Founded in May 1979 Studio Pierrot Co., Ltd. stands as a pillar of Japanese animation. It began with Yuji Nunokawa. He was an animator and director at Tatsunoko Production. Studio Pierrot’s headquarters are in Mitaka Tokyo.
Studio Pierrot initially operated under the name Studio Pierrot Co., Ltd. In 2002 it changed to Pierrot Co., Ltd. The studio quickly gained fame. It is known for globally popular anime series. Naruto is one such series. Bleach another. Tokyo Ghoul and Yu Yu Hakusho also belong to this list. Black Clover Boruto Ghost Stories Great Teacher Onizuka and Gensomaden Saiyuki add to its fame.
Yu Yu Hakusho won the Animage Anime Grand Prix Award in 1994. Saiyuki also won this award in 2000. These accolades highlight Studio Pierrot’s impact.
Yuji Nunokawa Hisayuki Toriumi Mitsuo Kaminashi and Masami Annou founded Studio Pierrot. Before its creation these animators worked at Tatsunoko Production and Mushi Production. Nunokawa was the studio’s first president and CEO. He held this role until 2012.
In 2012 Nunokawa retired. He became chairman of the board. Michiyuki Honma then became president. Honma had been the senior managing director. Nunokawa remained chairman until he passed away in 2022. In July 2024 Honma also retired. Kazumichi Ueda succeeded him as CEO and president. He had been Pierrot’s director of sales. Keiro Itsumi was promoted. He became the second president. The company adopted a dual representative structure.
Studio Pierrot includes several divisions. Pierrot D.A.R. specializes in digital animation. This includes digital painting and CG effects. Pierrot Design Room focuses on 2D graphic design. They design title logos and typography. Pierrot Animation Room handles key animation. This division brings characters to life. Pierrot Films launched in July 2024. Its motto is creating animation that deeply moves the heart.
Many TV series have been produced by Studio Pierrot. The Wonderful Adventures of Nils aired from 1980 to 1981. It was adapted from Selma Lagerlöf’s novel. Miss Machiko aired from 1981 to 1983. It was based on Takeshi Ebihara’s manga. Urusei Yatsura ran from 1981 to 1986. It adapted Rumiko Takahashi’s manga.
Esteban Child of the Sun aired from 1982 to 1983. It was co-produced with DIC. Mrs. Pepper Pot aired from 1983 to 1984. Creamy Mami the Magic Angel aired from 1983 to 1984. Persia the Magic Fairy aired from 1984 to 1985. Star Musketeer Bismark aired from 1984 to 1985.
Magical Emi the Magic Star aired from 1985 to 1986. Ninja Robot Tobikage aired from 1985 to 1986. Pastel Yumi the Magic Idol aired from 1986 to 1987. Anmitsu Hime aired from 1986 to 1987. Ganbare Kickers aired from 1986 to 1987. Kimagure Orange Road aired from 1987 to 1988. Osomatsu-kun aired from 1988 to 1989. Magical Hat aired from 1989 to 1990.
Studio Pierrot continues to create engaging animation. It evolves with entertainment trends. The studio partners with global studios. They deliver world-class animation. Its character licensing extends to apparel and lifestyle products. Marketing and promotion ensure maximum exposure. Studio Pierrot remains a leading animation company.