Kadokawa announced that the anime series Gamera -Rebirth- will debut globally on Netflix on September 7. The series, produced by Studio ENGI, marks the first anime project of the Gamera franchise. It will feature six episodes, all premiering simultaneously.
The anime series introduces a novel storyline featuring Gamera, the iconic giant monster adored by Kaiju fans. Alongside the announcement, the series’ second main trailer with new footage, was presented during a dedicated panel at San Diego Comic-Con 2023.
The second main trailer sheds spotlights on the five Kaiju with Viras being the latest reveal. It also debuted the main theme song, “Natsuake”, performed by Japanese punk-rock band Wanima, who will also deliver the ending theme song titled “FLY & DIVE”.
In addition to the upcoming series, Kadokawa also announced the release of the original novel Gamera -Rebirth- (Part 1) scheduled for August 24, 2023. The novel was jointly penned by Hiroyuki Seshita and Jin, known for his work on the ‘Kagerou Project’ among others. The book is designed to supplement the anime by providing additional episodes and monster settings. Kadokawa further plans to publish a second part of the novel this winter.
Also in the works is a spin-off manga, depicting a world from 100,000 years prior to the events of Gamera -Rebirth-. With Hiroyuki Seshita supervising, the manga will begin serialization on the webcomic site Young Ace UP in the fall of 2023, with the inaugural issue set to release on September 8.
▍Gamera -Rebirth- Anime Main Trailer
▍Gamera -Rebirth- Synopsis
The summer of 1989 marked the last summer vacation for sixth graders Boko, Joe, and Junichi as elementary school students. The sudden appearance of Brody, the son of a U.S. military commander, disrupts their peace when he steals their saved money. As they plot their revenge, the kaiju Gyaos suddenly attack Tokyo. Petrified, a massive kaiju named Gamera emerges to combat Gyaos. As the boys witness this legendary battle, they begin their Summer of Kaiju, witnessing the bravery of Gamera as it battles multiple kaiju despite its wounds.
▍Gamera -Rebirth- Anime Staff & Production
Original Concept: Kadokawa
Director: Hiroyuki Seshita
Assistant Director: Keisuke Ide
Head Writers: Kenta Ihara, Hiroshi Seko, Hiroyuki Seshita
Script: Kenta Ihara, Hiroshi Seko, Tetsuya Yamada, Hiroyuki Seshita
Character Design: Atsushi Tamura
Kaiju Designer: Kan Takahama
Production Designers: Naoya Tanaka, Ferdinando Patulli
Mechanical Designer: Takehiko Hoashi
Modeling Director/Lighting Director: Mitsunori Kataama
Director: Yuichi Ishima
CG Supervisors: Shōtarō Hori, Takayuki Takayuki Sasada, Paulo Motoki
Rigging Supervisor: Yohei Sunamura
Environment Supervisor: Hazuki Nakamura
Animation Director: Kōji
Animation Supervisor: Kazuhiro Higa, Kōji, Masafumi Sekine
Effects Supervisor: Naoya Miyadai
Technical Supervisor: Satoshi Hokari
Editor: Fumi Hida
Sound Director: Yoshikazu Iwanami
Music: Shūji Katayama
Line Producer: Kyōhei Matsukuma
Producer: Tetsu Iijima
Animation Production: ENGI
Production Committee: GAMERA Rebirth Production Committee
▍Gamera -Rebirth- Anime Cast
■ Boko – CV: Hisako Kanemoto
■ Joe – CV: Yoshitsugu Matsuoka
■ Junichi – CV: Aki Toyosaki
■ Brody – CV: Subaru Kimura
■ Tazaki – CV: Mamoru Miyano
■ Emiko – CV: Saori Hayami