One of Japan’s oldest working animation studios, Nippon Animation, has announced a partnership with effects company Shirogumi to produce a new toon take on the Arabian Nights tales of Sinbad the Sailor. Shirogumi was behind last year’s hit CG flick Stand By Me Doraemon. Nippon notably produces popular franchise series Chibi Maruko-chan, Rascal and Penelope.
The title directly translates as Sinbad: The Sky Flying Princess and the Secret Island and the July release will follow the adventures of Sinbad the Sailor and his monkey pal Mimi after they encounter a girl named Sana who flies through the air on a wooden horse. The premiere will coincide with Nippon Animation’s 40th anniversary, according to Variety’s Japan correspondent.
Sinbad is directed by Shinpei Miyashita, best known for his work on the perennial favorites Doraemon and Chibi Maruko-chan. Studio Ghibli veteran Yoshiharu Sato will serve as animation supervisor.
