CHOCOLATE Inc. offered fans an exclusive look into their upcoming theatrical anime project, KILLTUBE, at a packed panel during Anime Expo 2025. Director Kazuaki and Animation Producer Fuuko Noda led the presentation, which featured the global premiere of development footage, the announcement of the main cast, and a detailed exploration of the film’s experimental production philosophy.
Director Kazuaki, a newcomer to the anime industry, shared his ambitious vision for the project. “KILLTUBE is a project that will change the history of anime. It’s something that could only be born in Japan—an entirely new stage for animation. Please look forward to it!” he expressed.
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In an effort to engage fans directly in the project’s growth, the “KILLTUBE BACKERS’ STORE” was launched during the panel. Supporters can purchase items with a portion of the proceeds going towards enhancing production quality and global promotional efforts. Launch perks include a one-of-a-kind poster featuring the backer as a background character, name inclusion in the credits, and the right to appear in the film.
What is KILLTUBE?
KILLTUBE is an original Edo-punk anime film set in a dystopian 2026 where outcasts engage in deadly combat on a streaming platform for fame and survival. Backed by CHOCOLATE Inc., STUDIO DOTOU, KASSEN, and Pony Canyon, the film boasts a total production budget of 1 billion yen and is slated for completion in 2026.
Fuuko Noda, animation producer for KILLTUBE, elaborated on the project’s “bottom-up” production model, emphasizing how it fosters creativity from the ground up. She also detailed the film’s unique art direction, which blends 2D, 3D, and traditional hand-drawn animation with elements inspired by Edo-period art.
“We’re experimenting with a hybrid look that pulls the best from both worlds, and even adding elements inspired by Edo-period art. It’s creating a style that’s uniquely Japanese,” Noda remarked. “I believe that this kind of creative freedom leads to surprises you could never get if everything were fully planned from the start.”
Cast and Characters
- Yui Tsukada as Musashi, KILLTUBE’s protagonist.
- Kengo Kawanishi as Kikuchiyo, a sneaky con-artist.
- Ayane Sakura as Leonardo, a genius inventor who believes she’s the reincarnation of Leonardo da Vinci.
The cast members shared their excitement for the innovative project:
Yui Tsukada stated, “This is going to change my life. I’m going to change my life,” during the Q&A session. While Kengo Kawanishi noted, “This bold and innovative approach makes KILLTUBE unlike anything I’ve worked on.” Ayane Sakura added, “I never imagined I’d get to be part of this team. I can’t wait to see it on the big screen.”
Production Details
KILLTUBE is an original anime film produced by CHOCOLATE Inc., STUDIO DOTOU, KASSEN, and Pony Canyon. The film is directed by Kazuaki and animated by Producer Fuuko Noda. The production utilizes a hybrid animation approach, combining 2D, 3D, and traditional hand-drawn methods with Edo-period artistic influences.
KILLTUBE does not currently have a North American release date.
劇場アニメ『KILLTUBE』Pilot film
劇場アニメ『KILLTUBE』始動 異分野が越境し108の実験を凝縮して制作 2026年の江戸を舞台にした、バトルエンターテイメント ー あらすじ － 2026年、江戸幕府による鎖国が続く日本。厳しい身分制度の中で、 社会のゴミとして扱われる3人が牢獄で運命の出会いを果たし、 自由を勝ち得るために決闘動画プラットフォーム「KILLTUBE」に参加して 一攫千金を狙うことになる。 「強いものを倒す」ただそれだけで巨万の富を掴むことが出来る”大決闘時代”の中で、 力と権威を求め戦う侍や商人たちに差別されながらも、 常識のリミットを外して次々勝利する3人が人気を博して”時の人”になった頃、 彼らは「KILLTUBE」というシステムに隠されたある事実を知ってしまう。 “KILLTUBE” Condensing 108 unique experiments from different fields of expertise into one theatrical anime. Behold. Edo, 2026. [Synopsis] In 2026, Japan continues its isolation under the Edo Shogunate.
