Japan’s Yanmar Holdings Co., Ltd. today announced the five animation studios selected to produce its original anime 未ル (Miru): Paths to My Future. The eco-themed sci-fi anthology is produced by Yanmar and is scheduled to be broadcast on Japanese terrestrial TV in April 2025.
The animation studios for each episode are:
- Episode 079: LinQ
- Episode 101: TriF Studio
- Episode 217: SCOOTER FILMS×SHIROGUMI
- Episode 630: REIRS
- Episode 926: LARX×Studio HIBARI
The five-episode series is executive produced by Masuo Ueda (Mobile Suit Gundam III: Encounters in Space) with production support from Skyfall Co., Ltd. and planning cooperation from btrax Japan, LLC.
Synopsis: In the distant future, humans create a robot named MIRU capable of traveling through time, visiting various eras, places, and even parallel worlds. Unlike some robots, MIRU isn’t equipped with weapons. Instead, it helps people overcome immense obstacles peacefully, encouraging new beginnings without violence.
MIRU continuously evolves by interacting with people, learning and growing to assist those struggling to survive. It listens to their problems and offers support. By helping others, MIRU sets off a “Butterfly Effect,” of dramatic change guiding society toward a brighter future.
Why was MIRU created? What is its purpose? Can it save the Earth and humanity from a dystopian future? This anime aims to inspire everyone to believe “the future is in our hands,” and seeks to make a positive impact on the world.
Read on for more details about the episodes…
Episode 079: “Stardust Memory”
Animation Production: LinQ (lin9.co.jp)
“We invite you to join Yoshimura, a debris collection pilot, on his journey through grief as a parent. This story illustrates the Butterfly Effect, demonstrating how even minor factors — such as the presence of space debris — can trigger a devastating chain reaction, leading to the loss of Yoshimura’s daughter, a young space pilot. The story begins ten years after his tragic loss when a promising young pilot becomes his partner. The dynamic between this seasoned veteran and the young pilot sets off an unexpected chain of events. We hope you enjoy the full CGI animation, portraying their determination to avert another tragedy.”
— Ep. director Norio Kashima
Episode 101: “The King of the Forest”
Animation Production: TriF Studio (trifstudio.com)
“Growing up in a rural part of Japan where anime broadcasts were limited, the ‘Yanboh and Marboh Weather Forecast’ was a cherished part of my childhood. In this episode, we explore the story of a young man pursuing his childhood dreams. My heartfelt wish is that his journey becomes ‘a butterfly’s wingbeat,’ inspiring and shaping someone’s future.”
— Ep. director Okamoto
Episode 217: “Londonderry Air”
Production Studio: SCOOTER FILMS×SHIROGUMI (scooterfilms.jp)
“‘Who am I?’ ‘Why have I come to this era?’ These questions guide the journey of MIRU, a robot whose destiny forever changes after an encounter with a young pianist. We invite you to enjoy this unique episode, designed as an intriguing ‘Episode 0.’”
— Ep. director Tomohiro Kawamura
Episode 630: “Re: MIRU”
Animation Production: REIRS (reirs.co.jp)
“During our daily production meetings, the staff exchange ideas about concepts that would visually captivate our audience. Meanwhile, I find myself creating a story about a bleak future. There’s an odd satisfaction in this juxtaposition, and I’m looking forward to the final result.”
— Ep. director Naofumi Mishina
Episode 926: “Wait, I’ll Be There”
Animation Production: LARX×Studio HIBARI (st-hibari.co.jp)
“Greetings, this is Nakashiki, the director of episode 926 of 未ル (Miru). This episode serves as an origin story featuring the energetic girl Airu and the mysterious robotic dog Pochimaru. I hope their journey toward a future full of flowers will leave a lasting impression in your hearts!”
— Ep. director Saori Nakashiki
