Two of Japan’s most influential anime studios are joining forces for the very first time. SUNRISE, the house behind Mobile Suit Gundam, Code Geass, and Love Live!, and SHAFT, the studio responsible for Puella Magi Madoka Magica and the Monogatari Series, have announced a collaboration on an original animation project under Bandai Namco Filmworks. The announcement dropped today, June 18, and has already set anime social media ablaze.
Why This Pairing Is a Big Deal
SUNRISE and SHAFT represent near-opposite ends of the anime aesthetic spectrum, and that contrast is exactly what makes this so intriguing.
SUNRISE built its legacy on large-scale spectacle: the decades-long Gundam universe, the political drama of Code Geass, the idol phenomenon of Love Live!. These are franchises with massive ensemble casts, detailed world-building, and a track record of inspiring devoted fanbases. In Singapore, the Gundam series alone has a dedicated collector and model-builder community that spans generations.
SHAFT, by contrast, became known for something more distinctive and cerebral. Director Akiyuki Shinbo’s rapid-cut visual language, the psychological weight of Madoka Magica, and the endlessly clever dialogue of the Monogatari Series gave SHAFT a reputation as the studio for anime that rewards close watching. Their work is visually unusual and deliberately unconventional — the opposite of mainstream spectacle.
Put those two creative identities together and the possibilities are genuinely exciting, even before a single plot detail is known.
What We Know (and Don’t Know)
Almost nothing concrete has been confirmed. According to Anime News Network, Bandai Namco Filmworks describes this as an original animation project — no existing IP involved. A teaser video has been released featuring “color scripts” that offer an early impression of the project’s visual atmosphere and tone.
No title, no story synopsis, no director or writer credits, no release window, and no platform details have been disclosed yet. The studios are clearly letting the anticipation build before the full reveal.
The Full Reveal Countdown: Mark 23 June
The official X account @sunrise_shaft launched today alongside the announcement, kicking off a five-day countdown campaign. Each day will bring new hints until the full reveal on 24 June at 00:30 JST — that is 23:30 SGT on 23 June for Singapore fans. Follow the account now to catch each daily teaser drop.
Last words
Whether you’re a Gundam veteran, a Madoka devotee, or simply someone who appreciates when two creative powerhouses decide to try something genuinely new, this is one to watch. The full reveal is less than a week away. We will be covering it the moment it drops. In the meantime, browse our anime coverage and get excited.