Gunma-Based CG Feature Film 'DAWN STORY' Nears Completion: Second Crowdfunding Campaign Launched for Final Chapter Production

Genz Inc. has launched the second crowdfunding campaign for the final chapter of 'DAWN STORY: Virtual Gunma Chapter,' a full-CG film originating from Gunma Prefecture.

'DAWN STORY: Virtual Gunma Chapter' is an independently produced CG film set in 'Metagunma Empire,' a digital world inspired by Gunma Prefecture, depicting characters fighting to save humanity.

The first crowdfunding campaign, conducted during the early production phase, achieved 188% of its target amount. With substantial support, the team has continued production and released Chapters 0 to the first half of Chapter 4 on YouTube.

Image of Metagunma Empire modeled after Jomo Karuta

This crowdfunding campaign aims to complete the final chapter currently in production and bring the first installment of 'DAWN STORY' to a full conclusion as a single work.

Individual supporters can choose the 'End Credit Name Listing Plan,' while corporations, stores, and organizations can opt for the 'End Credit Company Logo Listing Plan.' This initiative seeks to deliver the Gunma-born CG film to completion with the collective support of all who have cheered for the project.

About This Crowdfunding Campaign

'DAWN STORY: Virtual Gunma Chapter' has previously released multiple chapters on platforms like YouTube. The story is now approaching its final chapter, and this second crowdfunding campaign will raise funds for production costs, advertising, promotional expenses, and preparations for public release.

Main Visual for DAWN STORY: Virtual Gunma Chapter

The theme of this campaign is: 'Please help us complete this story together.'

We aim to deliver the first full-length CG film from Gunma to completion alongside everyone who has supported us—individuals, businesses, stores, and organizations within Gunma Prefecture.

Additionally, the latest episode, 'Chapter 4 Part 2,' is scheduled for release on July 18 during the crowdfunding period.

As the story nears its conclusion, we hope more people will discover the work and witness its final chapter. This desire is the driving force behind our current challenge.

Chapter 4 Part 2 Teaser Visual

About 'DAWN STORY'

In a future where the 'Human Conversion Project' temporarily digitizes humanity to restore Earth's environment,

the plan collapses due to AI malfunction, leaving many people stranded in a digital world.

The protagonists, who avoided digitization, enter the digital world from reality to rescue humanity trapped within, battling rogue AIs and destructive AIs in their quest for 'Human Recovery.'

In the first installment, the 'Virtual Gunma Chapter,' one of many virtual worlds, 'Metagunma Empire,' faces a dire threat.

This Gunma-originated CG film reconstructs Gunma's landscapes as a digital world, portraying them as battlefields in a sci-fi action narrative.

Visual Representation of Gunma's Locations as a Digital World

'DAWN STORY: Virtual Gunma Chapter' digitally reconstructs various locations across Gunma Prefecture, including the Gunma Prefectural Office and areas around Takasaki Station, using CG imagery.

Real-world streets and facilities appear in the story as battle stages and narrative settings within the digital world 'Metagunma.'

Additionally, some scenes evoke the atmosphere of 'Kapapia,' an amusement park once located in Takasaki City and beloved by many Gunma residents.

Nostalgic scenery for locals...

The interplay between existing Gunma landscapes and memories of now-vanished places is a defining feature of this work.

Even in already-released chapters, characters battle on stages inspired by various locations across Gunma, with numerous elements designed to be especially enjoyable for those familiar with the region.

Gunma Prefecture Locations in the Digital World

Production Background

The original story of 'DAWN STORY' is a sci-fi novel written since the age of 15 by Genya Ishikawa (GEN), the company's representative. As an adult caught up in work, the story remained dormant in a drawer for years.

The turning point came in 2021 during a business crisis. Facing operational difficulties, Ishikawa revisited his novel and discovered the 3DCG production software 'Blender.' Believing 'I could turn this story into visuals with this,' he began self-teaching CG production. Within just three months, he started creating prototype footage, which later became the foundation of Genz Inc.'s CG business.

With no prior experience as a film director or formal training, Ishikawa gradually transformed his vision into visual form.

Action scenes are created based on Ishikawa's own physical performances. He trained at 'Action Academy HEROⅡ,' an action school based in Gunma Prefecture, receiving instruction in stage combat and action choreography, personally performing sword swings and fight sequences. These movements were recorded and applied to animate the CG characters.

Top: CG Production Screen — Bottom: Live-Action Reference

The completed work features the digital world 'Metagunma Empire,' inspired by Gunma Prefecture, with familiar real-world locations such as Takasaki Station, Ikaho Onsen, Shorinzan, and the Gunma Prefectural Office appearing throughout.

To date, 'DAWN STORY' has released content from Chapter 0 to the first half of Chapter 4 on its official YouTube channel.

The project is currently being developed with the goal of completing Chapter 5 (the final chapter) and screening it in theaters within Gunma Prefecture by 2026.

Comparison: Live-Action (Top) vs. CG Recreation (Bottom)

Reward Featuring Names in End Credits

This crowdfunding campaign offers a reward where supporters' names will be listed in the film's end credits.

For individuals, the 'End Credit Name Listing Plan' starts at 3,000 yen.

For corporations, stores, and organizations, the 'End Credit Company Name Listing Plan' starts at 30,000 yen.

We aim to complete this Gunma-born CG film together with local residents, businesses, stores, and organizations, preserving their names of support in the film's ending.

Various Rewards

Upcoming Schedule

- July 18, 2026: Release of Chapter 4 Part 2 - July 24, 2026: Conclusion of the second crowdfunding campaign

- 2026: Target completion of Chapter 5 (final chapter) and theater screening within Gunma Prefecture

Crowdfunding Overview

Project Name: Second Crowdfunding Campaign for the Final Chapter Production of 'DAWN STORY,' a Gunma-Originated CG Feature Film Start Date: June 20, 2026 Purpose: Production and promotional activities for the final chapter and completion of the first installment Main Rewards: End credit name listing, end credit company name/logo listing, screening tickets, and more Individual Plans: From 1,000 yen Corporate/Organization Plans: From 30,000 yen Crowdfunding URL: https://camp-fire.jp/projects/943644/view

Director's Comment

'I've always wanted to fight in my neighborhood.'

I've thought that since I was a child.

I grew up in Gunma and have spent most of my life here.