Comic Republic partners Japan on new animation

Megumi Okawa

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Comic Republic’s animation studio, CR Motion Plus, is joining forces with the Japan External Trade Organisation, Arc and Beyond, and production manager, Megumi Okawa, under the codename, The TAIDO Project, to create an animated feature film based on the acclaimed Nigerian graphic novel, Trials of the Spear.

The story follows Dayo Darawu, an outcast who must face ancestral trials while defending his people. Rooted in Nigerian mythology and set against the vibrant backdrop of Lagos, the narrative is celebrated for its cultural depth, emotional storytelling, and cinematic action sequences. Now, it will be reimagined through the precision and artistry of Japanese anime.

Jide Martin, CEO of Comic Republic and Executive Producer of the film, said, “There is immense passion for anime across Africa. This partnership allows our creators to learn from world-class Japanese animators while bringing African stories to a global audience. It marks a major milestone for African animation.”

Under Okawa’s direction and production leadership, the adaptation seeks to fuse African narrative richness with Japanese technical mastery, aiming for a global release in 2026. The collaboration will also facilitate skills exchange, capacity building, and cross-industry partnerships, creating jobs and championing a visual style that proudly reflects African identity.

Miyuki Kitabatake, TAIDO Project Lead at Arc and Beyond, added, “When I first encountered CR Motion Plus’ work, I was deeply moved. TAIDO aims to connect Africa’s extraordinary talent with Japan’s decades of animation experience to pioneer visual expressions the world has never seen.”

JETRO Lagos Deputy Trade Commissioner, Hokuto Shibata, highlighted the broader potential, stating, “Nigeria continues to captivate the world as a creative hub. We see this partnership as a stepping stone to deeper cooperation between Japan and Nigeria.”

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