Science Saru (Japanese: サイエンスSARU, Hepburn: Saiensu Saru) is a Japanese animation studio based in Musashino, Tokyo. It was co-founded on February 4, 2013, by acclaimed director Masaaki Yuasa and producer Eunyoung Choi. The studio is widely recognized for its distinctive, often experimental, and highly fluid animation style, characterized by expressive movement, innovative character designs, and unique visual storytelling.
History
Science Saru was established in 2013 by Masaaki Yuasa, a director celebrated for his unconventional visual approach, and Eunyoung Choi, a producer and animator who had previously collaborated with Yuasa on projects such as Kick-Heart. The studio's founding reflected a shared vision to foster a creative environment that pushed the boundaries of animation and allowed for greater artistic freedom.Early significant work included their contribution to the "Food Chain" episode of Cartoon Network's Adventure Time in 2014, directed by Yuasa. The studio gained international prominence with its first independent feature film, Lu Over the Wall (2017), which earned the Cristal Grand Prix for Feature Film at the Annecy International Animated Film Festival. This success was followed by the critically acclaimed Netflix original series Devilman Crybaby (2018), which garnered widespread international attention, and the feature film Ride Your Wave (2019).
In 2020, Masaaki Yuasa stepped down as president and representative director, with Eunyoung Choi succeeding him in both roles. Under Choi's leadership, the studio has continued to produce works that uphold its reputation for artistic innovation and diverse narrative exploration.
Artistic Style and Philosophy
Science Saru is distinguished by its unique blend of traditional hand-drawn techniques with digital animation tools, such as Flash animation and cutout animation. The studio's core artistic philosophy emphasizes dynamic motion and expressive character acting over strict photorealism. Key aspects of their animation style include:- Fluid and Kinetic Motion: A hallmark of Science Saru's productions is the emphasis on exaggerated and highly fluid character animation, often employing a form of "limited animation" that utilizes high frame rates for key actions to create a sense of intense dynamism and expressiveness.
- Expressive Character Design: Characters often feature simplified yet highly malleable designs that allow for a vast range of emotions and physical comedy, contributing to their unique visual language.
- Bold Color Palettes: The studio frequently utilizes vibrant, striking, and often unconventional color schemes to enhance mood, symbolize themes, and create visually impactful scenes.
- Experimental Storytelling: Science Saru is known for tackling diverse genres, from surreal drama to romantic comedy and historical epics, often infusing them with unique philosophical undertones or a distinctive surrealist bent.
- Digital Integration: The studio effectively integrates modern digital animation techniques, which allows for both efficiency in production and the creation of unique visual effects and stylistic flexibility.
Notable Works
Science Saru has produced a diverse array of critically acclaimed anime films and television series:Feature Films
- ''[[Lu Over the Wall]]'' (2017)
- ''[[Ride Your Wave]]'' (2019)
- ''[[Inu-Oh]]'' (2022)
Television Series
- ''[[Devilman Crybaby]]'' (2018)
- ''[[Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken!]]'' (2020)
- ''[[Japan Sinks 2020]]'' (2020)
- ''[[Star Wars: Visions]]'' (2021) – "Akakiri" episode
- ''[[The Heike Story]]'' (2021)
- ''[[Scott Pilgrim Takes Off]]'' (2023)
Animation Production Cooperation
- ''[[Okko's Inn]]'' (2018)
Key Figures
- Masaaki Yuasa: Co-founder and highly influential director. Yuasa's distinctive visual style and experimental approach largely defined the studio's early aesthetic. He served as president until 2020.
- Eunyoung Choi: Co-founder, producer, and director. Choi was instrumental in the studio's establishment and production management, succeeding Yuasa as president and representative director in 2020.
Awards and Recognition
Science Saru's productions have received numerous accolades globally, solidifying its reputation in the animation industry:- Cristal Grand Prix for Feature Film at the Annecy International Animated Film Festival for Lu Over the Wall (2017).
- Japan Academy Prize for Excellent Animation of the Year for Ride Your Wave (2020).
- Best Animation of the Year and Best Director for Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken! at various industry awards.
- Golden Globe Award nomination for Best Animated Feature Film for Inu-Oh (2023).
Impact and Legacy
Science Saru has rapidly established itself as one of Japan's most innovative and artistically significant animation studios. Its commitment to unique visual styles, bold narrative choices, and the exploration of diverse storytelling forms has garnered a dedicated international following and widespread critical acclaim. The studio continues to push creative boundaries, influencing contemporary animation and demonstrating the profound potential of blending traditional artistry with modern digital techniques.References
- Official Science Saru Website
- Interviews and critical analyses published by major animation news outlets (e.g., Anime News Network, Cartoon Brew, Variety).