Netflix and Kyoto Animation Announce Ambitious Steampunk Anime Project
The streaming giant makes waves by joining forces with one of Japan’s most respected animation studios. This unprecedented collaboration promises an immersive journey into a retrofuturistic Japan ruled by steam, where two broken souls set out in pursuit of electricity.
Netflix keeps leveling up its anime lineup, and this time, it’s thinking big. Hot on the heels of its Leviathan adaptation from Scott Westerfeld, the platform has announced a brand-new Japanese animated series steeped in a steampunk atmosphere: Sparks of Tomorrow. What truly sets this project apart is the studio at the helm: Kyoto Animation—legendary KyoAni, creators of unforgettable gems like Clannad, K-On!, and Violet Evergarden.
Image credit: Kyoto Animation
A steam-powered alternate Kyoto
The story of Sparks of Tomorrow transports us to the early 20th century, into a reimagined Kyoto where steam energy reigns supreme. This steampunk vision of imperial Japan sets the stage for a moving and ambitious tale. At its heart is Kihachi Sakamoto, a young boy haunted by loss. He’s mourning his brother and the dreams they once shared of an electric future—the longed-for “Age of Electricity” that, for Kihachi, represents a brighter, better world.
That’s when he crosses paths with Inako Momokawa, a fiercely dedicated girl who also carries the weight of regrets tied to her late mother. Their meeting is no accident: together, they’ll delve into the mysteries of the 20th Century Electric Catalogue, an enigmatic book that offers a glimpse of the future they both yearn for. But before they can chase that radiant tomorrow, these two protagonists must first confront the ghosts of their past.
A top-tier creative team
Sparks of Tomorrow draws inspiration from the light novel “20 Seiki Denki Mokuroku” by Hiro Yuki, published by KA Esuma Bunko/Kyoto Animation. Directing the project is Minoru Ota, known for his work on City the Animation. The creative team also features:
- Tatsuhiko Urahata as series composer
- Kohei Okamura as character designer and chief animation director
- Takaaki Suzuki overseeing the construction of this fascinating steampunk world
- Hitomi Koto composing the original soundtrack
On the voice cast, Yuma Uchida brings Kihachi Sakamoto to life, while Sora Amamiya voices Inako Momokawa.
KyoAni: a studio apart
Kyoto Animation’s golden reputation in the anime world is well earned. The studio stands out for two key reasons: its exceptional production quality and its exemplary treatment of employees—a rare combination in the Japanese industry. Unlike most studios, KyoAni boldly employs its animators full-time, rather than relying on the widespread freelance system.
This approach allows creators to focus on artistic quality instead of chasing unrealistic quotas. The studio also trains its animators in-house—a practice even Hiroya Hasegawa, vice president of MAPPA, has pledged to adopt. This philosophy is why every KyoAni production shines with meticulous detail and fluid animation that captivates fans worldwide.
Netflix doubles down on anime
The streaming platform is investing heavily in Japanese animation, now considered one of its most profitable content categories. After announcing a full-time partnership with MAPPA, Netflix’s collaboration with a studio as esteemed as Kyoto Animation is fantastic news for anime fans. Especially since Sparks of Tomorrow is billed as “a new frontier” for the studio, hinting at an ambitious, innovative work that could mark a turning point in KyoAni’s legacy.
Sparks of Tomorrow lands on Netflix this July. Mark your calendars—this is a must-watch for anime and steampunk fans alike!
