When Toei Animation’s critically acclaimed short film Amedama became the studio’s first-ever nominee for the Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film at the 97th Oscars, it marked a historic milestone.
Though the film ultimately fell short of claiming the statue, losing to the Iranian short In the Shadow of Cedars, producer Tengu Washio reclaimed the spotlight upon his return to Japan, revealing bold plans to build on this global recognition.
Amedama: A Journey from Korean Picture Book to International Stage
Adapted from the heartfelt children’s book by Korean author Hina Park, Amedama recounts the story of a girl’s emotional bond with a raindrop that visits her through a window. Directed by Suuichi Nishio (Dragon Ball Z, Pretty Cure), the fully CG-animated short blends stop-motion aesthetics with delicate storytelling, earning accolades at festivals like the New York International Children’s Film Festival and the Zlin International Film Festival for Children and Youth, where it won multiple awards. The film’s nomination alongside powerhouse studios was a watershed moment for Toei Animation, known for franchises like Sailor Moon and Inuyasha.
“We were aware of the high bar,
Washio said in a press conference at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport.
“Yet being acknowledged at the Oscars validates our leap into a different creative direction.”
“This Is Just the Start”
Washio, dubbed the “Godfather of Pretty Cure” for his work on the series, described the Oscar race as a “golden opportunity” to showcase Toei’s versatility, he revealed,
“Our aim isn’t just awards—it’s about embedding ourselves in the global animation ecosystem. I met numerous collaborators in Los Angeles, and the interest in future projects was overwhelming”
The producer emphasized Toei’s strategy to merge its decades-long expertise with fresh narratives and international partnerships. Collaborations with studios like Seoul Animation Center, notably for Amedama,highlight this shift. He stated,
“Next, we want to produce works that resonate universally, not just in Asia”
Learning From the Oscars Shortlist
Washio credited the film’s style, a labor-intensive combination of CG and stop-motion textures as key to its global appeal.
“The story’s simplicity and emotional depth are universal. We focused on crafting a visual language that felt both intimate and timeless,”
He said, praising director Nishio’s ability to balance subtlety with action. Yet the producer acknowledged room for growth,
“We need to refine our approach to resonate even more deeply with Western audiences. This is our trial run.”
Toei’s Legacy and Future Challenges
Washio also stressed the importance of nurturing the next generation of animators. He remarked.
“We’re not just storytellers; we’re custodians of a legacy. Engaging young audiences globally means creating stories that feel new yet timeless”
Amedama’s limited theatrical release in Japan continues, with screenings in Tokyo and Fukuoka. Washio hinted at undisclosed projects set to debut in 2026, stating,
“We’ll challenge the boundaries of animation again—but this time, we aim to redefine them.”
As Toei Animation steps further into the international spotlight, the Oscar-nominated Amedama stands as proof that tradition and innovation can coexist, an ethos that may just propel the studio to its first Oscar win in the near future.
