Mastering the Art of Anime: “Doraemon” & “Summertime Render” Director Ayumu Watanabe Reveals Secrets of Storytelling

Unlocking Anime’s Emotional Core: Ayumu Watanabe Shares Directing Wisdom

A Free Online Seminar with the Visionary Behind “Doraemon” and “Summertime Render”

Animation enthusiasts and aspiring creators are invited to a special online seminar featuring the highly respected animation director, Ayumu Watanabe. Known for his masterful touch in bringing beloved stories to life, Watanabe-sensei will share his unique insights into the art of “Directing Lecture: How to Imbue and Showcase the Soul of Anime” on December 14, 2025, at 14:00 JST.

This free event, organized by the Kochi Anime Creator Sacred Place Project Executive Committee, promises a deep dive into the philosophy and practical application of animation direction. Participants will learn how to craft character emotions that resonate deeply with audiences and discover the techniques for infusing scenes with genuine “soul.” The seminar will also cover effective communication strategies within a creative team, drawing directly from Watanabe-sensei’s extensive experience in the field.

Meet the Maestro: Ayumu Watanabe’s Illustrious Career

Ayumu Watanabe, born in Tokyo on September 3, 1966, began his career at Studio Mates in 1986. He quickly moved to Shin-Ei Animation in 1988, where he contributed to the TV anime “Doraemon” as an animator, animation director, and director. His directorial achievements include the feature film “Doraemon: Nobita’s Dinosaur 2006.”

Since going freelance in 2011, Watanabe-sensei has directed acclaimed TV series such as “Koi wa Ameagari no You ni” (2018) and “Summertime Render” (2022). His filmography also boasts critically celebrated works like “Children of the Sea” (2019), which won the 74th Mainichi Film Awards Animation Film Award and the 23rd Japan Media Arts Festival Animation Division Grand Prize, and “Fortune Favors Lady Nikuko” (2021), which received the 46th Hochi Film Award for Best Animated Film. He is currently developing a new feature film.

For aspiring animators and seasoned professionals alike, this is a rare chance to glean wisdom from a master who truly understands how to bring stories to life with heart.

Seminar Details and Registration

• Lecture Title: Directing Lecture: How to Imbue and Showcase the Soul of Anime

• Date & Time: December 14, 2025 (Sunday), 14:00 JST

• Platform: Live streamed on YouTube (Free to watch)

• Registration: To receive the viewing URL, please register via the entry form:
  https://forms.gle/oYEg7nYD9B6MwExc7

This seminar also serves as an introduction to the Kochi Anime Creator Awards 2026.

Kochi Anime Creator Awards 2026: Discovering New Talent

The Kochi Anime Creator Awards 2026, an initiative by the Kochi Anime Creator Sacred Place Project Executive Committee, is currently seeking entries. This award aims to discover and nurture new animation talent from Kochi, focusing on short animations ranging from 90 seconds to 15 minutes. With a total prize fund of up to 30 million JPY, the awards encourage creators to submit unique works that embody the “soul of anime.”

• Application Period: August 1, 2025 (Friday) – February 16, 2026 (Monday)

• Official Website: For detailed application guidelines and FAQs, please visit the official Kochi Anime Creator Awards website:
  https://www.anikuri.jp/

The Kochi Anime Creator Sacred Place Project: A Regional Vision

The Kochi Anime Creator Sacred Place Project began as a humble dream shared by a small animation studio founded in Kochi and the Kochi Shinkin Bank, which supported its inception. Now in its fourth year since its launch in January 2022, the project has garnered significant support from the anime industry, the Kochi Prefecture Industrial Promotion Plan, and various financial institutions, including Shinkin Central Bank. This collaborative effort has fostered new connections and exchanges centered around anime in Kochi, leading to a steady increase in young people pursuing anime-related careers in the region.

This project, driven by the Kochi Shinkin Bank’s 100th-anniversary initiative and in collaboration with local governments and the Regional Future Foundation, endeavors to address regional challenges by concentrating anime power in Kochi and fostering connections among anime creators. The Regional Future Foundation, inspired by Kochi Shinkin Bank’s Honorary Chairman Masao Yamamoto’s philosophy of “human development, profit creation, and social contribution,” supports public interest projects for the sustainable development of Kochi’s communities.

Stay updated on the Kochi Anime Creator Awards, Kochi Anikuri Festival, and the Kochi Anime Creator Sacred Place Project by following their social media channels:

• X: https://twitter.com/kochi_anikuri

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anicre_kochi/

This initiative not only aims to cultivate local talent but also contributes to the broader landscape of Japanese animation, ensuring a vibrant future for creators and captivating stories for global audiences.