Wit Studio president George Wada wants Japan to establish its own major anime awards event that evaluates the medium from the perspective of the people who actually make it. In a recent interview with io9, Wada explained that the goal would be to recognize production craft and creators in a way comparable to how the Academy Awards celebrate filmmaking.
The proposal comes as Wit Studio continues expanding its international presence through major projects such as The One Piece remake and the upcoming original series Lona. Wada also discussed the changing anime industry, staff protection, artificial intelligence, and the studio’s ambitions for its next generation of creators.
George Wada Wants Japanese Anime Production to Receive Greater Recognition
Wada said his interest in an industry-led Japanese anime awards show comes from a desire to properly recognize the people working behind the scenes. According to the Wit Studio president, Japan needs a platform that can evaluate
“on-the-ground creators and production craft from an industry-insider perspective.”
He compared the idea to the Academy Awards, arguing that such recognition could increase the pride and standing of anime professionals while helping encourage new talent. Wada also revealed that Tokyo Anime Next, scheduled for October 30 through November 2, 2026, is being positioned as a launch project for a larger international anime event planned for 2027.
The comments came from Wada’s email interview with io9, where he discussed Wit Studio’s future and broader challenges facing Japanese animation.
Beyond awards, Wada believes the industry is changing rapidly, particularly as anime increasingly targets global audiences. He observed a trend toward content becoming
“more intense, more stimulating, expressed in shorter footage,”
although he said Wit Studio intends to maintain its focus on universal values and strong drama.
That philosophy will also influence Lona, an upcoming original project being developed by younger Wit Studio staff. Wada highlighted the phrase “a straight beam of light” as an important idea behind the series, describing it as a guide through a world overwhelmed by information and anxiety.
Wada also addressed artificial intelligence, saying Wit Studio currently takes a cautious approach because copyright protection and the originality of artwork come first. He emphasized that human sensitivity and handcrafted expression remain central to the studio’s productions.
Meanwhile, The One Piece represents another major challenge for Wit Studio. Wada said revisiting Eiichiro Oda’s original material revealed how much foreshadowing and character history had already been embedded in the opening chapter. Rebuilding that detailed world using contemporary animation techniques, he explained, is both the studio’s biggest obstacle and an opportunity for an ambitious creative challenge.
