Why did Masaaki Yuasa name his animation studio Science Saru? It is more than just a quirky name. It embodies the studio’s unique philosophy. Right here, we are standing in front of Science Saru, a studio that has redefined Japanese animation.
Science Saru is located in Kichijoji, Musashino, Tokyo. It was established on February 4, 2013. The founders were Eunyoung Choi and Masaaki Yuasa.
Yuasa often drew himself as a monkey. He wanted his company to be smarter than a monkey. So he added “Science” to “Saru”. Saru means monkey in Japanese. The name Science Saru represents both instinct and intelligence.
Eunyoung Choi explained further. Science represents logic, business and technology. Saru represents creativity and intuition. Science Saru aims to balance these qualities. The name is international yet maintains traditional anime roots.
Science Saru’s journey began with humble origins. Choi proposed the studio during the making of Kick-Heart. Kick-Heart was a crowdfunded animated project. The studio’s first official production was an episode of Adventure Time. It was titled “Food Chain”. Yuasa directed it. Choi co-directed.
Initially Science Saru operated from a converted suburban house. The staff consisted of five people. They included Yuasa, Choi and Abel Góngora. Despite the small crew, they created remarkable productions.
In its early years, Science Saru took on subcontracting work. They collaborated with other studios. Their work on “Food Chain” earned critical acclaim. Science Saru also provided animation for Ping Pong the Animation.
By 2016 Science Saru was ready for larger projects. They produced their first feature film Lu Over the Wall. It was completed in less than 16 months. Yuasa directed and co-wrote the film. During production, they were offered a second film. It was Night Is Short Walk On Girl. Yuasa had wanted to adapt it earlier.
Both Lu Over the Wall and Night Is Short Walk On Girl were critically acclaimed. Lu Over the Wall won the Annecy Cristal du long métrage. Night Is Short Walk On Girl won the Japan Academy Film Prize.
2018 marked Science Saru’s international breakthrough. Netflix released Devilman Crybaby. The series became a global hit. It expanded Science Saru’s production capacity. Ninety percent of viewers were outside Japan. The series won Anime of the Year at the Crunchyroll Anime Awards.
In 2019 Science Saru produced Ride Your Wave. It earned the studio’s best reviews. Also in 2019 Science Saru produced Super Shiro. In 2020 Science Saru produced Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken. Yuasa directed it. The series won the Japan Media Arts Festival Grand Prize.
In 2020 Yuasa stepped down as president. Eunyoung Choi became CEO. She affirmed Yuasa’s continued involvement. In October 2020 Science Saru partnered with Netflix.
Science Saru uses a unique animation style. It combines hand-drawn and digital animation. This method allows for efficiency and artistic vision. The studio also employs a multicultural staff.
In May 2024 Toho acquired all of Science Saru’s shares. Science Saru became a subsidiary.
Science Saru’s story is one of creativity and innovation. From humble beginnings to international recognition, Science Saru has left an indelible mark on the world of animation.