In recent years, Toho, a Japanese production and distribution company, has been expanding its involvement in animation. One of its latest acquisitions is Science Saru, a Tokyo-based animation studio known for producing the Netflix series Scott Pilgrim Takes Off.
Founded in 2013 by director Masaaki Yuasa and producer Eunyoung Choi, Science Saru has created a variety of features and series that have garnered critical acclaim. These include Lu Over the Wall, Ride Your Wave, Ping Pong, Space Dandy, and Devilman Crybaby. In 2020, Yuasa stepped down as president, with Choi taking over as president, CEO, and sole owner of the studio.
Science Saru’s upcoming projects include Naoko Yamada’s feature The Colors Within and the Netflix series Dandadan, both set for release later this year. In a statement on the company’s website, Science Saru expressed their excitement about joining the Toho Group and their commitment to further growing their animation production business.
While Science Saru has been successful in its projects so far, it has faced criticism for overworking artists. This is a common issue in the Japanese animation industry where some workers have reported instances of artists working long hours leading to concerns about their well-being. Despite these challenges, Science Saru remains committed to creating high-quality animated content while prioritizing the health and well-being of its employees.
