In a recent buzz-generating interview, Mr. Michiyuki Honma, the president of Studio Pierrot, offered some intriguing insights that have fueled speculation among anime fans about the future of popular series like Boruto and Black Clover.
Honma praised the anime “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba” for its high-quality production and its wide-reaching appeal, credited to the meticulous efforts by Ufotable. His admiration for the series was clear as he reflected on its impact:
“I think Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba was a major turning point for the animation industry. A high quality work with an ample budget and a solid time commitment was broadcast and became a huge hit, and was watched by people of all ages. I really felt that we had to change the way things were made before and after ‘Demon Slayer’ was released.”
Studio Pierrot Eyes Seasonal Shift: A Potential New Era for Boruto and Black Clover
Honma’s subsequent comments have sparked particular interest among fans of Boruto and Black Clover. He discussed the benefits of the seasonal anime format, which has been exemplified by the successful return of Bleach in such a format. T
his shift not only brought critical acclaim but also enhanced animation quality, illustrating a significant shift in production strategy at Studio Pierrot:
“I think it is definitely wonderful to produce one work for a long period of time, as Studio Pierrot has done in the past. At the same time, it entails great risks in terms of large budgets and time running costs. But I wonder if the same traditional way of making a film can compete with such a new way of making a film.”
The discussion turned toward the practical implications of changing production styles as Honma emphasized the studio’s desire to remain at the forefront of the animation industry:
“We will probably lose our brand. I don’t want to lose. I want to be No. 1, and so does Pierrot. With this in mind, the entire company was committed to creating a new kind of animation when we created BLEACH: The Thousand-Year Blood War Arc.”
Honma concluded the interview on a forward-looking note, hinting at exciting changes and innovations at Studio Pierrot. He encouraged fans to look out for their new projects and the adoption of novel animation styles and formats:
“I want people to pay attention to ‘Karasu wa Aruji wo Erabanai,’ which has been on air since April, because it’s a work created in a new style, and there are many series that are currently on hiatus, but I want people to pay attention to the new way of creating anime. Please look forward to the future of Pierrot, which is taking on the challenge of creating new animations.”
This strategic shift suggests a promising future for series like Boruto and Black Clover, potentially seeing them return in a seasonal format. Such a change would allow for higher-quality animation and reduce the need for filler content, a common issue in long-running series like those previously handled by Studio Pierrot.