Dentsu Inc. has recently announced a groundbreaking partnership with Chiru Labs, the creative force behind the Azuki NFT project. Together, they are embarking on a new venture to develop an anime anthology series called “Enter The Garden,” leveraging the unique Azuki IP. Renowned anime director Goro Taniguchi, known for his exceptional work on projects such as “One Piece Film Red” and the “Code Geass” series, is at the helm of this trilogy. The first episode of the series, titled “The Waiting Man,” can now be viewed on Azuki.com and Azuki’s YouTube channel. The premiere is slated for Tuesday, April 30, 2024, with subsequent episodes set to follow in the ensuing months.
Azuki has built a reputation for its NFT collection, characterized by characters that draw inspiration from anime-style art and streetwear. This collaboration marks a significant convergence between NFTs and animation, featuring cameo appearances by NFT characters owned by the community. Moreover, Azuki & BEANZ NFT holders have been granted commercial rights to their NFTs/IPs, paving the way for them to develop businesses and products based on this intellectual property. Episode 1 of “Enter The Garden” will showcase community member businesses, presenting a fresh take on product placement within the storyline.
The “Enter The Garden” anthology boasts an impressive lineup of industry figures. Apart from director Goro Taniguchi, the first episode, “The Waiting Man,” features contributions from luminaries such as Junichi Yamamoto, associated with projects like “The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom,” and Kinu Nishimura, renowned for her character design work in the “Street Fighter” series. Acclaimed voice actors Akari Kito and Tomokazu Sugita, known for their roles in popular anime series like “Demon Slayer” and “Gintama,” also lend their talents to the project.
Japanese anime has garnered a massive following worldwide, and Dentsu has long been a key player in producing and promoting premium anime content while championing anime culture on a global scale. Yusuke Nii, Head of Anime Operation at Dentsu, has underscored the company’s dedication to adapting its production and distribution strategies to meet the evolving needs of viewers and the media landscape. This commitment reflects Dentsu’s unwavering support for the anime community and its commitment to driving innovation in the industry.
Zagabond, Founder and CEO of Azuki/Chiru Labs, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration with Dentsu, highlighting the opportunity to work with industry leaders who are eager to explore innovative, community-driven IP. The collaboration aims to present a compelling anthology to anime enthusiasts globally, setting the stage for future collaborative endeavors. Furthermore, a recent announcement by The Arbitrum Foundation revealed a partnership with Azuki and the Weeb3 Foundation to launch AnimeChain, a Web3 anime project that seeks to revolutionize the anime industry through the integration of Web3 technology. This ambitious initiative will bring together first and third-party anime content, games, merchandise, and NFTs, ushering in a new era of anime fandom.
The convergence of anime and NFTs represents a paradigm shift in storytelling and content creation. This innovative collaboration between Dentsu Inc., Chiru Labs, and Azuki marks the beginning of a transformative journey that will redefine how audiences engage with anime and digital assets. The future of anime is undoubtedly bright, with endless possibilities for creativity and innovation in this dynamic and evolving industry.