Tsū) (also Eagle Riders) (1978–1979)
• Once Upon a Time... Man (1978, co-produced with Procidis and various broadcasters)
• The Time Bokan Series: Zenderman (or Zendaman) (1979–1980)
• Gatchaman Fighter (Kagaku Ninja-Tai Gatchaman Faitā) also Eagle Riders (1979–1980)
• Gordian Warrior (Tōshi Gordian) (1979–1981)
• Daddy-Long-Legs (Ashinaga Ojisan) (1979, TV Special)

1980s

• The Littl' Bits (Mori no Yoki na Kobitotachi: Berufi to Rirubitto) (1980)
• The Time Bokan Series: Time Patrol Tai Otasukeman (Rescueman) (1980–1981)
• Muteking, The Dashing Warrior (Tondemo Senshi Mutekingu) (1980–1981)
• The Time Bokan Series: Yattodetaman (1981–1982)
• Gold Lightan, The Gold Warrior (Ougon Senshi Gold Lightan) (1981–1982)
• Superbook Series One (Anime Oyako Gekijo) (1981–1982)
• Dashu Kappei (Dash! Kappei, a.k.a. Gigi la Trottola, Chicho Terremoto) (1981–1982)
• The Time Bokan Series: Gyakuten! Ippatsuman (1982–83)
• The Flying House (Taimu Kyoshitsu: Tondera Haosu no Daiboken) (1982–1983)
• The Super Dimension Fortress Macross (1982–1983) (Animation production only, co-produced by Artland, created by Studio Nue)
• Mirai Keisatsu Urashiman (Future Police Urashiman) (1983)
• Superbook Series Two (Pasokon Toraberu Tanteidan) (1983)
• The Time Bokan Series: Itadakiman (1983)
• Genesis Climber MOSPEADA (1983–1984)
• Starzan S (1984)
• Super Dimension Cavalry Southern Cross (1984)
• Macross: Do You Remember Love? (1984) (Animation production only, co-produced by Topcraft, created by Studio Nue)
• Yoroshiku Mechadoc (What's Up Mechadoc?, a.k.a. A Tutto Gas) (1984–1985)
• Honou no Alpine Rose (a.k.a. Judy and Randy) (1985)
• Genesis Climber MOSPEADA: Love Live Alive OVA (1985)
• Shouwa Aho Soushi: Akanuke Ichiban (1985–1986)
• Megazone 23 (1985-1989) (co-production with AIC)
• Robotech, An adaptation of Macross, Southern Cross, and Mospeada (1985)
• Robotech II: The Sentinels (co-production with Harmony Gold USA) (1986)
• Hikari no Densetsu (1986)
• Doteraman (1986–1987)
• Outlanders (animated by AIC on Tatsunoko's behalf; not listed on Tatsunoko's website) (1986)
• Akai Kodan Zillion (1987)
• Oraa Guzura Dado (color remake) (1987–1988)
• Legend of Heavenly Sphere Shurato (1989)
• Time Travel Tondekeman (a.k.a. Time Quest Tondekema!) (co-produced with Ashi Productions) (1989–1990)
• Konchū Monogatari: Minashigo Hutch (new series) (1989–1990)

1990s

• Kyatto Ninden Teyandee (Samurai Pizza Cats) (1990–1991)
• Robin Hood no Daibōken (1990–1991)
• Legend of Heavenly Sphere Shurato: Sōsei e no Antō (1991)
• Uchu no Kishi Tekkaman Blade (Space Knight Tekkaman Blade; Teknoman in the U.S.) (1992–1993)
• The Irresponsible Captain Tylor (1993–1994)
• Casshan: Robot Hunter (1993)
• Video Girl Ai (1993; produced by IG Tatsunoko)
• Time Bokan: Royal Revival (1993–1994)
• Shirayuki Hime no Densetsu ("The Legend of Princess Snow White") (1994–1995)
• Tekkaman Blade II (1994)
• Gatchaman (OVA) (1994)
• Neon Genesis Evangelion (1995–96; Tatsunoko provided assistance with animation, main production by Gainax)
• Dokkan! Robotendon (1995–1996)
• Cinderella Monogatari (1996)
• New Hurricane Polymar (1996)
• Mach GoGoGo (Speed Racer X) (1997)
• Generator Gawl (1998–1999)
• Seikimatsu Densetsu: Wonderful Tatsunoko Land (1999)

2000s

• Tatsunoko Fight (PSX) (2000) (featuring an exclusive character, Denkou Senka Volter)
• Time Bokan 2000: Kaitou Kiramekiman (2000)
• The SoulTaker (2001)
• Yobarete Tobidete Akubi-chan (2001, spinoff of The Genie Family)
• Nurse Witch Komugi (co-production with Kyoto Animation) (2002)
• Martin Mystery (Tatsunoko provided assistance with the animation. Main production by Marathon Production) (2003-2006)
• Fate/stay night (opening animation) (2004, visual novel)
• Karas (2005) - Tatsunoko's 40th Anniversary work
• Akubi Girl (2006; remake to Yobarete Tobidete Akubi-chan)
• Robotech: The Shadow Chronicles (co-production with Harmony Gold USA) (2006)
• Deltora Quest (co-production with Geneon Entertainment) (2007–2008)
• Yatterman (2008–2009; remake of 1977 Series)
• Casshern Sins (2008–2009; Remake of 1973 Series; animation production by Madhouse)
• Tatsunoko vs. Capcom: Cross Generation of Heroes (Wii) (December 11, 2008)

2010s

• Tatsunoko vs. Capcom: Ultimate All-Stars (Nintendo Wii) (January 26, 2010)
• Hutch the Honeybee ~Yuki no Melody~ (2010; movie remake of 1970 series)
• Yozakura Quartet ~Hoshi no Umi~ (2010; co-production with KMMJ Studios)
• Princess Resurrection (2010; remake of original TV series)
• [C]: The Money of Soul and Possibility Control (2011)
• Sket Dance (2011–2012)
• Pretty Rhythm Aurora Dream (2011)
• Pretty Rhythm Dear My Future (2012)
• Ippatsu-Hicchuu! Devander (2012; OVA in celebration of Tatsunoko Productions' 50th Anniversary)
• Namiuchigiwa no Muromi-san (2013)
• Pretty Rhythm Rainbow Live (2013)
• Gatchaman Crowds (2013)
• Yozakura Quartet ~Hana no Uta~/Yozakura Quartet ~Tsuki ni Naku~ (2013)
• Triple Combination: Transformers Go! (2013)
• Robotech: Love Live Alive (2013) (Robotech version of the MOSPEADA OVA: Love Live Alive)
• Wake Up, Girls! (2014; co-production with Ordet)
• Ping Pong (2014)
• PriPara (2014, co-production with DongWoo A&E)
• Psycho-Pass 2 (2014)
• Yatterman Night (2015)
• Gatchaman Crowds insight (2015)
• PriPara Mi~nna no Akogare Let's Go PriPari (2016)
• Transformers: Combiner Wars (2016, co-production with Hasbro Studios and Machinima Inc.)

• Time Bokan 24 (2016-2017, co-production with Level-5)

Anime studios made by former animators

• Ashi Productions/Production Reed (Since 1975)
• Pierrot (Since 1979)
• J.C. Staff (Since 1986)
• Production IG (Since 1987)
• Xebec (Since 1995)
• Radix (1995-2006) (Defunct)
• Bee Train (Since 1997)
• TNK (Since 1999)

References

1. "Tatsunoko Pro". Tatsunoko.co.jp. Retrieved 2016-01-07.
2. "GATCHAMAN! The story of Tatsuo Yoshida and his greatest creation". Comic Book Resources. 2008-05-11.
3. "'Speed Racer': drawing on an anime legend". The Japan Times. Retrieved 2008-08-06.
4. AWN. "Anime Reviews: Stand Alone with Bokan & The Third | AWN | Animation World Network". Mag.awn.com. Retrieved 2013-10-02.
5. "Takara acquires animation studio". The Japan Times. 2005-07-03. Retrieved 2015-12-17.
6. "石川社長が20年を語る 「プロダクション I.G 創立20周年記念展」開催中" (in Japanese). mycom.co.jp. 2007-12-28. Retrieved 2008-06-20.
7. "第25回　株式会社プロダクション I.G代表取締役社長　石川光久-その２-悔しさから独立、フリーに" (in Japanese). CodeZine. 2008-02-08. Retrieved 2008-06-20.
8. "Studio 2 Part 01: Kazuchika Kise and the birth of Studio 2". Production I.G. Retrieved 2008-06-20.
9. "Report: Tatsunoko, Marvel Aim for Joint TV Anime in 3 Years – News". Anime News Network. 2009-02-24. Retrieved 2013-10-02.
10. "Production I.G to Acquire 11.2% Stake in Tatsunoko". AnimeNewsNetwork. 2010-06-01. Retrieved 2010-06-04.
11. "HoriPro Agency Acquires Stake in Anime Studio Tatsunoko – News". Anime News Network. 2013-02-12. Retrieved 2013-10-02.
12. "Sentai Filmworks Signs Deal with Tatsunoko Production (Updated) - News". Anime News Network. 2013-07-04. Retrieved 2013-10-02.
13. "NTV Buys 54.3% Stake in Anime Studio Tatsunoko Production". Anime News Network. 2014-01-29. Retrieved 2014-01-29.
14. "Tomy to sell Tatsunoko Production to TV station". Nikkei. 2014-01-29. Retrieved 2015-01-09.
15. "Nippon TV Acquires Shares of TATSUNOKO PRODUCTION Co., Ltd.". Nippon Television. 2014-01-29. Retrieved 2014-02-14.

External links

• Official website (Japanese)
• Tatsunoko Production at Anime News Network's encyclopedia