CHOCOLATE Inc., renowned for its involvement in diverse projects like the live-action film Mondays/See You “This” Week!, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba’s Total Concentration exhibition, and the production and publicity for the Dark Gathering anime, has gone on a new venture to produce its inaugural anime film titled KILLTUBE.
The company commenced streaming a “pilot film” for the project on Monday, with intentions to release the 90-minute feature globally in spring 2026.
The pilot film goes into the theme of “Edo punk,” portraying a parallel world where Tokyo’s Shibuya and Shinjuku districts remain under the jurisdiction of the Edo shogunate for over four centuries, extending into the year 2026. Within this isolated and stratified society, individuals can only alter their social status through duel battles streamed on the platform known as KILLTUBE.
Unveiling the Intriguing Plot and Unique Visuals of “KILLTUBE”
The narrative follows an unlikely trio from the lowest echelons of society who challenge the status quo and strive for success. As they capture the hearts of the populace, they uncover the hidden truths behind the KILLTUBE system.
Utilizing 3D CG technology, the team aims to recreate the aesthetic of shin-hanga (Showa period woodblock prints) with vibrant colors and diverse textures. CHOCOLATE Inc. collaborates with up-and-coming VFX studio KASSEN and concept artist group WACHAJACK, allocating a budget of 1 billion yen (approximately US$6.6 million) for the project.
Director Kazuaki Kuribayashi leads the creative direction at STUDIO DOTOU, with CHOCOLATE Inc. overseeing planning and production.
The film’s talented staff includes scriptwriters Saeri Natsuo, Ryō Takemura, and Takenori Tokuyama; technical directors Takumi Shiga (CAVIAR), Masato Goto, Bivi, Frog96, and Marusou; character design and technical direction by Nike Shimaguchi.
Other staff members include music director Matsuza Katakumi, concept art director Fujihiko Sawai (WACHAJACK), art director Takuya Sekikawa, CG lead animator Daisuke Kaneko (StudioNoco), and technical artist Hiroyuki Okada.
The KILLTUBE project is part of CHOCOLATE Inc.’s “108 Experiments” initiative, aimed at discovering innovative methods of creating, presenting, and monetizing original content. The company actively seeks creators and partners to contribute to the development of KILLTUBE and future projects.