SYNOPSIS
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Through a captivating journey of rare archives and exclusive interviews, Japanimation, 100 Years of Mastery explores the history, the behind-the-scenes and the global impact of Japanese animation — an art form that has become a pillar of worldwide pop culture.
Across four episodes, the series traces the evolution of anime from its origins in the early 20th century to the latest innovations reshaping the industry: from the first animated images of 1917 to the rise of VHS in the 1980s, from the inner workings of Toei Animation, Madhouse, MAPPA and TMS Entertainment, to the cultural legacy that today flows through fashion, cinema and Parisian animation schools such as Les Gobelins.
Featuring portraits of emblematic figures like Rintarō (Captain Harlock, Metropolis, Galaxy Express 999) and Masao Maruyama (co-founder of Madhouse and MAPPA), and interviews with Inoxtag, Brigitte Lecordier and many others, the series reveals a total art form, a legacy in perpetual reinvention, and a creative continent as fascinating as it is unknown.
A documentary series by Colas Tran. Produced by First Frame in association with France Télévisions.
FESTIVAL
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Official Selection Montréal Séries 2026, DocuSeries section.
BROADCAST
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Broadcast in December 2025 on France 4 and france.tv, where the series is available on demand. International distribution: ZED.