The First Ever Anime by Each Major Studio

Studio Pierrot made its anime debut with the adaptation of the 1906 Swedish novel The Wonderful Adventures of Nils by author Selma Lagerlof.

The studio released 52 episodes from January 1980 to March 1981, chronicling the adventures of a 14-year-old mischievous boy named Nils Holgersson.

One fateful day, Nils encounters a Tomte, a mythical creature from Swedish folklore, who magically shrunk him to the size of a thumb as punishment for his cruelty to animals.

Having been left with no choice, Nils joins a flock of migrating wild geese to find a way to return to normal, all the while exploring the wonders of nature.

Combustible Campus Guardress is the first-ever anime released under the official name of Production I.G.

It is an OVA released in 1994, directed by Toshiko Nishikubo and Daisuke Chiba, with four episodes.

The OVA revolves around Tobira High School students fighting to defend the world from evil remnants who aim to reopen the gate where demons can enter and exit as they please. It centers around Jinno Hazumi, Jinno Takumi’s guardian and protector.

On the contrary, Production I.G., as I.G. Tatsunoko, with Tatsunoko Production, first released an adventure and sci-fi anime series called Zillion in 1987.

From 1984–1986, Studio Deen produced episodes for Urusei Yatsura, a rom-com, sci-fi, and fantasy anime series started by Studio Pierrot in 1981.

Studio Deen was responsible for seasons 3–4 of Urusei Yatsura, animating episodes 107–195.

The studio also released three OVA episodes for the same series from 1985–1987. In addition, Studio Deen also animated the Urusei Yatsura 3: Remember My Love film, released in 1985.

Urusei Yatsura centers around the misadventures of the lecherous and unlucky high school student named Ataru Moroboshi and the mischievous but beautiful alien princess named Lum.

Before Toei Animation released its first theatrical film entitled The White Snake Enchantress (Hakujaden, Legend of the White Serpent) in 1958, the studio produced an animated short called Kitty’s Graffiti in 1957.

Kitty’s Grafitti (Koneko no Rakugaki) is a black-and-white anime with no dialogue where a cat chases a mouse, like the popular children’s cartoon Tom and Jerry, but executed in a different way.

Founded in 2012 as a subsidiary of Production I.G., Wit Studio gained widespread recognition with its debut anime series, Attack on Titan, changing the landscape of Japanese animation.

The series quickly became a global phenomenon, putting Wit Studio in the spotlight and making it a powerhouse in the animation industry.

Wit Studio’s Attack on Titan adaptation is celebrated for its intense action sequences, intricate world-building, and complex characters.

Hiwou War Chronicles, also known as Karakuri Amazing Legend Hiwou War Chronicles, is the first-ever anime series produced by Studio Bones. It ran from October 2000 until May 2001, releasing 26 episodes on NHK BS-2.

The anime is set in the Meiji period of Japan, when the residents enjoyed their lives making clockwork dolls (karakuri) for festivals.

A young boy named Hiwou, along with his siblings and friends, embark on a quest to save the town from the notorious Wind Gang that antagonizes the town and its people.

Before Chainsaw Man and Jujutsu Kaisen, MAPPA’s first anime production was Kids on the Slope, otherwise known as Sakamichi no Apollon, released in 2012 and co-produced with Tezuka Production.

Kids on the Slope is a coming-of-age, romance, and slice-of-life anime praised for its raw and realistic portrayal of teenage life, jazz performances, and compelling characters.

It serves as the first stage for MAPPA to showcase its talent for animation and storytelling.

The anime follows Kaoru Nishimi, who transfers to a new town and school following his father’s relocation. His life takes an unexpected turn when he encounters the rebellious and passionate drummer, Sentarou Kawabuchi.

No, Ufotable did not start with Demon Slayer or Fate/Zero. Instead, Ufotable’s earliest anime work is Weiß Kreuz Glühen with 13 episodes released from 2002–2003.

The anime is set at Koua Academy, where the main characters began investigating a series of strange suicides. New characters like Sena Izumi and Kyou Aguri are also introduced in the sequel.

Noticeably, the animation quality for the sequel is far higher than its predecessors, thanks to Ufotable’s efforts.

CloverWorks literally had a slow start with their first ever anime series, Slow Start.

It is a 12-episode comedy and slice-of-life anime based on the Japanese four-panel manga series of the same name by Yuiko Tokumi, which ran from January to March 2018.

Slow Start’s story begins with a shy and modest girl named Hana Ichinose. She decides to move to her cousin’s apartment building after catching mumps and missing a year in school.

Hana is worried about attending Hoshio Private Academy, where she doesn’t know anyone.

Will Hana be able to make new friends and experience a good school life?

Aim for the Ace! is a romance and sports anime series based on the manga series of the same name by Sumika Yamamoto.

Madhouse co-animated Aim for the Ace! with Tokyo Movie from 1973–1974, releasing 26 episodes in the process.

The anime centers around Hiromi Oka, who wants to become good at playing tennis after an older girl called Madame Butterfly inspired her.

Along the way, Hiromi falls in love with another tennis player named Takayuki Todo, making her life even more complicated.