NAFCA Original Anime 'Hokuto to Kagemaru' Released!

The Japan Anime Film Culture Association (hereinafter 'NAFCA') has completed production and released the original anime 'Hokuto to Kagemaru'. The cast includes Yumiko Kobayashi, Hitomi Nabatame, and Shigeru Chiba.

Viewing URL: https://youtu.be/0noLB9ycsWw

Title screen of 'Hokuto to Kagemaru'

Production of 'Hokuto to Kagemaru' began to explain animation techniques and terminology within the textbook for the Animator Skill Certification conducted by NAFCA. In 2025, a crowdfunding campaign was held to complete the anime, receiving 136% of its target, far exceeding the goal.

Character designers include Yoshihiko Umakoshi ('Ojamajo Doremi', 'My Hero Academia') and Satoshi Koike ('Keroro Gunsō the Super Movie: Creation! Ultimate Keroro, Wonder Space-Time Island!!'). Many other animators active on the front lines of anime production participated, and all animation and finishing were done domestically in Japan.

Main cast members include Yumiko Kobayashi, Hitomi Nabatame, and Shigeru Chiba for narration, creating a visually and audibly impressive work.

Furthermore, intermediate materials related to this anime (layouts, key animation, in-between animation, time sheets, etc.) are produced with the premise of being provided to educational institutions handling the anime field. The hope is to make high-level materials produced by professionals widely available in anime education settings, where securing educational materials is often difficult due to copyright issues.

The textbook for the Animator Skill Certification using materials from this anime, 'Trace/Tap Assignment Certification Grade 6 & 5 Edition', is already on sale and well-received. A sequel aimed at those seeking to acquire professional-level skills applicable in the field is also in active production.

Applications Open for the 4th Anime Certification!

The 4th Animator Skill Certification is scheduled for July 25, 2026, and applications are currently being accepted! Whether you love drawing or are seriously aiming to become an animator, anyone aged 15 or older with a return address in Japan can take the exam. We look forward to your active participation!

Animator Skill Certification Details & Application Site: https://aniken.sikaku.gr.jp/

'Hokuto to Kagemaru'

Viewing URL: https://youtu.be/0noLB9ycsWw

Cast List

Kagemaru: Yumiko Kobayashi

Hokuto: Hitomi Nabatame

Ms. Kōyama: Yūko Kaida

Mr. Kondō: Shunsuke Sakuya

Narration: Shigeru Chiba

Aiko Hanakawa, Saori Terai, Chitoyo Nishimori, Ayano Fukumiya

Main Staff

Character Design: Yoshihiko Umakoshi, Satoshi Koike, Masaru Kitao, Terumi Nishie

Costume Design: NaSka

Director: NAFCA Training Team

Storyboard: Hiroyuki Yamada

Episode Director: Junichi Yamamoto

Color Design: Kunio Tsujita

Art Director: Kazuki Higashiji

Animation Director: Rie Kōyama

Photography Director: Koge

Editor: Aya Hida

2D Graphics: Wataru Kosakabe

Scene Photos 1 & 2: Harmony

About the Japan Anime Film Culture Association (NAFCA)

Established in April 2023. An anime industry organization consisting of anime producers, directors, animators, voice actors, and others. With the slogan 'We want to believe that anime has a future', it tackles industry issues while considering the opinions of both production and creator sides.

Official Website: https://nafca.jp/

Official X Account: https://x.com/NAFCA_official