Press Release by Toei Animation
TOKYO, (February 8, 2012) – Toei Animation is celebrating the 25th year of its perennial series, Saint Seiya, by introducing a brand new television series to global buyers this spring. The announcement was made by Goh Wakabayashi, producer for Toei Animation.
Saint Seiya, one of Japan’s most popular and longest running anime series, has captivated audiences for over twenty years with its epic storylines, intense action and dazzling imagery. Based on the popular manga by Masami Kurumada, which was serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump magazine from 1985, Saint Seiya is a timeless masterpiece following the adventures of a group of youths clad in “Cloth,” a mystical armor.
Saint Seiya Ω(Omega) is the first time a new series has been produced since 2008’s The Hades Chapter. Along with the new series, Toei Animation is developing a CGI animated film based on the property. Together, these new projects will be known collectively as the “Masami Kurumada Project,” in honor of Saint Seiya’s original creator.
“For 25 years, Saint Seiya has captured the hearts of children across the world and we are proud to continue the series with this exciting new chapter,” said Wakabayashi. “Our talented team of writers and animators has crafted a vibrant and memorable world that will last well beyond the 25 years we have already achieved.”
About Toei Animation Co., Ltd.
With headquarters in Tokyo and sales offices in Paris, Los Angeles, Hong Kong and Shanghai, Toei Animation (Jasdaq: 4816) ranks amongst the world’s most prolific animation production studios. Toei Animation’s operations include animation development and production, and worldwide marketing and program licensing. Since it’s founding in 1956, Toei Animation has produced more than 10,000 episodes of TV series (more than 200 titles) and more than 200 long feature films as of January, 2010.