Yanmar, a global industrial equipment company founded in Osaka, is expanding into the animation biz, making its introductions at Anime Expo 2023 (AX2023) from July 1 to 4, at the Los Angeles Convention Center. Yanmar will present 未ル(Miru), which the company describes as “an exciting tale where the main character embarks on an epic adventure in a world where robots coexist, while nature faces a looming threat.” The anime features a robot character based an original concept by Yanmar’s own designers.
At Yanmar’s booth, located in the entrance area oat AX2023, attendees will find a giant model of the heroic robot. The company will also host a panel discussion led by Chief Branding Officer Akihiro Nagaya, introduced by Miru co-producer btrax’s CEO Brandon K. Hill and a live drawing demonstration by director, art director and artist YKBX. The panel is scheduled for Monday, July 3 from 10-11:30 a.m. in LACC Room 511.
“With Miru, we aim to inspire viewers and illustrate the profound connection between humans, machines and nature,” said Nagaya. “Miru is a testament to Yanmar’s commitment to realizing prosperous and exciting lifestyles in harmony with nature.” Founded in 1912, the industrial machinery outfit is refocusing on leveraging technology to provide solutions to diverse areas such as food production, energy, urban development and entertainment.
Synopsis: A story of the main character’s efforts to change the future by joining forces with her friends as she grows up while interacting with robots.
Miru explores the theme of “confrontation and harmony between humans and nature” in the context of a global movement towards a sustainable society. The title “未ル” combines the character for “future” (Mi) with the Japanese character “Ru” to indicate positive action and initiative in creating the future.
“Anime is a medium that allows us to combine immersive storytelling and world-building with the future as envisioned by Yanmar. The interactions between humans and machines, the coexistence of humans and nature, and the story of the protagonist challenging themselves and growing by believing in their own potential are all rooted in Yanmar’s values of HANASAKA and the underlying excitement (WAKUWAKU). The fictional world of anime and the real world in which we exist influence each other to create a unified worldview. Through anime, we aim to accomplish this ambitious endeavor.” notes Nagaya.
“We hope that the excitement (WAKUWAKU) generated by Yanmar will resonate with everyone who watches the anime, becoming a powerful catalyst for realizing a more prosperous society.”
Due to premiere in 2024, Miru is created and produced by Yanmar Holdings Co., Ltd. in cooperation with btrax Japan LLC, directed by YKBX from a scenario written by Shigeru Morita of Studio Nue. Yanmar’s in-house Design Office was responsible for the original concept for the robot character’s look. Based on the belief that robots exist for the sake of humans, the design juxtaposes an appealing, humanizing organic form and a strong, functional component. Miru is a development of “YANMAR Project Socius,” announced last fall.
YKBX is a director and producer, as well as an art director, illustrator and artist. Among YKBX’s many acclaimed and award-winning works, they served as the visual director, director and video director for the Hatsune Miku Vocaloid opera THE END, which was performed to global audiences.
A concept teaser for Miru will be unveiled timed to AX2023. Learn more and follow the project’s progress at miru-anime.com.
