Zexcs
Zexcs, officially known as ZEXCS Inc. (有限会社ゼクシズ), is a Japanese animation studio specializing in the production of television anime series, films, and related media such as commercials and game animations.[1] Founded on January 23, 1998, and headquartered in Koganei, Tokyo, the studio operates under the leadership of President Kiyoshi Niitaku and focuses on a range of projects from adaptations of light novels and manga to original works.[1] Over its more than two decades of operation, Zexcs has built a reputation for handling diverse genres, including romance, drama, sports, and science fiction, often collaborating with established directors and voice actors. Notable productions include the romantic drama Say "I Love You" (2012), which explores themes of high school relationships; the literary adaptation The Great Passage (2016), centered on dictionary compilation; and the sports anime Backflip!! (2021), depicting competitive rhythmic gymnastics.[2] Other key titles encompass Chrome Shelled Regios (2009), a post-apocalyptic action series, and The Flowers of Evil (2013), a psychological adaptation known for its rotoscoped animation style.[3] The studio continues to be active, with recent projects like Shadowverse F (2022–2024), the anthology series Tatsuki Fujimoto 17-26 (2025), and an upcoming adaptation of Akane Banashi slated for 2026.[4][5]Overview
Founding and establishment
Zexcs was established on January 23, 1998, as a yūgen gaisha, or limited company, in Koganei, Tokyo, Japan.[1] The studio's formation occurred during a period of expansion in the Japanese anime industry in the late 1990s, when numerous small production companies emerged to meet growing demand for television animation and related content.[1] Headquartered at the time in a modest setup typical of new entrants, Zexcs began operations with a small team focused on supporting the sector's needs.[6] The company was founded by Tomoko Kawasaki, who had previously worked as a producer at J.C.Staff, bringing her experience in animation production to the venture.[7] Kawasaki's decision to establish Zexcs stemmed from a desire for greater autonomy in pursuing creative projects, particularly original animations, amid the constraints of larger studios.[8] In its early years, the studio prioritized in-between animation and subcontracting work for established production houses, allowing it to build technical expertise and industry connections before undertaking lead production roles. This approach was common for fledgling anime studios in the era, enabling survival in a competitive market dominated by major players like Production I.G. and Madhouse.[9] In September 2015, Zexcs relocated its headquarters to its current address in Koganei, Tokyo, where it maintains a compact office suited to its operations.[10] The small team composition reflected the resource-limited environment of independent animation firms at the time, often comprising a handful of key staff including animators, producers, and coordinators who handled multiple aspects of pre-production and support tasks. This foundational structure positioned Zexcs to gradually expand its capabilities within the evolving anime landscape. A second studio was added in April 2023.[11][10]Corporate structure and ownership
Zexcs, formally known as Yūgen Gaisha Zexcs (limited company), was founded in 1998 by Tomoko Kawasaki and is a subsidiary of Fan Media Co., Ltd.[3][12] This subsidiary relationship has provided the studio with financial stability, enabling it to pursue larger-scale animation projects that might otherwise strain resources for a smaller entity.[12] The studio is currently led by CEO Kiyoshi Niitaku, who assumed the role of representative director in August 2013 and has overseen management operations since then.[10] Under his leadership, Zexcs has maintained a focus on efficient production pipelines while expanding collaborative efforts within the parent company's network. Zexcs is headquartered in Koganei, Tokyo, at Papis Plaza 501, a facility equipped to support key stages of the animation production process, including storyboarding, key animation, and compositing.[13] The location facilitates streamlined workflows, with the building shared by other Fan Media subsidiaries to enhance resource sharing and coordination. As part of Fan Media's portfolio, Zexcs shares a sister company relationship with Feel., another animation studio under the same holding company; this arrangement, solidified through co-location in the Koganei headquarters since September 2015, has fostered collaborative production workflows on various projects.[12][10]History
Early years and initial projects
Zexcs was founded on January 23, 1998, in Koganei, Tokyo, by Tomoko Kawasaki, who had previously served as a producer at J.C.Staff on projects such as Fake (1996 OVA) and Fencer of Minerva (1994 OVA).[14][1] In its initial phase, the studio operated on a small scale, primarily taking on subcontracting roles to build experience in the competitive anime industry, including photography assistance for Blood Shadow (1998 OVA, episodes 1-2) and Yu-Gi-Oh! (2000 TV series, episodes 3, 9, 15, 22, 28).[3] The studio's entry into full animation production came with the OVA series 10 Tokyo Warriors (1999), an action-fantasy adaptation of Taku Ousugi's light novel, where Zexcs handled episodes 1-3 as the primary animation studio.[15] This marked their first major independent project, focusing on supernatural battles in a modern Tokyo setting. Building on this, Zexcs debuted in television animation with Sister Princess (2001 TV series), producing animation and photography for key episodes (1, 4-6, 8, 11-13, 15, 17, 18, 20, 25-26), a harem comedy that introduced their capabilities in character-driven ensemble stories.[16] Early successes like the sequel Sister Princess: Re Pure (2002 TV series), where Zexcs managed animation production and effects for multiple episodes, and the OVA Happy World! (2003), further solidified their presence, emphasizing lighthearted narratives with fantastical elements.[3] By 2004, Zexcs contributed to the fantasy-action series My-HiME as co-producer for episode 16, aiding in the depiction of magical battles and school-life drama that highlighted their growing expertise in dynamic, genre-blending productions.[17] In 2005, the studio provided composite assistance for episode 5 of Speed Grapher, a dark action thriller produced by Gonzo, which showcased Zexcs' technical support in high-stakes visual effects and urban noir storytelling.[18] These projects during the first half-decade helped Zexcs specialize in action and fantasy genres, leveraging subcontracting experience to secure roles in ambitious series despite their nascent status.[3]Growth and recent developments
Following its early subcontracting work, Zexcs expanded its portfolio in the late 2000s with ambitious adaptations that highlighted its growing capacity for genre-spanning projects. A key milestone was the 2009 television series Chrome Shelled Regios, a post-apocalyptic action anime based on Shu Yuki's light novels, which demonstrated the studio's ability to handle complex world-building and mecha elements in a 24-episode run.[19] This project marked a shift toward more prominent lead productions, building on prior experience to attract broader audiences. By the early 2010s, Zexcs further showcased versatility with The Flowers of Evil (2013), an adaptation of Kouta Amano and Shuzo Oshimi's psychological manga that employed innovative rotoscoping techniques to achieve a realistic, unsettling visual style across its 13 episodes.[20] These efforts underscored the studio's evolution from supporting roles to delivering distinctive interpretations of diverse genres, including science fiction and introspective drama. In the 2010s, Zexcs adapted to industry shifts by incorporating digital animation workflows, as evidenced in The Flowers of Evil's use of rotoscoping—a process involving live-action footage tracing for fluid, lifelike motion that aligned with broader digital tool adoption in Japanese anime production.[21] This period also saw exploratory international ties, particularly through its parent company Fun-Media Co., Ltd., which received a minority investment from Chinese platform Bilibili in 2018, facilitating potential cross-border collaborations without altering Zexcs' operational independence.[22] These developments supported sustained output growth, with Zexcs producing over 40 television series by 2025, including high-profile manga adaptations like Backflip!! (2021) and Yotsuiro Biyori (2021).[2] As of 2025, Zexcs remains an active independent studio under Fun-Media, with no major mergers reported, though strengthened parent company ties have enhanced financial sustainability amid industry challenges.[3] The studio continues to secure forward-looking projects, such as the 2026 adaptation of Yuki Suenaga and Takamasa Moue's rakugo-themed manga Akane-banashi, directed by Ayumu Watanabe, signaling ongoing relevance in adapting popular serials. This trajectory reflects Zexcs' adaptation to digital efficiencies and strategic alliances, maintaining a steady production rhythm without compromising its focus on quality genre work.Productions
Television series
Zexcs has been a key player in television anime production since the early 2000s, often serving as the lead animation studio for adaptations of light novels and manga, with a focus on genres like fantasy, romance, and supernatural action. The studio's TV works frequently feature intricate ensemble casts and fluid action choreography, as seen in early entries like Sister Princess and later series such as [Diabolik Lovers](/page/Diabolik Lovers). Their contributions span broadcast networks including AT-X, TV Tokyo, and Tokyo MX, typically in 12- to 26-episode seasons, though some extend longer for ongoing adaptations.[3][2] The following table catalogs Zexcs' television anime productions from 2001 to 2026, grouped by decade, highlighting premiere dates, episode counts, primary networks, and the studio's role (primarily animation production unless noted as co-production). This list emphasizes major titles and excludes direct-to-video or film formats.[3][2]2000s
| Title | Premiere Date | Episodes | Network | Role |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sister Princess | April 2001 | 26 | WOWOW | Animation production |
| D.C. | January 2003 | 26 | TV Tokyo | Animation production |
| Happy World! | July 2003 | 13 | TV Tokyo | Animation production |
| Final Approach | October 2004 | 13 | TV Tokyo | Animation production |
| Canvas 2 | October 2005 | 24 | TV Kanagawa | Animation production |
| Venus Versus Virus | May 2007 | 12 | AT-X | Animation production |
| Kaze no Stigma | April 2007 | 24 | Chiba TV | Animation production |
| Shinkyoku Soukai Polyphonica | April 2007 | 12 | TV Tokyo | Animation production |
| Our Home's Fox Deity. | July 2008 | 24 | TV Tokyo | Animation production |
| Magician's Academy | October 2008 | 12 | TV Tokyo | Animation production |
| Chrome Shelled Regios | January 2009 | 24 | TV Tokyo | Animation production |
| Asu no Yoichi! | January 2009 | 12 | AT-X | Animation production |
| Aoi Hana | July 2009 | 11 | Fuji TV | Animation production |
| Tears to Tiara | April 2009 | 22 | AT-X | Animation production |
2010s
| Title | Premiere Date | Episodes | Network | Role |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Legend of the Legendary Heroes | July 2010 | 24 | MBS | Animation production |
| Omamori Himari | January 2010 | 12 | AT-X | Animation production |
| Ladies versus Butlers! | January 2010 | 12 | AT-X | Animation production |
| Fortune Arterial: Akai Yakusoku | October 2010 | 12 | Chiba TV | Animation production |
| A Dark Rabbit Has Seven Lives | July 2011 | 12 | AT-X | Animation production |
| Itsuka Tenma no Kuro Usagi | July 2011 | 12 | TV Tokyo | Animation production |
| Hagure Yuusha no Estetica | July 2012 | 12 | AT-X | Animation production |
| Suki tte Ii na yo | October 2012 | 13 | Tokyo MX | Animation production |
| Diabolik Lovers | September 2013 | 12 | AT-X | Animation production |
| Cuticle Tantei Inaba | January 2013 | 12 | Tokyo MX | Animation production |
| Mangaka-san to Assistant-san to! | July 2014 | 12 | Tokyo MX | Animation production |
| Lady Jewelpet | April 2014 | 52 | TV Tokyo | Animation production |
| Shōnen Hollywood - Holly Stage for 50 - | April 2014 | 12 | TV Tokyo | Animation production |
| Barakamon | July 2014 | 12 | AT-X | Co-animation production (with Kinema Citrus) |
| Fune wo Amu | October 2016 | 12 | NHK | Animation production |
| Frame Arms Girl | April 2017 | 12 | Tokyo MX | Animation production |
| Yotsuiro Biyori | July 2018 | 12 | Tokyo MX | Animation production |
2020s
| Title | Premiere Date | Episodes | Network | Role |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shadowverse | April 2020 | 48 | TV Tokyo | Animation production |
| Backflip!! | April 2021 | 12 | TV Tokyo | Animation production |
| Shadowverse Flame | April 2022 | 98 | TV Tokyo | Animation production |
| The Great Cleric | July 2023 | 12 | AT-X | Animation production |
| Tatsuki Fujimoto 17-26 | November 2025 | 8 (anthology) | Prime Video (TV adaptation) | Co-animation production (select episodes) |
| Akane-banashi | 2026 (TBD) | TBD | TV Asahi | Animation production (announced) |
Original video animations
Zexcs has produced 12 original video animations between 1999 and 2018, often serving as supplemental content to existing TV series, manga adaptations, or standalone shorts with shorter runtimes typically ranging from 1 to 6 episodes. These OVAs frequently extend narratives, provide side stories, or act as pilots for potential TV adaptations, and many were released in limited formats such as bundled with manga volumes, games, or Blu-ray editions rather than wide broadcast.[3] The studio's OVAs emphasize concise storytelling, with production specifics including collaboration on character designs and animation to fit direct-to-video constraints. Notable among them is the 2013 OVA for Sukitte Ii na yo, which functioned as a pilot episode exploring character dynamics and helped pave the way for the full TV adaptation.[25]| Title | Year | Episodes | Nature and Release Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 Tokyo Warriors | 2000 | 6 | Standalone supernatural action/adventure OVA based on light novels, released directly to video over 1999–2002.[26] |
| Haruka: Beyond the Stream of Time | 2002 | 2 | Supplemental fantasy OVA tied to the visual novel series, released March 2002–January 2003 as direct-to-video episodes. |
| D.C.I.F. Da Capo If | 2008 | 2 | Original short stories extending the Da Capo visual novel universe, released as direct-to-video in 2008.[3] |
| D.C. I&II P.S.P. RE-ANIMATED | 2010 | 2 | Reanimated scenes from the Da Capo games for PSP, bundled with limited editions and released 2010–2011.[3] |
| Itsuka Tenma no Kuro Usagi: Kokoro Utsuri no Toukoubi - School Attendance Day | 2011 | 1 | Side story OVA to the TV series, focusing on a school event, released as direct-to-video in 2011.[27] |
| Fortune Arterial: Akai Yakusoku | 2011 | 1 | Supplemental episode to the TV adaptation, bundled with the limited edition PS3 game port in 2011.[28] |
| Sukitte Ii na yo. Dareka ga | 2013 | 1 | Pilot-like OVA for the romance series, released July 2013 as a direct-to-video special extending character interactions.[25] |
| Mangaka-san to Assistant-san to The Animation Specials | 2014 | 2 | Bonus comedic shorts bundled with Blu-ray/DVD volumes of the TV series, released in 2014.[29] |
| Nozo × Kimi | 2014 | 2 | Standalone romance drama OVA based on manga, released August 2014 with volume 4.[30] |
| Mitsuwano | 2014 | 1 | Yuri-themed short OVA, bundled with the manga volume and released in 2014.[3] |
| Diabolik Lovers OVA | 2015 | 1 | Supplemental horror romance episode tied to the TV series, released as direct-to-video in 2015.[31] |
| Kase-san and Morning Glories | 2018 | 1 | Standalone yuri OVA adapting manga stories, with a limited theatrical screening on June 9, 2018, before home video release.[32] |