Tatsuyuki Tanaka, a renowned animator and director known for his unique style and contributions to various anime projects, is set to direct the third episode of the anthology series Enter The Garden. This exciting collaboration between Tanaka, Azuki, and Dentsu promises to blend Tanaka’s visionary artistry with the rich storytelling universe of Azuki, offering viewers a unique and engaging experience.
What is Enter The Garden?
Enter The Garden is a three-part anime anthology series produced by Azuki, Dentsu, Qzil.la, and IMAGICA Infos. Azuki describes itself as a “Web3 anime brand that tells stories at the intersection of art, technology, and culture,” created by Los Angeles-based Chiru Labs. The project aims to provide a personalized experience by licensing community-owned characters and incorporating product placement of businesses owned by Azuki community members.
The series explores different themes and stories within the anime medium. The first episode, “The Waiting Man,” premiered in April 2024, followed by the second episode, “Fractured Reflections,” which was released on February 27, 2025. Yukio Takatsu, known for directing Naruto Shippuden OP 17 and sequences from the Monogatari series, directed the second episode, with Taku Kishimoto (Haikyu!!, 91 Days) overseeing the series scripts and Kazuto Nakazawa (Samurai Champloo, Kill Bill animation part) designing the characters. Goro Taniguchi (Code Geass, One Piece Film Red) serves as the creative producer for the entire project.
Tatsuyuki Tanaka’s Role
Tatsuyuki Tanaka will be taking on multiple roles for the third episode of Enter The Garden. He is credited as the director, character designer, and scriptwriter, showcasing his comprehensive involvement in the episode’s creation. This level of involvement suggests that the episode will heavily reflect Tanaka’s distinctive artistic vision.
Who is Tatsuyuki Tanaka?
Tatsuyuki Tanaka is a highly respected figure in the anime industry, known for his work as an animator, illustrator, and director. He began his career in the late 1980s and has since contributed to numerous iconic anime productions. Some of his notable works include:
- Tojin Kit: Tanaka directed and provided the storyboard, character design, art direction, and animation direction for this short anime from the Genius Party anthology series.
- A Farewell to Weapons: He served as the character designer for this 2013 Short Peace anthology film.
- Digital Juice: Tanaka directed the short anime Kin Jin Kitto from this series of shorts.
- Yokohama Station SF: He was the illustrator and original character designer for this sci-fi light novel and its sequel, Yokohama Station SF National.
- Nadia: The Secret of Blue Water: Image board creator.
- Linda3: Character designer.
Tanaka is also known for his independent works, including the art collections Cannabis Works. His style is characterized by detailed character designs, dynamic animation, and a unique approach to visual storytelling.
Episode 3: What to Expect
While specific details about the plot of the third episode are still under wraps, Azuki has teased that it will blend Tanaka’s visionary artistry with their storytelling universe. The episode is set to premiere in winter 2025 and will be available exclusively on Azuki’s YouTube Channel and Anime.com.
One interesting aspect of the upcoming episode is the planned cameo appearances from licensed holders in the Azuki community, which will be announced at a later date. This integration of community-owned characters into the anime demonstrates Azuki’s commitment to fostering a personalized and engaging experience for its audience.
The teaser visual released alongside the announcement offers a glimpse into the episode’s aesthetic, showcasing Tanaka’s distinctive character designs and hinting at the overall tone and style of the story.
Production Team
The Enter The Garden project involves a collaboration of several key players in the anime industry:
- Azuki: The Web3 anime brand behind the project, responsible for the overall concept and storytelling.
- Dentsu: A major advertising and public relations company involved in the production and promotion of the series.
- Qzil.la and IMAGICA Infos: Animation studios contributing to the production of the anime.
- Goro Taniguchi: Serving as the creative producer, Taniguchi brings his extensive experience in directing and producing popular anime series to guide the overall vision of Enter The Garden.
Web3 and Anime
Azuki’s Enter The Garden represents an interesting intersection of Web3 technology and anime storytelling. By incorporating community-owned characters and businesses into the anime, Azuki aims to create a more personalized and engaging experience for its audience. This approach reflects the growing trend of utilizing blockchain technology and NFTs to empower creators and communities in the entertainment industry.
Anticipation and Potential Impact
The announcement of Tatsuyuki Tanaka’s involvement in Enter The Garden has generated considerable excitement among anime fans. Tanaka’s unique artistic style and storytelling abilities, combined with Azuki’s innovative approach to Web3 integration, have the potential to create a truly memorable anime experience. As the premiere date approaches, fans eagerly await the opportunity to witness the fusion of Tanaka’s vision with the world of Enter The Garden.
