Kasagi Labo Unveils New Ninja Scroll Project, Living in a World Without Magic Feature
Singapore-based anime venture studio Kasagi Labo announced multiple projects during its MIFA presentation at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival on June 24. The company unveiled a new film connected to the Ninja Scroll franchise, with Masao Maruyama, producer of the original 1993 film and co-founder of Madhouse and MAPPA, serving as special creative advisor. Kasagi Labo also announced a theatrical feature adaptation of the viral YouTube short Living in a World Without Magic, which has amassed over six million views. The screenplay is by Michiko Yokote, known for Cowboy Bebop, Bleach, and Shirobako. Two additional projects were revealed: Casshan 2045, a reimagining of Tatsunoko Production's 1973 classic with character designs by Final Fantasy artist Yoshitaka Amano, and Ars Gratia, an original sci-fi feature from director Ilya Kuvshinov developed with Good Smile Company and Liden Films. The company also provided production updates on its feature GATE 2 and the original sci-fi series Special Kid Factory, from talent behind ID: Invaded. Kasagi Labo is using its AnimeOshi platform to gather fan feedback and crowdfunding through an 'Open Pitch' model, which it presented as an alternative to the traditional production committee system.