KyoAni Expands Its Horizons with New Anime on Netflix

Following the adaptation of Scott Westerfeld’s Leviathan, Netflix is set to launch another anime titled Sparks of Tomorrow, crafted by the renowned Kyoto Animation studio, famous for hits like Clannad, K-On!, and Violet Evergarden.

Set in an early 20th-century Kyoto where steam power reigns supreme, Sparks of Tomorrow follows Kihachi Sakamoto, a boy grappling with the loss of his brother and their shared aspirations for an “Age of Electricity.” His journey intertwines with Inako Momokawa, a girl burdened by the regrets surrounding her late mother. Together, they delve into the mysteries of the 20th Century Electrical Catalog, a portal to the future they both yearn for. As they navigate their intertwined fates, they must confront their pasts to forge the futures they envision.

The series is adapted from the light novel “20 Seiki Denki Mokuroku” by Hiro Yuki and directed by Minoru Ota. The series composition is crafted by Tatsuhiko Urahata, with character design and chief animation direction by Kohei Okamura. Takaaki Suzuki oversees the world-building, while Hitomi Koto composes the music. The animation is produced by Kyoto Animation, featuring Yuma Uchida as Kihachi Sakamoto and Sora Amamiya as Inako Momokawa.

Kyoto Animation, often referred to as KyoAni, is celebrated for its high production values and exceptional treatment of staff, a rarity in the Japanese animation scene. Unlike many studios, KyoAni employs its animators on a salaried basis, allowing them to prioritize quality over speed. The studio also trains its animators in-house, a practice that other studios are beginning to adopt.

Netflix is clearly doubling down on anime, recognizing it as a lucrative content avenue. With a recent partnership with MAPPA, it’s exciting to see other esteemed studios like Kyoto Animation joining the streaming giant, especially as this new series is touted as “a new frontier” for the studio.

Sparks of Tomorrow is set to premiere on Netflix in July.