Studio Dotou has released a new trailer for KILLTUBE, its first anime film, in anticipation of the world premiere of a scene from the film at Anime Expo 2025. The premiere will take place on July 5 at 12:00 p.m. PDT with guest director Kazuaki Kuribayashi.
What is KILLTUBE?
KILLTUBE is an original animated project with an “Edopunk” theme. The story is set in a parallel world where the Edo shogunate has maintained Japan’s isolation for over four centuries into 2026. Within this isolated and highly stratified society, individuals can only change their social standing by participating in live-streamed mortal combat on the “KILLTUBE” platform.
The film follows three outcasts who unite in a prison cell and enter the KILLTUBE arena to seek fortune and freedom. Facing discrimination from samurais and merchants, they defy convention, rise in popularity, and uncover the dark secrets behind the KILLTUBE system.
Production Details
KILLTUBE is being directed and planned by Kazuaki Kuribayashi at STUDIO DOTOU. CHOCOLATE Inc. is responsible for planning and production. The staff aims to blend 3D CG with the aesthetic of shin-hanga (Showa period woodblock prints). The production involves up-and-coming VFX studio KASSEN and concept artist group WACHAJACK with a budget of 1 billion yen (approximately US$6.6 million).
Key Staff:
- Director & Planner: Kazuaki Kuribayashi
- Studio: STUDIO DOTOU
- Planning & Production: CHOCOLATE Inc.
- VFX Studio: KASSEN
- Concept Art: WACHAJACK
- Budget: 1 billion yen (about US$6.6 million)
Anime Expo Premiere
Anime Expo 2025 will host the world premiere of a scene from KILLTUBE, featuring guest director Kazuaki Kuribayashi. This event promises to give fans a first look at the film’s visuals and story.
Event Details:
- Date: July 5, 2025
- Time: 12:00 p.m. PDT
- Location: Anime Expo, Los Angeles Convention Center
- Guest: Kazuaki Kuribayashi (Director)
Edopunk Theme and Setting
KILLTUBE presents a unique fusion of historical and cyberpunk elements, creating a dystopian vision of Tokyo where the Edo period’s traditions and social structures persist into the near future. Shibuya and Shinjuku are depicted as districts within this parallel world, offering a blend of classic Japanese aesthetics and futuristic technology.
Story and Characters
The film centers around three individuals who are treated as outcasts in their society. They find a common goal in the KILLTUBE arena, where they battle for survival and social mobility. As they gain fame, they confront powerful adversaries and uncover the secrets of the KILLTUBE system.
Characters:
- Musashi: A tall, handsome con artist who believes money and power are everything. He scams KILLTUBERS to make a quick profit but finds himself caught up in the larger events.
- Zinroku: A descendant of a prestigious kabuki family, Zinroku combines martial arts and dance in his fighting style.
- Unnamed Third Character: Details about the third character are still emerging.
Production and Release
CHOCOLATE Inc. announced its plan to produce KILLTUBE in April 2024. The company aims to release the 90-minute film worldwide in spring 2026. The production is notable for its experimental approach, with 108 different experimental techniques being utilized.
What to Expect at Anime Expo 2025
Attendees of Anime Expo 2025 can look forward to:
- World Premiere Scene: A first look at footage from the KILLTUBE anime film.
- Guest Director: Kazuaki Kuribayashi will be present to discuss the film and answer questions.
- Behind-the-Scenes Insights: Learn about the production process and the unique artistic vision behind KILLTUBE.
Other Anime Expo Highlights
Anime Expo 2025 promises a diverse range of premieres, guests, and events. Other notable highlights include:
- World Premieres:
- The Summer Hikaru Died anime, with creator Mokumokuren and voice actor Chiaki Kobayashi.
- GINTAMA – Mr. Ginpachi’s Zany Class spinoff anime.
- Guests of Honor:
- Mokumokuren (Manga Creator)
- Shinobu Seguchi (Manga Creator)
- Gorō Taniguchi (Director)
- Tatsuyuki Tanaka (Animator)
- Alex Xu (Animator)
- Hiroaki Akagi (Director)
- Genki Ito (Producer)
- Masaki Watanabe (Director)
- Makoto Furukawa (Voice Actor)
- Kazuhiro Nishikawa (CEO, Dandelion Animation Studio)
- Rei Hebiguchi (Manga Editor)
- Daiki Yamashita (Voice Actor)
- George Wada (Producer)
- Kazuaki Kuribayashi (Director)
- Baku Kinoshita (Director)
- Kazuki Ura (Voice Actor)
- Music Events:
- J-POP SOUND CAPSULE @AX2025 Anisong World Matsuri Returns
- Performances by TOGENASHI TOGEARI, FLOW, GRANRODEO, Sakurazaka46, and Hiroshi Kitadani
Edopunk: A Rising Subgenre
Edopunk blends the aesthetics and societal structures of Japan’s Edo period (1603-1868) with cyberpunk themes of technology, social disruption, and dystopian futures. This subgenre explores the potential consequences of technological advancement within a society rooted in tradition.
KILLTUBE aims to contribute to this subgenre by creating a world where samurai and merchants clash with individuals seeking to subvert the established order through virtual combat.
Anticipation and Early Reactions
Early reactions to the KILLTUBE trailer suggest that the film’s unique art style and themes have resonated with viewers. Comparisons have been made to Kei Urana’s manga Gachiakuta due to the shared elements of graffiti art, distinctive character designs, and social commentary. The pilot has already surpassed 5 million views, building anticipation for the full release.
Final Thoughts
KILLTUBE presents an intriguing premise, blending historical and futuristic elements into a unique cinematic experience. With its world premiere at Anime Expo 2025, fans will have the opportunity to dive deeper into this Edopunk world and discover the secrets behind the KILLTUBE system. The film’s planned release in spring 2026 positions it as a highly anticipated title in the anime community.
