Tatsunoko Production

Tatsunoko Production

Type	Animation film studio
Industry	Media and Entertainment
Founded	October 19, 1962
Founder(s)	Tatsuo Yoshida Kenji Yoshida Ippei Kuri
Headquarters	Musashino, Tokyo, Japan
Products	Animated feature films (Anime)
Owner(s)	Takara Tomy Horipro (13.5%) Production I.G (11.2%)
Divisions	I.G Tatsunoko 1987-1993
Website	tatsunoko.co.jp/english/index.html

Tatsunoko Production Co., Ltd. (株式会社タツノコプロ, Kabushiki gaisha Tatsunoko Puro), previously known as Kabushiki gaisha Tatsunoko Purodakushon (株式会社竜の子プロダクション), often shortened to Tatsunoko Pro (竜の子プロ or タツノコプロ, Tatsunoko Puro), is a Japanese animation company. Founded in October 1962 by anime pioneer Tatsuo Yoshida along with his brothers Kenji and Toyoharu (or by the pen name "Ippei Kuri"). The studio's name has a double meaning in Japanese of "Tatsu's child" (Tatsu being a nickname for Tatsuo) and "sea dragon" which was the inspiration for its seahorse corporate logo. they are know as the Hanna-Barbera of Japan.

History

Since the studio's inception, Tatsunoko has specialized in television production; by contrast, rival studio Toei Animation, focused chiefly on feature films and was just beginning to move into TV production when Tatsunoko was formed. The studio debuted in 1965 with the TV Series Space Ace. Since then, many legendary figures in the anime industry have worked with Tatsunoko, including Mizuho Nishikubo, Hiroshi Sasagawa, Koichi Mashimo, Katsuhisa Yamada, Hideaki Anno (Tatsunoko provided animation work on the Neon Genesis Evangelion TV series), and Kazuo Yamazaki. Sasagawa, in particular, is notable for bringing his fondness for "gag"- or comedy animation to the forefront in Tatsunoko series such as the Time Bokan (1975) franchise.

The translated and edited versions of the studio's more successful animated series, such as Hiroshi Sasagawa's Speed Racer (1967), Gatchaman (1972), and Neon Genesis Evangelion (1995) are credited with bringing international attention to Japanese animation.^{[citation needed]} Although it carries a strong roster of action and science-fiction anime titles, Tatsunoko has nevertheless become known also for several widely-acclaimed fairy tale and fantasy-based series for younger children, such as Minashigo Hutch (1970), The Adventures of Pinocchio (1972), Temple the Balloonist (1977), The Littl' Bits (1980), and the Bible-based Superbook (1981).

The company provided some financial assistance on the Macross TV show (1982, adapted as part of 1985's Robotech) some time during its run, in exchange for various rights.^{[citation needed]} They later licensed Macross to Harmony Gold, who then produced Robotech.^{[citation needed]} This has given rise to a long-standing legal feud between Harmony Gold/Tatsunoko and Studio Nue and Big West Advertising.^{[citation needed]} While siding with Nue and Big West in Japan, Harmony Gold still maintains that they have all rights to the Macross franchise in the United States.^{[citation needed]}

In October 2000, Tatsunoko, Electronics Application (Eleca) and Japanese toy company Takara Co., Ltd. produced and released a Japan-only PlayStation exclusive fighting game Tatsunoko Fight, featuring characters from four established Tatsunoko franchises, as well an original series created exclusively for the game, Denkou Senka Volter (電光石火ヴォルター, lit. "Lightning Warrior Volter"). In June 2005, Takara purchased a majority stake in the studio.^{[citation needed]} Tatsunoko then became a subsidiary of Takara Tomy, the new company created following the subsequent merger of Takara and TOMY Co., Ltd., in 2006.

Several of today's top Japanese animation studios have their roots in Tatsunoko. Studio Pierrot was founded in 1979 by former Tatsunoko employees.^{[citation needed]} J.C.Staff was founded in January 1986 by Tomoyuki Miyata, who previously worked at Tatsunoko. Production I.G was established in 1987 as I.G. Tatsunoko, which was a branch for the production of Zillion led by Mitsuhisa Ishikawa. Coincidentally, Production I.G acquired 11.2% of Tatsunoko later. Studio XEBEC also traces its history to Tatsunoko, as it is an offshoot of Production I.G, and Koichi Mashimo who previously worked at Tatsunoko founded Bee Train, which existed as a subsidiary of Production I.G until 2006. Kenji Horikawa left Bee Train to form P.A. Works in 2000. Radix was founded in December 1995 by former Tastunoko staff. Asread was formed in 2003 from former XEBEC staff. Wit Studio was formed in 2011 from former Production I.G staff. TNK was founded in 1999 by Teru Kato, who previously worked at Tatsunoko.

Tatsunoko's latest major project is the Tatsunoko vs. Capcom: Ultimate All Stars fighting game, a collaboration between Tatsunoko and video game company Capcom which features characters from both companies. It was also recently announced that Tatsunoko and Marvel Comics will collaborate on a joint television project and other ventures.

On June 2, 2010 IG Port (parent company of Production I.G) announced that the studio would purchase 11.2% stake in Tatsunoko studio. Production I.G President Mitsuhisa Ishikawa joined on as a part-time director for the studio.

Tatsunoko has its headquarters in Kokubunji, Tokyo.

It was announced on February 13, 2013 that talent agency Horipro had acquired a 13.5% stake in Tatsunoko studios.

Anime series

Saban's Adventures of Pinocchio (1972)

The Flying House (1982)

1960s

• Space Ace (Uchuu Ace) (1965)
• Mach Go Go Go (Speed Racer) (original) (1967)
• Oraa Guzura Dado (original) (1967)
• Dokachin the Primitive Boy (or simply, "Dokachin") (1968)
• Judo Boy (Kurenai Sanshiro) (1969)
• The Genie Family (Hakushon Daimaō) (1969)

1970s

• The Adventures of Hutch the Honeybee (Mitsubachi Monogatari Minashigo Hacchiand La Abeja Hutch) (1970)
• The Funny Judo Champion (Inakappe Taisho) (1970)
• Hyppo and Thomas (Kabatotto) (1971)
• Animentari Ketsudan (1971)
• Mokku of the Oak Tree (Saban's Adventures of Pinocchio) (1972)
• Science Ninja Team Gatchaman (Kagaku Ninja-Tai Gatchaman) (also Battle of the Planets, G-Force: Guardians of Space) (1972)
• Tamagon the Counselor (Kaiketsu Tamagon) (1972)
• Demetan Croaker, The Boy Frog (Kerokko Demetan, U.S.: The Brave Frog) (1973)
• Casshan, also simply Casshan (Shinzo Ningen Casshan) (1973)
• New Honeybee Hutch (Shin Minashigo Hutch) (1974)
• Hurricane Polymar (1974)
• The Song of Tentomushi [Ladybug] (Tentomushi no Uta) (1974–1976)
• Time Bokan (1975)
• Tekkaman: The Space Knight (Uchū no Kishi Tekkaman) (1975)
• Goliath the Super Fighter (Gowappā 5 Godam or Gowapper 5 Godam) (1976)
• Paul's Miraculous Adventure (Paul no Miracle Daisakusen) (1976–1977)
• The Time Bokan Series: Yatterman (Time Bokan Series Yattâman) (1977–1979)
• Temple the Balloonist (Fūsen Shōjo Tenpuru-chan) (also Temple the Balloonist, Sabrina's Journey) (1977–1978)
• Ippatsu Kanta-kun ("Home Run" Kanta-kun) (1977–1978)
• Tobidase! Machine Hiryuu (1977, with Toei Doga)
• Gatchaman II (Kagaku Ninja-Tai Gatchaman Tsū) (also Eagle Riders) (1978)
• Once Upon a Time... Man (1978, co-produced with Procidis and various broadcasters)
• The Time Bokan Series: Zenderman (or Zendaman) (1979)
• Gordian Warrior (Tōshi Gordian) (1979)
• Gatchaman Fighter (Kagaku Ninja-Tai Gatchaman Faitā) also Eagle Riders (1979)
• Daddy-Long-Legs (Ashinaga Ojisan) (1979, TV Special)

1980s

• The Littl' Bits (Mori no Yoki na Kobitotachi: Berufi to Rirubitto) (1980)
• The Time Bokan Series: Time Patrol Tai Otasukeman (Rescueman) (1980)
• Muteking, The Dashing Warrior (Tondemo Senshi Mutekingu) (1980–81)
• The Time Bokan Series: Yattodetaman (1981)
• Gold Lightan, The Gold Warrior (Ougon Senshi Gold Lightan) (1981)
• Superbook Series One (Anime Oyako Gekijo) (1981–82)
• Dashu Kappei (Dash! Kappei, a.k.a. Gigi la Trottola, Chicho Terremoto) (1981–82)
• The Time Bokan Series: Gyakuten! Ippatsuman (1982-83)
• The Flying House (Taimu Kyoshitsu: Tondera Haosu no Daiboken) (1982–83)
• The Super Dimension Fortress Macross (1982) (Animation production only, co-produced by Artland, created by Studio Nue)
• Mirai Keisatsu Urashiman (Future Police Urashiman) (1983)
• The Time Bokan Series: Itadakiman (1983)
• Armored Trooper VOTOMS (co-production with Nippon Sunrise; not listed on Tatsunoko's official website) (1983-1984)
• Superbook Series Two (Pasokon Toraberu Tanteidan) (1983)
• Genesis Climber MOSPEADA (1983)
• Starzan S (1984)
• Super Dimension Cavalry Southern Cross (1984)
• Macross: Do You Remember Love? (1984) (Animation production only, co-produced by Topcraft, created by Studio Nue)
• Yoshiriku Mechadoc (What's Up Mechadoc?, a.k.a. A Tutto Gas) (1984–85)
• Panzer World Galient (co-production with Nippon Sunrise; not listed on Tatsunoko's official website) (1984-1985)
• Honou no Alpine Rose (a.k.a. Judy and Randy) (1985)
• Time Travel Tondekeman (a.k.a. Time Quest Tondekema!) (1985)
• Shouwa Aho Soushi: Akanuke Ichiban (1985)
• Megazone 23 (1985-1989) (co-production with AIC)
• Robotech An adaptation of Macross, Southern Cross, and Mospeada (1985)
• Blue Comet SPT Layzner (co-production with Nippon Sunrise) (1985-1986)
• Robotech II: The Sentinels (co-production with Harmony Gold USA) (1986)
• Hikari no Densetsu (1986)
• Doteraman (1986)
• Outlanders (animated by AIC on Tatsunoko's behalf; is not listed on Tatsunoko's website) (1986)
• Akai Kodan Zillion (1987)
• Oraa Guzura Dado (color remake) (1987)
• Akira (co-production with TMS Entertainment and Toho Company) (1988)
• Legend of Heavenly Sphere Shurato (1989)
• Konchū Monogatari: Minashigo Hutch (new series) (1989)

1990s

• Samurai Pizza Cats (Kyatto Ninden Teyande) (1990)
• Robin Hood no Daibōken (1990)
• Legend of Heavenly Sphere Shurato: Sōsei e no Antō (1991)
• Uchu no Kishi Tekkaman Blade (Space Knight Tekkaman Blade; Teknoman in the U.S.) (1992)
• The Irresponsible Captain Tylor (1993)
• Casshan: Robot Hunter (1993)
• Video Girl Ai (1993; produced by IG Tatsunoko)
• Time Bokan: Royal Revival (1994)
• Shirayuki Hime no Densetsu ("The Legend of Princess Snow White") (1994)
• Tekkaman Blade II (1994)
• Gatchaman (1994)
• Dokkan! Robotendon (1995)
• Neon Genesis Evangelion (1995-96; Tatsunoko provided assistance with animation, main production by Gainax)
• Cinderella Monogatari (1996)
• New Hurricane Polymar (1996)
• South Park (1997-present; Tatsunoko currently provides assistance with animation, main production by South Park Studios and Comedy Central)^{[citation needed]}
• Mach Go Go Go (Speed Racer X) (1997)
• Generator Gawl (1998)
• Seikimatsu Densetsu: Wonderful Tatsunoko Land (1999)
• South Park: Bigger, Longer, and Uncut (Feature Film) (1999; Tatsunoko provided assistance with the animation, main production by South Park Studios, Comedy Central, Paramount Pictures, and Warner Bros. Pictures.)^{[citation needed]}

2000s

• Tatsunoko Fight (PSX) (2000) (featuring an exclusive character, Denkou Senka Volter)
• Time Bokan 2000: Kaitou Kiramekiman (2000)
• The SoulTaker (2001)
• Yobarete Tobidete Akubi-chan (2001, spinoff of The Genie Family)
• Nurse Witch Komugi (co-production with Kyoto Animation) (2002)
• Martin Mystery (Tatsunoko provided assistance with the animation. Main production by Marathon Production) (2003-'06)
• Karas (2005) - Tatsunoko's 40th Anniversary work
• Akubi Girl (2006; remake to Yobarete Tobidete Akubi-chan)
• Robotech: The Shadow Chronicles (co-production with Harmony Gold USA) (2006)
• Deltora Quest (co-production with Geneon Entertainment) (2007-2008)
• Tatsunoko vs. Capcom: Cross Generation of Heroes (Wii) (December 11, 2008)
• Yatterman (2008; remake of 1977 Series)
• Casshern Sins (2008; Remake of 1973 Series; animation production by Madhouse)
• Beyblade: Metal Fusion (premiered April 5, 2009; co-production with SynergySP)

2010s

• Tatsunoko vs. Capcom: Ultimate All-Stars (Nintendo Wii) (January 26, 2010)
• Hutch the Honeybee ~Yuki no Melody~ (2010; movie remake of 1970 series)
• Yozakura Quartet ~Hoshi no Umi~ (2010; co-production with KMMJ Studios)
• Princess Resurrection (2010; remake of original TV series)
• [C]: The Money of Soul and Possibility Control (2011)
• Pretty Rhythm Aurora Dream (2011)
• Sket Dance (April 7, 2011)
• Ippatsu-Hicchuu! Devander (2012; OVA in celebration of Tatsunoko Productions' 50th Anniversary)
• Namiuchigiwa no Muromi-san (April 6th, 2013)
• Gatchaman Crowds (July 3, 2013)

External links

• Tatsunoko Production (Japanese)
• Tatsunoko Production (English)
• Tatsunoko Fan Club USA
• Tatsunoko at Anime News Network's Encyclopedia
• Tatsunoko Production at Anime News Network's Encyclopedia