Studio Trigger
Studio Trigger, officially known as Trigger, Inc., is a Japanese animation studio founded on August 22, 2011, by director Hiroyuki Imaishi and producer Masahiko Ōtsuka, both former employees of Gainax who had previously worked on the acclaimed series Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann.[1][2] Headquartered in the Kichijōji district of Tokyo, the studio quickly established itself as a prominent force in the anime industry, emphasizing innovative storytelling and high-octane visual flair.[3][4] From its inception, Studio Trigger has been renowned for its distinctive production style, characterized by fluid, exaggerated animation sequences, vibrant color palettes, and a blend of high-energy action, humor, and fan service elements that push the boundaries of traditional anime aesthetics.[5][6] This approach stems from the founders' philosophy of creating "nonsensical" yet exhilarating narratives that prioritize creative freedom and technical experimentation, often resulting in works that celebrate absurdity and emotional intensity.[7][8] The studio's debut project, the 2013 television series Kill la Kill, directed by Imaishi, became a breakout success, earning praise for its bold themes of identity and rebellion wrapped in over-the-top battles and satirical commentary on consumerism.[1][9] Subsequent notable works include the short film Little Witch Academia (2013), which spawned a full television series in 2017 and highlighted the studio's versatility in fantasy adventure; the original film Promare (2019), showcasing explosive mecha action; and the Netflix collaboration Cyberpunk: Edgerunners (2022), which revitalized interest in the Cyberpunk 2077 universe with its gritty, neon-soaked dystopia.[7][10] Other key productions encompass SSSS.Gridman (2018), a tokusatsu-inspired mecha series; Darling in the FranXX (2018, co-produced with A-1 Pictures); and Delicious in Dungeon (2024), an isekai fantasy focused on culinary exploration in a dungeon setting.[2][10] As of November 2025, Studio Trigger continues to expand its portfolio with ambitious projects, including the 2025 revival New Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt, which aired from July to September and returned to the irreverent comedy of its 2010 predecessor, and the ongoing short anime series The Lenticulars (2025–present), directed by Akira Amemiya, which launched on October 31 with weekly episodes to explore experimental storytelling formats.[11][12] The studio has also outlined plans to handle multiple in-house productions simultaneously, signaling its growing capacity and influence in global anime production amid ongoing collaborations with platforms like Netflix and Crunchyroll.[13][14]History
Founding and Early Development
Studio Trigger was established on August 22, 2011, by Hiroyuki Imaishi and Masahiko Ōtsuka, both former Gainax employees who sought greater creative autonomy after Imaishi's successful direction of Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann.[15][16][17] The studio was founded by a small initial team of ex-Gainax animators and staff to foster an environment prioritizing artistic risk-taking and innovation in animation production.[18] In late 2011, shortly after its inception, Studio Trigger joined forces with the animation studios Sanzigen and Ordet to form the joint holding company Ultra Super Pictures, aimed at supporting collaborative production efforts and resource sharing among independent anime creators.[18] This alliance provided early structural stability, enabling the new studio to build operational capacity without immediate reliance on large-scale external funding. The studio's inaugural project came in 2012 with animation contributions to the opening sequence of the Nintendo 3DS video game Project X Zone, marking Trigger's entry into professional production work.[19] Later that year, Trigger released Inferno Cop, a 13-episode original net animation series in a motion comic style, serving as the studio's first fully independent creative endeavor and showcasing its experimental approach to storytelling and visuals.[20]Key Milestones and Growth
Studio Trigger achieved its breakthrough with the television series Kill la Kill, which aired from October 2013 to March 2014 and was co-produced with Aniplex as part of the Kill la Kill Production Committee.[21] This project marked the studio's first major original television anime, directed by Hiroyuki Imaishi, and established Trigger's reputation for dynamic action and bold visual storytelling.[21] In parallel, the studio demonstrated innovative crowdfunding success with the Little Witch Academia short film sequel. Launched in July 2013, the Kickstarter campaign exceeded its goal, raising $625,518 from 7,938 backers, which enabled the expansion of the project into a full short film released in 2015.[22] This initiative not only funded the production but also highlighted Trigger's ability to engage international fans directly, paving the way for further adaptations like the 2017 television series.[23] The studio's growth continued with infrastructural and creative expansions. By 2016, its staff had significantly expanded, supporting a broader portfolio of television and short-form works. This period of scaling enabled the studio to take on more ambitious projects, reflecting its rising prominence in the anime industry. A significant milestone came in 2019 with Promare, Trigger's first original feature film, co-produced with XFLAG and directed by Imaishi. Released in May 2019, the film represented a leap in scope, blending high-energy action with original storytelling, and received international distribution support through partners like Aniplex of America for North American markets.[24] To sustain independent creativity amid commercial productions, Trigger launched a Patreon campaign in July 2018, aimed at funding short animations, merchandise, and community events. By 2025, the platform had amassed over 6,600 members, providing monthly funding of approximately $2,800 as of November 2025 to support creator-driven initiatives outside major studio contracts.[25][26]Recent Developments
In 2022, Studio Trigger expanded into video game adaptations with the production of Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, a 10-episode Netflix anime series developed in collaboration with CD Projekt Red and set in the universe of Cyberpunk 2077.[27][28] The series, directed by Imaishi Hiroyuki and written by Kimura Mari, premiered on September 13, 2022, and received critical acclaim for its high-octane action and faithful integration of game lore, marking Trigger's first major foray into adapting interactive media.[29] A significant milestone occurred in 2023 when Trigger acquired the intellectual property rights to Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt from the dissolving Gainax studio, enabling full creative control over future projects based on the cult classic.[30][31] This acquisition also extended to Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann, allowing Trigger—many of whose founders originated from Gainax—to steward these early influences in-house.[32] Building on this, Trigger announced a revival of Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt as a new television series, with production overseen by returning director Imaishi Hiroyuki, which premiered on July 9, 2025, on Prime Video and aired through September 2025, featuring updated visuals and the original voice cast.[33][34][35] Further diversifying its output in 2025, Trigger launched The Lenticulars, an original web anime shorts series on its official YouTube channel, debuting on October 31 with episodes like "Work Gloves are Gloves" that showcase experimental animation styles and humor.[12][36] Concurrently, on July 4, 2025, Trigger and CD Projekt Red revealed Cyberpunk: Edgerunners 2, a standalone 10-episode sequel in production for Netflix, promising a new story of redemption in Night City with fresh characters while retaining the original's visceral energy.[37][38] Looking ahead, Trigger's producer Kazuya Matsumoto outlined a strategic 10-year plan in 2024 to achieve 100% in-house production capabilities, followed by the capacity for multiple simultaneous anime series by the early 2030s, aiming to enhance creative autonomy and output scale amid industry challenges.[39] This vision supports ongoing initiatives like the studio's Patreon, which continued to grow into 2025 with over 6,600 members funding original content.[25]Works
Television Series
Studio Trigger's television anime series represent a cornerstone of its output, often featuring high-energy action, vibrant visuals, and collaborations with major platforms like Netflix and broadcasters such as Fuji TV. These productions, spanning from experimental shorts to full-length seasons, highlight the studio's role as lead animator and co-producer, frequently under the direction of founders Hiroyuki Imaishi and Yoh Yoshinari, including original net animations (ONAs) distributed via streaming platforms like Netflix, which are presented in episodic television formats. The series are typically episodic formats aired on Japanese networks or streamed globally, emphasizing Trigger's signature fluid animation and genre-blending approaches.[2][15] Following this, Kill la Kill (2013–2014) marked Trigger's breakthrough with 24 episodes directed by Hiroyuki Imaishi, co-produced by Aniplex, and aired on Mainichi Broadcasting System (MBS) and Tokyo MX, establishing the studio's reputation for over-the-top action sequences and detailed character designs.[40][21] In 2014, Trigger handled animation production for When Supernatural Battles Became Commonplace (also known as Inou-Battle wa Nichijou-kei no Naka de), a 12-episode series directed by Masahiko Ōtsuka, co-produced with A-1 Pictures and aired on ABC and TV Asahi, contributing key visual effects and battle choreography.[41] Space Patrol Luluco (2016), a 13-episode series directed by Hiroyuki Imaishi, was fully produced by Trigger and broadcast on Tokyo MX, featuring innovative use of live-action elements and rapid pacing in its space adventure format.[42] That same year, Kiznaiver (2016) consisted of 12 episodes directed by Hiroshi Kobayashi, co-produced with Aniplex and Yellow Tank, and aired on MBS and Tokyo MX, showcasing Trigger's ability to blend psychological drama with dynamic group interactions through shared pain mechanics in animation.[43] Little Witch Academia (TV) (2017), a 25-episode Netflix original directed by Yoh Yoshinari, was co-produced with A-1 Pictures and streamed globally, expanding on Trigger's earlier short films with expansive magical world-building and detailed creature animation.[44] Darling in the FranXX (2018), a 24-episode co-production with CloverWorks directed by Atsushi Nishigori and Toshifumi Akai, aired on Fuji TV's Noitamina block, where Trigger provided key mecha designs and explosive action sequences.[45] SSSS.Gridman (2018), comprising 12 episodes directed by Akira Amemiya, was co-produced with Orange and aired on Tokyo MX, integrating tokusatsu influences with digital effects for its giant robot battles.[46] BNA: Brand New Animal (2020), a 13-episode Netflix original directed by Yoh Yoshinari, focused on Trigger's anthropomorphic character animation and urban fantasy settings, streamed worldwide.[47][48] The sequel SSSS.Dynazenon (2021), another 12-episode series directed by Akira Amemiya, co-produced with Orange and aired on Tokyo MX, built on the Gridman universe with enhanced combiner mechanics and ensemble dynamics.[49] Cyberpunk: Edgerunners (2022), a 10-episode Netflix collaboration with CD Projekt Red directed by Hiroyuki Imaishi, delivered high-octane cyberpunk action with seamless integration of game-inspired aesthetics.[50][51] Delicious in Dungeon (also known as Dungeon Meshi) (2024), a 24-episode Netflix original directed by Yoshihiro Miyajima, co-produced with Aniplex, aired on Tokyo MX and emphasized Trigger's culinary animation techniques alongside dungeon exploration.[52][53] Finally, the revival New Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt (2025), a 12-episode series directed by Hiroyuki Imaishi, produced in-house and streamed on Prime Video from July to September, revived the original Gainax concept with updated raunchy humor and exaggerated transformation sequences.Films
Studio Trigger's foray into films began with short theatrical releases that laid the groundwork for their expansive storytelling, evolving into full-length features that blend high-energy action with innovative visuals. These productions often serve as original works or crossovers, emphasizing the studio's commitment to dynamic narratives suitable for the big screen. The studio's first notable film was Little Witch Academia (2013), a 26-minute short directed by Yoh Yoshinari, which introduced the magical world of Luna Nova Academy and protagonist Akko Kagari's adventures. This project marked Trigger's early independent effort following their founding. It premiered at Anime Expo 2013 and was later released theatrically in Japan. Building on its success, Trigger produced Little Witch Academia: The Enchanted Parade (2015), a 50-minute short film also directed by Yoh Yoshinari, funded through a 2013 Kickstarter campaign that raised $658,000. The story follows Akko and her friends as they organize a parade to redeem witches' image in a human town, facing mishaps with new characters like Amanda, Constanze, and Jasminka. It premiered at Anime Expo 2015 before a limited theatrical run in Japan and international festivals. This film expanded the franchise's lore, leading to its adaptation into a television series.[22] Trigger's debut full-length feature, Promare (2019), is a 111-minute original film directed by Hiroyuki Imaishi, co-written by Kazuki Nakashima. Set in a world where firefighters battle mutants with fire powers using mecha, it follows rival firefighters Galo Thymos and Lio Fotia. Produced with an estimated budget of around ¥600 million, the film grossed approximately ¥1.678 billion ($15.4 million USD) in Japan and $9.9 million worldwide as of 2019 exchange rates, with over $2.5 million from the US and Canada alone. Distributed internationally by GKIDS in North America, it received a limited theatrical release starting September 2019.[54] In 2023, Trigger released Gridman Universe, a 90-minute crossover film directed by Akira Amemiya, compiling and continuing stories from the SSSS.Gridman and SSSS.Dynazenon series. The narrative unites protagonists Yuta Hibiki, Rikka Takarada, and Yomogi Asakura against a multiversal threat involving Gridman and Alexis Kerib. It premiered in Japan on March 24, 2023, across 151 theaters, ranking fifth at the weekend box office and eventually surpassing 500,000 tickets sold domestically. International distribution included a US theatrical run at Anime Expo 2023 and streaming on Crunchyroll starting October 2024. While Trigger has explored concepts for additional films, such as potential expansions of their web series Inferno Cop into feature-length formats, no such projects have been realized as of 2025. These films highlight the studio's theatrical ambitions, often tying into broader franchises while prioritizing self-contained, visually spectacular experiences.Web Series and Original Net Animations
Studio Trigger has ventured into web series and original net animations (ONAs) as a means to explore experimental formats, low-budget production techniques, and direct-to-digital distribution, often utilizing platforms like YouTube and streaming services to reach global audiences. These projects typically feature short-form episodes or episodic structures, allowing the studio to showcase its signature high-energy animation and unconventional narratives without the constraints of traditional television broadcasting. Many early efforts were self-funded or supported through crowdfunding, reflecting Trigger's innovative approach to financing independent animation pilots. One of the studio's inaugural web projects, Inferno Cop (2012), consists of 13 short episodes released exclusively on YouTube, each running under three minutes and produced on a minimal budget using limited animation styles to depict a surreal, action-packed story of a vengeful police officer in a chaotic urban dystopia. This series marked Trigger's early experimentation with web-exclusive content, emphasizing rapid production and humor over polished visuals. Similarly, Turning Girls (2013), a 7-episode ONA streamed on YouTube's Anime Bancho channel, was crafted entirely by the studio's female non-animator staff as an all-girl idol group tale infused with meta-humor and Trigger's quirky aesthetic, highlighting internal creative diversity. Funding for such pilots often drew from internal resources or initial crowdfunding models, paving the way for later Patreon initiatives to support experimental shorts. Expanding into longer-form ONAs, Ninja Slayer From Animation (2015) delivered 26 episodes via Crunchyroll, adapting Bradley Bond and Philip Ninj@ Morzez's novel into a cyberpunk ninja revenge saga with episodic structure and guest animators for stylistic variety. These mid-2010s works shifted toward platform partnerships, balancing original storytelling with broader accessibility. In the late 2010s and 2020s, Trigger's web output grew more ambitious through collaborations and high-profile streaming deals. Sex and Violence with Machspeed (2015), a single 10-minute short from the Japan Animator Expo released online, featured a noir detective tale with electronic music and provocative themes, directed by Hiroyuki Imaishi to push boundaries in concise digital formats. The studio contributed two episodes—"The Twins" and "The Elder"—to the anthology ONA Star Wars: Visions (2021) on Disney+, reimagining Star Wars lore with anime flair in a 9-episode collection that highlighted Trigger's dynamic visuals. Prequel shorts Promare: Galo-hen (2019) and Promare: Lio-hen (2019), each around 10 minutes and streamed via serial codes for theatergoers before wider online release, provided backstory to the Promare film through character-focused narratives, distributed digitally to extend the franchise's reach.| Title | Year | Episodes/Format | Platform | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Inferno Cop | 2012 | 13 shorts (2-3 min each) | YouTube | Low-budget surreal action; self-produced pilot. |
| Turning Girls | 2013 | 7 episodes | YouTube (Anime Bancho) | Idol comedy by female staff; experimental internal project. |
| Ninja Slayer From Animation | 2015 | 26 episodes | Crunchyroll | Cyberpunk adaptation; episodic with guest contributions. |
| Sex and Violence with Machspeed | 2015 | 1 short (10 min) | Animator Expo (online) | Noir short; provocative themes in compact form. |
| Promare: Galo-hen | 2019 | 1 short (10 min) | Online streaming (serial codes initial) | Prequel short; character backstory extension. |
| Promare: Lio-hen | 2019 | 1 short (10 min) | Online streaming (serial codes initial) | Prequel short; alternate perspective narrative. |
| Star Wars: Visions (Trigger episodes) | 2021 | 2 episodes (in 9-ep anthology) | Disney+ | Anthology contributions; anime-Star Wars fusion. |
| Cyberpunk: Edgerunners | 2022 | 10 episodes | Netflix | Dystopian original; high-profile collaboration with CD Projekt Red. |
| The Lenticulars | 2025 | Ongoing shorts series | YouTube | Directed by Akira Amemiya; episodic web animation exploring everyday absurdities, with first episode "Work Gloves are Gloves" released in October 2025. |