Tatsunoko Production

{{Short description|Japanese animation studio}} {{Multiple issues| {{Original research|date=October 2017}} {{More citations needed|date=October 2017}} {{Expand Japanese|タツノコプロ|date=July 2024}} }}{{Infobox company | name = Tatsunoko Production Co., Ltd. | logo = TatsunokoPro2014.svg | logo_caption = Logo used since 2014 | image = Musashino YS Building.jpg | image_caption = Headquarters in Musashino, Tokyo | native_name = 株式会社タツノコプロ{{efn|name=spelling|Previously spelled as {{nihongo|株式会社竜の子プロダクション|Kabushiki-gaisha Tatsunoko Purodakushon}} from 1962-2013.}} | native_name_lang = ja | romanized_name = Kabushiki-gaisha Tatsunoko Puro | type = Private KK | founded = {{start date and age|1962|10|19}}<ref name="tatsunoko1">{{cite web|url=https://tatsunoko.co.jp/en/|title=Tatsunoko Pro |publisher=Tatsunoko.co.jp|access-date=2016-01-07}}</ref> | founder = Tatsuo Yoshida Kenji Yoshida Ippei Kuri | hq_location = Nakacho | hq_location_city = Musashino, Tokyo<ref name="tatsunoko1"/> | hq_location_country = Japan | key_people = Atsushi Sogo (president and CEO) | industry = {{ubl|Animation studio|Character licensing}} | owner = Nippon Television Holdings (55.2%) Takara Tomy (20.0%) Horipro (13.5%) Production I.G (11.2%) | num_employees = 113<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://tatsunoko.co.jp/company|title = タツノコプロ | 会社概要}}</ref> | num_employees_year = 2025 | subsid = Tatsunoko Music Publishing | website = {{URL|tatsunoko.co.jp}} }} {{Infobox brand |name = Bakken Record |logo = Bakken Record Logo.png |producttype = Animation production label |country = Japan |currentowner = Tatsunoko Production |introduced = {{Start date and age|2019}} |website ={{URL|https://bakken-record.jp/}} }}

{{nihongo|'''Tatsunoko Production Co., Ltd.'''|株式会社タツノコプロ|Kabushiki-gaisha Tatsunoko Puro|extra=often shortened to '''{{nihongo|Tatsunoko Pro|タツノコプロ|Tatsunoko Puro}}'''}}{{efn|name=spelling}} is a Japanese animation studio headquartered at the Musaino YS Building in Nakacho, Musashino, Tokyo, Japan. Originally founded on October 19, 1962 by manga author Tatsuo Yoshida and his brothers Kenji Yoshida and Ippei Kuri as a manga studio, three years later the studio entered animation production as it produced its first television series, an original work titled ''Space Ace''. Since then, the studio has produced numerous anime series, such as ''Speed Racer'', ''Gatchaman'', ''The Genie Family'', the ''Time Bokan'' series, ''Samurai Pizza Cats'', ''Pinocchio: The Series'', ''The Adventures of Hutch the Honeybee'', and ''The Littl' Bits'', among others. It holds numerous original rights and character copyrights for its original works in Japan and abroad.<ref name="yomiuri20221003" /><ref name="postseven20220921">{{cite web |url= https://www.news-postseven.com/archives/20220921_1793558.html?DETAIL |title= タツノコプロ60周年の軌跡【前編】創立から3年経って完成した第1作『宇宙エース』|trans-title=Tatsunoko Productions 60th anniversary trajectory [Part 1] The first work “Space Ace” completed 3 years after its founding|last=Kawabe |first=Minako|date=September 21, 2022 |language=ja|website= News Post Seven |publisher= Shogakukan |access-date=May 7, 2024 }}</ref><ref name="ntv20140129" />

The studio is responsible for the planning and production of anime films and television series, as well as character licensing.<ref name="ntv20140129">{{cite web|title=Nippon TV Acquires Shares of TATSUNOKO PRODUCTION Co., Ltd.|website=Nippon Television Network Corporation|date=January 29, 2014|url=https://www.ntv.co.jp/english/pressrelease/20140129.html|access-date=May 7, 2024}}</ref>

The company is one of Japan's leading anime studios in terms of the breadth and richness of its content, ranging from hard action heroes to comedies, science fiction, anthropomorphic animals, and domestic dramas.<ref name="yomiuri20221003">{{cite news |url= https://www.yomiuri.co.jp/culture/tv/20221003-OYT1T50179/ |title= タツノコプロの60年、「タイムボカン」誕生秘話…部屋にバチッと飛び込んできたカブトムシに「これだ!」 |trans-title= 60 years of Tatsunoko Productions, the secret story of the birth of "Time Bokan" - A beetle that suddenly jumped into the room made me think, "This is it!"|last=Wakabayashi |first=Keisuke |date=October 8, 2022|language=ja |work=Yomiuri Shimbun |access-date=May 7, 2024 }}</ref><ref name="gigazineinfinitforce">{{cite web |url= https://gigazine.net/gsc_news/en/20170710-infini-t-force-interview/ |title= Tatsunoko heroes of legend gather "Infini-T Force (Infinity Force)" for Hiroshi Sasagawa & Kunio Okawara talks [full version] |date=July 10, 2017 |website= Gigazine |publisher= OSA |access-date=May 7, 2024 }}</ref><ref name="citrus62052">{{Cite web|url= https://citrus-net.jp/article/62052|last=Sudo |first=Tadashi |title =【ヘンなアニメ会社・タツノコプロの秘密】随分小ッチャイ会社だね、2メーターの会社って…|trans-title=[The secret of the strange anime company Tatsunoko Productions] It's quite a small company, a 2 meter company...|language= ja|date= July 25, 2018|access-date=May 7, 2024|website=Citrus | publisher = All About Navi|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210927044432/https://citrus-net.jp/article/62052 |archive-date=September 27, 2021}}</ref>

Although the company later began producing works set in Japan, since its inception it has essentially aimed to produce works that can be used anywhere in the world in a stateless manner.<ref name="yomiuri20221003"/>

In the genealogy of animation studios in the history of Japanese animation, Tatsunoko is known as the studio that created many derivative studios along with Toei Animation, Mushi Production, and Tokyo Movie (currently TMS Entertainment).<ref name="animetudes">https://animetudes.com/2022/01/22/the-history-of-tatsunoko-1-early-days/|website= AniméTudes</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://animestyle.jp/2012/08/20/2089/ |title=TVアニメ50年史のための情報整理第11回 1973年（昭和48年）虫プロの倒産と業界の再編成|trans-title=Organizing Information for a 50-Year History of TV Animation Vol. 11 1973: The Bankruptcy of Mushi Productions and the Reorganization of the Industry |date=June 17, 2008 |language=ja|website=WEB Anime Style |publisher=Style |access-date=May 7, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url= https://akiba-souken.com/article/51961/?page=2|title =80年代の「ナウいアニメ」を、どうやって現代に復活させる?|trans-title=How can we revive the "modern anime" of the 1980s into modern times?|language= ja|date= July 31, 2021|access-date=May 7, 2024|website=Akiba Soken | publisher = Kakaku.com}}</ref>

In the past, Tatsunoko had a production system in which almost all processes, from planning to scriptwriting, drawing, cinematography, and editing, were completed in-house. The company continued to use this system for a long time after Toei Animation and Mushi Production, which had a similar production system, became unsustainable due to streamlining and bankruptcy.<ref name="gigazineinfinitforce"/><ref name="kyoto-seika_oshii">{{cite web |url= https://www.kyoto-seika.ac.jp/news/gjh1lq0000000vy5.html |title=押井守監督が語る日本アニメーションの「あの頃」と「これから」 |trans-title=Director Mamoru Oshii talks about the ''then'' and ''future'' of Japanese animation.|last=Nakamura |first=Koji |date=August 3, 2007 |language=ja|publisher= Kyoto Seika University |access-date=May 7, 2024 }}</ref>{{efn|Mamoru Oshii said that this system was useful for his training as a director.}}

Initially, founder Tatsuo Yoshida tried to establish his studio's own style with realistic drawings that accurately depicted muscles and skeletons.<ref name="postseven20220921"/><ref name="akiba47556">{{Cite web|url= https://akiba-souken.com/article/47556/|last=Hirota |first=Keisuke |title =1971年放送のギャグアニメ「カバトット」、来年で50周年! 笹川ひろし監督の見たタツノコプロ創成期のあれこれ【アニメ業界ウォッチング第70回】|trans-title=The comedy anime “Kabatotto”, which aired in 1971, will celebrate its 50th anniversary next year! Director Hiroshi Sasagawa's observations of the early days of Tatsunoko Productions [Anime Industry Watching No. 70]|language= ja|date= October 24, 2020|access-date=May 7, 2024|website=Akiba Soken|publisher = Kakaku.com}}</ref> At that time, it was common knowledge that animation was to be abbreviated or deformed, and that pictures were to be simplified as much as possible to show movement.<ref name="akiba47556"/><ref name="mynavisasagawa">{{cite web |url= https://news.mynavi.jp/article/20070803-sasagawa/ |title= 『マッハGoGoGo』放送開始40周年記念企画 - 演出家の笹川ひろし氏が明かす制作秘話 |trans-title= "Mach GoGoGo" 40th anniversary commemorative project - production secrets revealed by director Hiroshi Sasagawa|last=Nakamura |first=Koji |date=August 3, 2007 |language=ja|website= Mynavi News |publisher= Mynavi |access-date=May 7, 2024 }}</ref> Even Mushi Production and Disney used to draw the car so that when it starts, it first contracts like rubber and then jumps out like a bullet due to the recoil, and when it stops, it contracts once due to braking and then extends and returns to its original state.<ref name="akiba47556"/><ref name="mynavisasagawa"/> However, Tatsuo Yoshida insisted on realistic animation and produced ''Mach GoGoGo''.<ref name="gigazineinfinitforce"/><ref name="animeanime42378">{{cite web |url= https://animeanime.jp/article/2018/12/27/42378.html |title= タツノコプロに訊く! 「ガッチャマン」から「キンプリ」まで、伝統と新しさでアニメシーンを牽引【インタビュー】|trans-title=Ask Tatsunoko Production! From "Gatchaman" to "Kinpuri", leading the anime scene with tradition and newness [Interview]|last= Sudo |first=Tadashi |date=December 27, 2018 |language=ja|website= Anime!Anime!|publisher= iid |access-date=May 7, 2024 }}</ref> For the scene where the car spins, he rented a driving school and had the driver actually demonstrate the spin with the car, and had the animators draw the scene without deforming it by referring to the demonstration.<ref name="akiba47556"/><ref name="mynavisasagawa"/><ref name="akiba33316">{{Cite web|url= https://akiba-souken.com/article/33316/|title =「劇場版Infini-T Force/ ガッチャマンさらば友よ」、笹川ひろし&大河原邦男登壇のレジェンドトークショー公式レポートが到着!|trans-title="Infini-T Force the Movie/Gatchaman Farewell, Friends", the official report of the legendary talk show featuring Hiroshi Sasagawa and Kunio Okawara has arrived!|language= ja|date= February 28, 2018|access-date=May 7, 2024|website=Akiba Soken | publisher = Kakaku.com}}</ref> It was so well received that it became the studio's origin and led to subsequent realistic, hard-action works.<ref name="yomiuri20221003"/> However, Yoshida's drawings, with their many lines, precision, and sharpness, were unsuitable for animation, which required many drawings of the same picture, and were difficult for other animators to imitate.<ref name="yomiuri20221003"/><ref name="akiba33316"/> Most animators refused to participate in the production, and the company's schedule was on the verge of collapse. However, the company was able to get through the busy season when a comedy with a simple design happened to enter the production rotation.<ref name="akiba47556"/> This allowed the company to learn how to run a studio that alternated between serious action animation with detailed drawings and comedy animation with simple drawings using deformation, resulting in a wide range of styles.<ref name="postseven20220921"/>

After 43 years running as an independent studio, an 88% stake of the studio was purchased by Takara on June 30, 2005 a year prior to its merger with {{ill|lt=Tomy|Tomy (1994-2006)|ja|トミー (企業)}} to form Takara Tomy.<ref name=Takara>{{cite web|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2005-07-08/takara-buys-tatsunoko|title=Takara Buys Tatsunoko|first=Christopher|last=Macdonald|work=Anime News Network|date=2005-07-08|access-date=2025-08-25}}</ref> Nippon Television Holdings, the parent company of Japanese television broadcaster Nippon Television, purchased the studio in a share swap with Tomy in 2014.<ref name="ntv20140129"/>

The studio's name has a double meaning in Japanese: "Tatsu's child" (Tatsu is a nickname for Tatsuo) and "seahorse", the latter inspiring its logo.<ref name="cbr">{{cite web|author=Jorge Khoury |url=https://www.cbr.com/264222-2/ |title=GATCHAMAN! The story of Tatsuo Yoshida and his greatest creation |website=Comic Book Resources |date=2008-05-11 |access-date=2017-01-15}}</ref><ref name="japantimes20080703">{{cite news|last=Macias|first=Patrick|title='Speed Racer': drawing on an anime legend|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/culture/2008/07/03/culture/speed-racer-drawing-on-an-anime-legend/#.WeC5nY2WzIU|access-date=2008-08-06|work=The Japan Times|date=2008-07-03|archive-date=2016-04-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160412154254/http://www.japantimes.co.jp/culture/2008/07/03/culture/speed-racer-drawing-on-an-anime-legend/#.WeC5nY2WzIU|url-status=dead}}</ref>

== History == The studio was founded in October 1962 by mangaka and anime pioneer Tatsuo Yoshida and his two younger brothers: Kenji, who managed Tatsuo, and manga artist Toyoharu, better known by his pen name "Ippei Kuri", at Tatsuo's house.<ref name="yomiuri20221003" /><ref name="cbr"/><ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2287657/ |title= タツノコプロ元社長・吉田豊治さん死去 83歳『ガッチャマン』『みなしごハッチ』『マッハGoGoGo』などに参加|trans-title= Former president of Tatsunoko Productions, Toyoharu Yoshida, dies at age 83. Participated in "Gatchaman'', "Orphaned Hatch'', "Mach GoGoGo", etc.|date=July 20, 2023 |language=ja|website= Oricon News |publisher= Oricon |access-date=May 7, 2024 }}</ref> It initially began as a production company specializing in manga to manage the copyrights of Tatsuo Yoshida's manga and his assistants.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://magmix.jp/post/159839 |title=マンガ、特撮はすぐ浮かぶけど? アニメ界で「神様」と呼ばれる偉人とは|trans-title=Everyone can immediately think of great figures called "Gods" in the manga and Tokusatsu worlds, but what about in the anime world? |date=May 30, 2023 |language=ja|website=Magmix |publisher= Media Vague |access-date=May 7, 2024}}</ref> However, at the time, the manga artist community was abuzz following the beginning of the broadcast of ''Astro Boy'', Japan's first domestically produced anime television series produced by Osamu Tezuka's Mushi Production.<ref name="gigazineinfinitforce"/> Tatsuo Yoshida became interested in anime production after hearing from Hiroshi Sasagawa, a manga artist who had worked as Tezuka's assistant,{{efn|He was Tezuka's first exclusive assistant for his manga, and also had a little experience helping Mushi Production, which was short on staff for animation, by drawing storyboards.}} and Tatsunoko set out to produce anime.<ref name="yomiuri20221003"/><ref>{{cite web |url= https://mantan-web.jp/article/20170715dog00m200008000c.html |title= 大河原邦男：笹川ひろしとタツノコプロの"歴史"語るメカデザインの秘けつも |trans-title= Kunio Okawara & Hiroshi Sasagawa talk about the "history" of Tatsunoko Productions and the secrets of mechanical design. |last= |first= |date=July 16, 2017 |language=ja|website= mantan-web |publisher= Mantan |access-date=April 11, 2024 }}</ref> Tatsuo saw that more people were buying televisions in the early 1960s and predicted that they would demand higher quality anime program in the future, so decided to provide it to them.<ref name="cbr"/> Around that time, Toei Animation, having heard of Tatsuo's hopes, invited Tatsunoko to produce an anime TV series.<ref name="dotasahi112906">{{cite web |url=https://dot.asahi.com/articles/-/112906?page=1 |title=みなしごハッチ、ガッチャマン…タツノコプロ55周年「アニメ経験者は一人もいなかった」 |trans-title=Orphaned Hatch, Gatchaman...Tatsunoko Productions 55th Anniversary "Not a single person had experience in anime" |last=Kikuchi |first=Takeaki |date=October 15, 2017 |language=ja|website= Aera |publisher= The Asahi Shimbun Company |access-date=May 7, 2024 }}</ref> It was a good deal for Tatsunoko, which was entrusted with the original story, script, and direction, while Toei worked on the subsequent inbetweening, finishing, cinematography, etc. Toei trained animators over a three-month period, with Tatsunoko staff, including Tatsuo and Sasagawa, also able to participate in training.<ref name="akiba47556"/> However, the negotiations broke down due to copyright issues, so Tatsunoko decided to produce an original work on its own. They bought a plot of land in Kokubunji, cleared out a wooded area, and built a prefab house, which became an improvised animation studio.<ref name="akiba47556"/><ref name="mynavisasagawa"/>{{efn|Toei Animation later produced and broadcast the TV series, now titled ''{{ill|Space Kid Jun|ja|宇宙パトロールホッパ}}''.}} As for animators, Tatsunoko had three manga artists, Tatsuo, Kuri, and Sasagawa, and about 10 assistants to Tatsuo, so they were confident that they could manage. However, most of them refused, saying that they wanted to be manga artists rather than making animation. With no other choice, Tatsunoko placed an advertisement in the newspaper looking for animators and trained 50 amateurs from across the country based on their training experience at Toei.<ref name="gigazineinfinitforce"/><ref name="akiba47556"/><ref name="dotasahi112906"/> In addition, art director Mitsuki Nakamura from Toei Animation and screenwriter Jinzō Toriumi from Nikkatsu transferred to the company to provide immediate assistance.<ref name="mynavisasagawa"/>{{efn|Nakamura, in particular, not only drew background art for his main job, but also handled building interiors, designs for automobilis and robots, and everything else that corresponds to live-action stage set or props.<ref name="mynavisasagawa"/><ref name="gigazineinfinitforce"/><ref name="akiba47556"/>}} Tatsunoko did not have any experience yet, so they produced a 15-minute pilot and pitched it to TV stations.<ref name="akiba47556"/>

In 1965, Tatsunoko's first TV anime series, ''Space Ace'', began broadcasting.<ref name="yomiuri20221003"/><ref name="dotasahi112906"/> The series became popular and successful, and Tatsuo was so pleased with its success that he immediately began work on the next series.<ref name="citrus62052"/><ref name="dotasahi112906"/>

In 1967, Tatsunoko's second TV animation series, ''Mach GoGoGo'', began broadcasting.<ref name="mynavisasagawa"/> Not only was it repeatedly reran in Japan, but it was also exported overseas. In the United States, it was dubbed into English and broadcast under the title ''Speed Racer'' and became very popular, paving the way for syndication around the world.<ref name="japantimes20080703"/><ref name="mynavisasagawa"/> It was Tatsunoko's first full-color production.<ref name="cbr"/><ref name="asagei271789">{{cite web |url= https://www.asagei.com/excerpt/271789 |title= タツノコプロ3代目社長が逝去「マッハGoGoGo」はアメリカに売るためにカラー制作した|trans-title= The third generation president of Tatsunoko Productions passes away. ''Mach GoGoGo'' was produced in color to be sold to the United States|date=July 21, 2023 |language=ja|website= Weekly Asahi Geinō |publisher= Tokuma Shoten |access-date=May 7, 2024 }}</ref> At the time, color TVs were not widely available in Japan and most households watched TV programs in black and white. However, Tatsunoko dared to produce the series in full color, assuming from the start that it would be broadcast in the United States.<ref name="asagei271789"/> This was due to Tatsuo's desire to move pictures like American comic books and create American-style animation, as well as for financial reasons.<ref name="animeanime42378"/> The funds from commercial TV stations and sponsors were not enough to cover the production costs, so Tatsunoko decided that the only way to complete the series was to sell it in the United States. They chose car racing as their theme because their target, the U.S., was a car society.<ref name="asagei271789"/> However, due to sloppy work by the Japanese intermediaries, Tatsunoko profited little from its worldwide success and received no tribute beyond a mention in the credits of a later live-action film.<ref name="japantimes20080703"/>

In 1972, ''Science Ninja Team Gatchaman'' began broadcasting. Tatsuo demanded thorough realism in the works he led. Although the results were excellent, the animators were reluctant to take on the next series because of the increased number of animation cells and the time and effort required to draw them. Tatsunoko therefore recruited and trained new animators and introduced them to this series.<ref name="dotasahi112906"/> The series was a huge hit and related merchandise sold well. Thanks to the copyright income, Tatsunoko was finally on track to recoup its production costs and make a profit. Therefore, from then on, Tatsunoko began to actively introduce mecha in its works for toy manufacturers.<ref name="akiba47556"/> Outside of Japan, independent TV program packager Sandy Frank acquired the rights to syndicate ''Gatchaman'' worldwide except in Asia. He altered the series by cutting action scenes to meet U.S. broadcast codes, changing the dialogue to take advantage of the popularity of the then hit ''Star Wars'' and changing the setting of the work to outer space, changing the title to ''Battle of the Planets''. The series was broadcast in the U.S. and around the world, and he profited considerably from its merchandising. However, Tatsunoko did not profit from the series because they gave him the overseas copyrights.<ref name="cbr"/>

In 1975, ''Time Bokan'', the first entry in the ''Time Bokan'' series, began broadcasting. The series, which added an element of comedy to the action that had already become Tatsunoko's signature, lasted for eight years and became a new Tatsunoko masterpiece.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.news-postseven.com/archives/20220922_1793562.html?DETAIL |title= タツノコプロ60周年の軌跡【後編】『タイムボカン』がそれまでの路線を変えた|trans-title=Tatsunoko Production's 60th anniversary trajectory [Part 2] "Time Bokan" changed the course up until then|last=Kawabe |first=Minako|date=September 22, 2022 |language=ja|website= News Post Seven |publisher= Shogakukan |access-date=May 7, 2024 }}</ref>

At the time, Hiroshi Sasagawa, who excelled at comedies, and Hisayuki Toriumi, who had a hard, serious style, supported Tatsunoko's heyday in the 1970s as the two signatures.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://business.nikkei.com/atcl/seminar/19/00088/030200010/?P=3 |title=007、009、そしてガッチャマンに通じるもの「007 ロシアより愛をこめて」（1963）前編 (3) |trans-title= 007, 009, and things related to Gatchaman "007 From Russia with Love" (1963) Part 1 (3)|date=March 5, 2020 |language=ja|website= Nikkei Business |publisher= Nikkei BP |access-date=May 7, 2024 }}</ref> Also during this period, Tatsunoko was trying to bring up university-educated directors in-house, following the example of Toei Doga, instead of hiring directors from outside the company. These people were Mizuho Nishikubo, Kōichi Mashimo, Hidehito Ueda, and Mamoru Oshii.<ref name="kyoto-seika_oshii"/><ref name="gigazine20190411">{{cite web |url= https://gigazine.net/gsc_news/en/20190411-dora-bi-hiroshi-sasakawa-interview/ |title= Interview with Hiroshi Sasagawa of Tatsunoko Production who created Akubi who shows success in the movie 'Pandora and Akbi' even after 50 years of film work |date=April 11, 2019 |website= Gigazine |publisher= OSA |access-date=May 7, 2024 }}</ref>

On September 5, 1977, Tatsuo Yoshida died of liver cancer. Kenji Yoshida was appointed as the second president and would stay on for the studio's later years.<ref name="cbr"/><ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.cdjournal.com/main/calendar/20440306/todays/ |title= 2044年03月06日（日） - 今日は何の日?|trans-title= Sunday, March 6, 2044 - What day is it today?|date=March 3, 2009 |language=ja|website= CDJournal Web |publisher= CD Journal Co., Ltd. |access-date=May 7, 2024 }}</ref>

Around the time, Tatsunoko's production site was on the verge of collapse due to busyness and lack of funds, and there was a steady flow of personnel out of the company, particularly members from the pioneering period.<ref name="kyoto-seika_oshii"/>{{Sfn|Buta mo Odaterya Ki ni Noboru|2000|pp=222-223 }}{{efn|According to Mamoru Oshii, while Tatsunoko, which produced programs for commercial TV stations, limited the number of cels used to less than 3,000 per episode to save budget, the studio established by people who left Tatsunoko produced the program for NHK, Japan's public broadcaster that gave them time to prepare carefully and was properly funded, going on location scouting trips to Northern Europe and using 18,000 cels per episode, even for the same 30-minute program. Hearing this story, the work site was tense. Oshii eventually quit Tatsunoko and joined that studio.<ref name="kyoto-seika_oshii"/>}}

In 1978, Tatsunoko Anime Technology Research Institute, an animator training institution, was established.

In 1982, Tatsunoko produced ''Super Dimension Fortress Macross'', the first in the ''Super Dimension'' series. ''Macross'' was a project by Studio Nue that was adopted by {{ill|Bigwest|ja|ビックウエスト}}, an advertising agency, which secured broadcast slots for sponsors and commercial broadcasters. However, Nue was not capable of producing animation, so Artland, which was headed by director Noboru Ishiguro, was assigned to produce the series. However, Artland, a subcontractor, was deemed insufficiently capable, and Tatsunoko took over as the prime contractor, placing orders with Artland and its own subsidiary, Anime Friend.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://gendai.media/articles/-/123353?imp=0 |title=『マクロス』シリーズの大ヒットはこうして生まれた…「スタジオぬえ」がアニメビジネスで成功をつかむまで|trans-title=This is how the "Macross" series became a smash hit... How "Studio Nue" found success in the animation business |date=February 7, 2024 |language=ja|website=Gendai Business |publisher= Kodansha |access-date=May 7, 2024}}</ref> Later, however, Bigwest produced a sequel, ''Super Dimensional Fortress Macross II: Lovers Again'', without Tatsunoko or Studio Nue. In response, Tatsunoko signed a contract with Harmony Gold USA without the consent of Bigwest and Nue, resulting in a dispute over intellectual property rights.<ref name="magmix224546">{{cite web |url=https://magmix.jp/post/224546/2 |title=『マクロス』に連なる、不遇の打ち切り作『超時空騎団サザンクロス』封印作品となった理由|trans-title=The unfortunate canceled work “Super Dimension Cavalry Southern Cross”, which is a sequel to "Macross" The reason why it became a sealed work |date=April 15, 2024 |language=ja|website=Magmix |publisher= Media Vague |access-date=May 7, 2024}}</ref> In Japan, Tatsunoko sued Bigwest and Studio Nue over copyright and won, but conversely lost a lawsuit filed by them over character and mecha design. As a result of the trial, it was decided that Tatsunoko Productions would retain ownership of the film of the work, but that the designs would be shared by Bigwest and Studio Nue. Meanwhile, overseas, Harmony Gold USA, which had obtained the license, adapted and broadcast several Tatsunoko works as a single epic ''Robotech series'' depicting different eras and generations in the same world. Bigwest and Harmony Gold had different claims over the rights to the ''Macross'' and ''Robotech'' series for many years, and ''Macross'' was not developed for business worldwide and ''Robotech'' in Japan.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://animationbusiness.info/archives/11178 |title=「マクロス」、「ロボテック」、それぞれの国際展開で協力日米企業が合意 |trans-title="Macross" and "Robotech" cooperate in their respective international expansion - Japanese and American companies reach an agreement |date=April 12, 2021 |language=ja|work= Animation Business Journal|access-date=May 7, 2024}}</ref> However, in 2021, the two companies announced an agreement regarding worldwide rights to the ''Macross'' and ''Robotech'' series from that point forward.<ref name="macross18862">{{cite news |url=https://macross.jp/news-detail/18862/ |title=BIGWEST CO,, STUDIO NUE, INC. and HARMONY GOLD U.S.A. ANNOUNCE EXPANSIVE AGREEMENT FOR THE FUTURE OF MACROSS AND ROBOTECH WORLDWIDE! |date=April 9, 2021 |work= Macross Portal|access-date=May 7, 2024}}</ref> This would allow the ''Macross'' series to be developed globally and confirmed that Bigwest did not object to the release of a live-action ''Robotech'' movie in Japan.<ref name="macross18862"/> In addition, an exclusive worldwide license outside of Japan to use ''Macross'' characters and mecha in the ''Robotech'' series approved by Tatsunoko for Harmony Gold through 2021 was ratified.<ref name="macross18862"/>{{efn|The international trademark rights for ''Robotech'' owned by Harmony Gold were returned to Tatsunoko Production in 2021, and the related products have been discontinued outside Japan.<ref name="magmix224546"/>}}

In 1987, Kenji Yoshida retired from Tatsunoko Production, and Ippei Kuri became the third president. Kenji established a new production company, Yū Entertainment.

In December of the same year, Mitsuhisa Ishikawa, together with the Tatsunoko Production Branch Office, which consisted mainly of staff who had participated in ''Zillion'', became independent and established IG Tatsunoko Ltd. (now Production I.G).<ref name="natalie559014_1">{{cite web |url=https://natalie.mu/comic/column/559014 |title=アニメスタジオクロニクル No.11 Production I.G 石川光久 (代表取締役会長) (1/2) |trans-title=Anime Studio Chronicle No.11 Production I.G Mitsuhisa Ishikawa (Representative Director and Chairman) (1/2)|date=February 20, 2024 |language=ja|website=Comic Natalie |publisher=Natasha |access-date=May 7, 2024}}</ref><ref name="animeanime47064_1">{{cite web |url=https://animeanime.jp/article/2019/07/22/47064.html |title=「世界が注目するアニメ制作スタジオが切り開く未来」Vol.17 Production I.G (1/3) |trans-title="The future opened up by an anime production studio that attracts attention around the world" Vol.17 Production I.G (1/3) |last=Ishijima |first=Eiwa|date=July 22, 2019 |language=ja|website= Anime! Anime! |publisher= iid |access-date=May 7, 2024}}</ref>{{efn|This capital relationship was temporarily dissolved in 1993, but was revived in 2010 when Production I.G. acquired an 11.2% stake in Tatsunoko Production.}}

In 1990, Tatsunoko Anime Technology Research Institute led by Koji Sugii became independent and participated in the establishment of Animation 21.

In 1995, Kenji Yoshida returned to Tatsunoko Production and became its first chairman.

Since the 1990s, Tatsunoko has brought back former key staff members, including Hiroshi Sasagawa, who had left the company, and has been producing mainly remakes of older works.

On June 3, 2005, major toy manufacturer Takara acquired a 88% stake in the studio from the Yoshida family, making the company a consolidated subsidiary of Takara.<ref name=Takara/><ref>{{cite news|title=Takara acquires animation studio|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2005/07/03/national/takara-acquires-animation-studio/#.WeC6N42WzIV|access-date=2015-12-17|work=The Japan Times|date=2005-07-03}}</ref> Following this, Kenji Yoshida and Ippei Kuri resigned from their posts, and the entire Yoshida family, including executives, left the studio.

In the same year, Tatsuo Yoshida was posthumously awarded the Special Achievement Award as one of the 20 People Who Made Japanese Animation at the Tokyo Anime Award held at the Tokyo International Anime Fair.

In 2010, Production I.G. acquired 11.2% of Tatsunoko's outstanding shares. Additionally, Mitsuhisa Ishikawa, president of Production I.G and IG Port, became non-executive director of Tatsunoko Production.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.animeanime.biz/all/2010060203/ |title= IG タツノコプロの株式一部取得タカラトミーと連携も|trans-title=IG acquires some shares of Tatsunoko Productions and collaborates with Takara Tomy|last= Sudo |first=Tadashi |date=June 2, 2010 |language=ja|website= Anime!Anime!Biz|publisher= iid |access-date=May 7, 2024|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110102095645/https://www.animeanime.biz/all/2010060203/ |archive-date=January 2, 2011 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Loo|first=Egan|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2010-06-02/production-i.g-to-acquire-11.2-percent-stake-in-tatsunoko |title=Production I.G to Acquire 11.2% Stake in Tatsunoko|website=Anime News Network |date=2010-06-01 |access-date=2010-06-04}}</ref>

In 2013, Horipro acquired 13.5% of the shares, making it the second largest shareholder at the time after Takara Tomy.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2021619/ |title=ホリプロ、タツノコプロの株式取得海外市場視野に|trans-title= HoriPro acquires shares in Tatsunoko Productions with an eye on overseas markets|date=February 13, 2013 |language=ja|website= Oricon News |publisher= Oricon |access-date=May 7, 2024 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Loo|first=Egan|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2013-02-12/horipro-agency-acquires-stake-in-anime-studio-tatsunoko |title=HoriPro Agency Acquires Stake in Anime Studio Tatsunoko – News |website=Anime News Network |date=2013-02-12 |access-date=2013-10-02}}</ref> In the same year, the company changed its name from {{nihongo||竜の子プロダクション|Tatsunoko Purodakushon}} (written in kanji) to {{nihongo||タツノコプロ|Tatsunoko Puro}} (written in katakana). At the same time, the head office was relocated from Kokubunji City, Tokyo to Musashino City, and the dispersed corporate functions were consolidated.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://animan634.com/interview/01_1.html |title= クリエイターインタビュー第1回前編株式会社タツノコプロ代表取締役社長伊藤響|trans-title=Creator Interview Part 1: Hibiki Ito, President and Representative Director, Tatsunoko Productions, Inc. |date=November 17, 2022|language=ja|website= Animeno Mangano Musashino|publisher= Musashino Chamber of Commerce and Industry|access-date=May 7, 2024 }}</ref>

At Anime Expo 2013, Sentai Filmworks announced a deal to license and release some of Tatsunoko's titles, including the ''Gatchaman'' series and ''Casshan'' in North America.<ref>{{cite web|last=Ressler|first=Karen|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2013-07-04/sentai-filmworks-signs-deal-with-tatsunoko-production |title=Sentai Filmworks Signs Deal with Tatsunoko Production (Updated) - News |website=Anime News Network |date=2013-07-04 |access-date=2013-10-02}}</ref>

In 2014, Nippon Television Holdings acquired 54.3% of the outstanding shares held by Takara Tomy and made Tatsunoko Production a subsidiary, structured as a sales swap. Takara Tomy continued to hold a 20% stake in the company and maintained the partnership.<ref name="ntv20140129"/><ref>{{cite news |date=January 29, 2014 |title=タツノコプロを日テレが買収へアニメ番組拡充タカラトミーから数億円で |trans-title=Tatsunoko Productions to be acquired by Nippon TV for hundreds of millions of yen from Takara Tomy to expand animation programming. |url=https://www.nikkei.com/article/DGXNASGF2900Z_Z20C14A1EB2000/ |language=ja |work=The Nikkei |access-date=May 7, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Tomy to sell Tatsunoko Production to TV station|website=Nikkei|date=2014-01-29|url=https://asia.nikkei.com/Business/Deals/Tomy-to-sell-Tatsunoko-Production-to-TV-station|access-date=2015-01-09|archive-date=2015-01-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150110013210/http://asia.nikkei.com/Business/Deals/Tomy-to-sell-Tatsunoko-Production-to-TV-station|url-status=dead}}</ref>

In 2019, Tatsunoko founded a new label, Bakken Record.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://natalie.mu/comic/news/507255 |title=タツノコプロのレーベル×ポニーキャニオンのオリジナルアニメ「Turkey!」が始動 |trans-title=Tatsunoko Productions' Label x Pony Canyon's Original Anime "Turkey!" starts |date=December 29, 2022 |language=ja|website=Comic Natalie |publisher=Natasha |access-date=May 7, 2024}}</ref> In the same year, four people associated with Tatsunoko received the Achievement Award at the Tokyo Anime Award: Kunio Okawara, Akiyoshi Sakai, Hisayuki Toriumi, and Tsuneo Ninomiya.<ref name="gigazine20190411"/>

== Representative directors == * Tatsuo Yoshida (1962–1977) * Kenji Yoshida (1977–1987) * Ippei Kuri (1987–2005) * Kouki Narushima (2005–2010) * Keita Satou (2010–2012) * Shuuichirou Tanaka (2012–2014)<ref>[https://www.animeanime.biz/archives/11041/122271 タツノコプロ新社長に田中修一郎氏タカラトミー発表] アニメ!アニメ!ビズ 2012年2月27日</ref> * Yuuzou Kuwahara (2014–2019) * Daisuke Kadoya (2019–2022)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://tatsunoko.co.jp/company|title=タツノコプロ {{!}} 会社概要|date=2019-06-01|access-date=2022-06-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190626030112/https://tatsunoko.co.jp/company|archive-date=2019-06-26}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://animationbusiness.info/archives/8160|title=日本動画協会の新会員にMAHO FILMなど3社|date=2019-07-14|access-date=2022-06-05}}</ref> * Kyou Itou (2022–present)<ref name="company_202206">{{Cite web|url=https://tatsunoko.co.jp/company|title=タツノコプロ │ 会社概要|date=2022-06-01|access-date=2022-06-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220605095654/https://tatsunoko.co.jp/company|archive-date=2022-06-05}}</ref>

== Major people from Tatsunoko == * Yoshitaka Amano (Character designer, illustrator) * Kenji Horikawa (Producer, founder of Bee Train Production & P.A. Works) * Mitsuhisa Ishikawa (Producer, founder of Production I.G) * Takao Koyama (Scriptwriter) * Koichi Mashimo (Anime director, founder of Bee Train Production) * Mitsuki Nakamura (Art director, mecha designer, founder of Design Office Mekaman) * Koji Nanke (Animation artist) * Toshihiko Nishikubo (Mizuho Nishikubo) (Animation artist, animation director) * Yuji Nunokawa (Producer, founder of Pierrot) * Shigekazu Ochiai (Anime producer) * Kunio Okawara (Mecha designer, founder of Design Office Mekaman) * Mamoru Oshii (Anime director, film director) * Hiroshi Sasagawa (Anime director) * Akemi Takada (Character designer, illustrator) * Tomoyuki Miyata (Producer, founder of J.C.Staff) * Hisayuki Toriumi (Anime director, scriptwriter, novelist, founder of Pierrot) * Jinzo Toriumi (Scriptwriter) * Hidehito Ueda (Anime director)

== Main productions == {{Multiple issues|section=yes|{{Original research|section|date=January 2017}} {{Cleanup|section|reason=dates don't conform to MOS:DATEFORMAT|date=March 2017}} {{Unreferenced section|date=March 2017}}}}

=== 1960s === {| class="wikitable sortable" |- ! Title !! Series director !! Broadcast network(s) !! Year(s) !! Notes |- | ''Space Ace'' (Uchuu Ace) | rowspan="3" | Hiroshi Sasagawa | Fuji TV | May 8, 1965 – April 28, 1966 | Tatsunoko's first ever animated TV serial; adapted from the original manga by Tatsuo Yoshida that was serialized in Shueisha's ''Shonen Book'' magazine |- | ''Mach GoGoGo (Speed Racer)'' (original) | Fuji TV | April 2, 1967 – March 31, 1968 | Tatsunoko's first animated TV serial to be produced in color; adapted from the original manga by Tatsuo Yoshida that was serialized in Shueisha's ''Shonen Book'' magazine |- | ''Oraa Guzura Dado'' (original) | Fuji TV | October 7, 1967 – September 25, 1968 | |- | ''Dokachin the Primitive Boy'' (or simply, "Dokachin") | Seitarō Hara, Hiroshi Sasagawa | Fuji TV | October 2, 1968 – March 26, 1969 | |- | ''Kurenai Sanshiro'' | Ippei Kuri | Fuji TV | April 2 – September 24, 1969 | Adapted from two manga serials by Tatsuo Yoshida that were serialized in Shueisha's ''Shonen Book'' from 1961 to 1962, and Shogakukan's ''Weekly Shonen Sunday'' and Shueisha's ''Weekly Shonen Jump'' from 1968 to 1969 |- | ''Hakushon Daimaō'' | Hiroshi Sasagawa | Fuji TV | October 5, 1969 – September 27, 1970 | Adapted into ''Bob in a Bottle'' by Saban Entertainment in 1992 |}

=== 1970s === {| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible" |- ! Title !! Series director !! Broadcast network(s) !! Year(s) !! Notes |- | ''Honeybee Hutch'' (''Mitsubachi Monogatari Minashigo Hacchi'' and ''La Abeja Hutch'') | Ippei Kuri | Fuji TV | April 7, 1970 – September 8, 1971 | |- | ''Inakappe Taishō'' | rowspan="2" | Hiroshi Sasagawa | Fuji TV | October 4, 1970 – September 24, 1972 | Adapted from the manga by Noboru Kawasaki, which was serialized in Shogakukan's ''Gakkushu Zasshi'' educational magazines for Japanese schoolchildren |- | ''Kabatotto'' | Fuji TV | January 1, 1971 – September 30, 1972 | |- | ''Animentari Ketsudan'' | Ippei Kuri | Nippon TV | April 3 – September 25, 1971 | Dramatic adaptation of the Japanese Empire's role in the Second World War |- | ''Mokku of the Oak Tree'' | Seitaro Hara | Fuji TV | January 4, 1972 – January 1, 1973 |Adaptation of Italian novelist Carlo Collodi's 1881 novel, ''The Adventures of Pinocchio'' |- | ''Science Ninja Team Gatchaman'' | Hisayuki Toriumi | Fuji TV | October 1, 1972 – September 29, 1974 | Adapted for western audiences by Sandy Frank Entertainment into ''Battle of the Planets'' in 1978, by Sandy Frank and Turner Entertainment into ''G-Force: Guardians of Space'' in 1986, and by Saban Entertainment into ''Eagle Riders'' in 1996 |- | ''Tamagon the Counselor'' | rowspan="3" | Hiroshi Sasagawa | Fuji TV | 1972 – 1973 | |- | ''Kerokko Demetan'' | Fuji TV | January 2 – September 25, 1973 | Adapted for western audiences by Harmony Gold USA as an animated film ''The Brave Frog'' in 1985 |- | ''Neo Human Casshan'' | Fuji TV | October 2, 1973 – June 25, 1974 | A notable source of inspiration for Keiji Inafune, who went on to be the artistic director for the ''Mega Man'' franchise for Capcom{{Citation needed|date=March 2017}} |- | ''New Honeybee Hutch'' | Seitaro Hara | NET | April 4 – September 27, 1974 | Sequel to 1970's ''Honeybee Hutch'' |- | ''Hurricane Polymar'' | Hisayuki Toriumi | NET | October 4, 1974 – March 28, 1975 | |- | ''Tentomushi no Uta'' | Hiroshi Sasagawa | Fuji TV | October 6, 1974 – September 26, 1976 | Adapted from Noboru Kawasaki's manga of the same name that was serialized in Shogakukan's ''Gakkushu Zasshi'' educational magazines from 1973 to 1975 |- | ''Space Knight Tekkaman'' | Hiroshi Sasagawa, Hisayuki Toriumi | NET | July 2 – December 24, 1975 | |- | ''Time Bokan'' | Hiroshi Sasagawa | Fuji TV | October 4, 1975 – December 25, 1976 | First entry in Tatsunoko's ''Time Bokan Series'' |- | ''Gowappa 5 Gōdam'' | Hisayuki Toriumi | ABC | April 4 – December 29, 1976 | |- | ''Paul's Miraculous Adventure'' | rowspan="3" | Hiroshi Sasagawa | Fuji TV | October 3, 1976 – September 11, 1977 | |- | ''The Time Bokan Series: Yatterman'' | Fuji TV | January 1, 1977 – January 27, 1979 | Second installment of the ''Time Bokan Series'' |- | ''Ippatsu Kanta-kun'' | Fuji TV | September 18, 1977 – September 24, 1978 | First of Tatsuo Yoshida's original works to be produced posthumously; he died of liver cancer on September 5, 1977, 13 days before the first episode aired |- | ''Temple the Balloonist'' | rowspan="2" | Seitaro Hara | Fuji TV | October 1, 1977 – March 25, 1978 | Second and last of Tatsuo Yoshida's original works to be produced posthumously |- | ''{{ill|Tobidase! Machine Hiryuu|ja|とびだせ!マシーン飛竜}}'' | Tokyo Channel 12 | October 5, 1977 – March 29, 1978 | Co-production with Toei Company, another rare instance where Toei used another studio for its production, rather than its own Toei Animation studio. The only time they would work together with Tatsunoko. |- | ''Science Ninja Team Gatchaman II'' | Hiroshi Sasagawa | Fuji TV | October 1, 1978 – September 23, 1979 | Sequel to 1972's ''Science Ninja Team Gatchaman''; adapted into ''Eagle Riders'' by Saban Entertainment in 1996; First of Tatsunoko's works to be produced by Kenji Yoshida |- | ''The Time Bokan Series: Zenderman'' | rowspan="2" | Hiroshi Sasagawa | Fuji TV | February 3, 1979 – January 26, 1980 | Third installment of the ''Time Bokan Series'' |- | ''Lupin the Thief: Enigma of the 813'' | Fuji TV | May 5, 1979 | Made-for-TV anime film; loosely adapted from Maurice Leblanc's ''813'' |- | ''Science Ninja Team Gatchaman Fighter'' | Seitaro Hara | Fuji TV | October 7, 1979 – August 31, 1980 | Direct sequel to 1978's ''Science Ninja Team Gatchaman II''; final installment in the ''Gatchaman'' franchise until 1994 OVA |- | ''Gordian the Warrior'' | Masamune Ochiai, Kunihiko Okazaki | Tokyo Channel 12 | October 7, 1979 – February 27, 1981 | |- | ''Ashinaga Ojisan'' | Yūichi Higuchi | Fuji TV | October 10, 1979 | TV special; adapted from Jean Webster's 1912 novel, ''Daddy-Long-Legs'' |}

=== 1980s === {| class="wikitable sortable" |- ! Title !! Series director !! Broadcast network(s) !! Year(s) !! Notes |- | ''Cheerful Dwarves of the Forest: Belfy and Lillibit'' | Masayuki Hayashi | Tokyo Channel 12 | January 7 – July 7, 1980 | Adapted by Saban Entertainment into ''The Littl' Bits'', which ran on the Nick Jr. Channel from 1991 to 1995 |- | ''The Time Bokan Series: Time Patrol Team Otasukeman'' | Hiroshi Sasagawa | Fuji TV | February 2, 1980 – January 31, 1981 | Fourth installment of the ''Time Bokan Series'' |- | ''Dashing Warrior Muteking'' | Seitaro Hara | Fuji TV | September 7, 1980 – September 27, 1981 | |- | ''The Great Navy War: 20,000 Miles of Love'' | Ippei Kuri | Nippon TV | January 3, 1981 | Made-for-TV anime film; loosely adapted from Jules Verne's ''Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Seas'', adapted into English by Harmony Gold as simply ''Undersea Encounter'' |- | ''The Time Bokan Series: Yattodetaman'' | Hiroshi Sasagawa | Fuji TV | February 7, 1981 – February 6, 1982 | Fifth installment of the ''Time Bokan Series'' |- | ''Golden Warrior Gold Lightan'' | Kōichi Mashimo | Tokyo Channel 12 | March 1, 1981 – February 18, 1982 | |- | ''Superbook'' | Masakazu Higuchi | TV Tokyo | October 1, 1981 - March 25, 1982 | Produced in conjunction with the Christian Broadcasting Network |- | ''Dash Kappei'' | Masayuki Hayashi, Seitaro Hara | Fuji TV | October 4, 1981 – December 26, 1982 | Adapted from the manga by Noboru Rokuda, which was serialized in Shogakukan's ''Weekly Shonen Sunday'' manga magazine from November 1979 to November 1982 |- | ''The Time Bokan Series: Gyakuten! Ippatsuman'' | Hiroshi Sasagawa | Fuji TV | February 13, 1982 – March 26, 1983 | Sixth installment of the ''Time Bokan Series'' |- | ''The Flying House'' | Masakazu Higuchi | TV Tokyo | April 5, 1982 - March 25, 1983 | Produced in conjunction with the Christian Broadcasting Network |- | ''Mirai Keisatsu Urashiman'' | Kōichi Mashimo | Fuji TV | January 9 – December 24, 1983 | Adapted from the manga by Hirohisa Soda and Noboru Akashi, which was serialized in Akita Shoten's ''Weekly Shonen Champion'' manga magazines |- | '' Superbook II: In Search for Ruffles and Return to the 20th Century'' | Masakazu Higuchi | TV Tokyo | April 4 - September 26, 1983 | Produced in conjunction with the Christian Broadcasting Network, sequel to ''Superbook'' |- | ''The Time Bokan Series: Itadakiman'' | Hiroshi Sasagawa | Fuji TV | April 9 – September 24, 1983 | Seventh and final installment of the ''Time Bokan Series''; returned briefly in 1993 as an OVA titled ''Royal Revival''; resumed in 2000 with ''Kaito Kiramekiman'' |- | ''Genesis Climber MOSPEADA'' | Katsuhisa Yamada | Fuji TV | October 2, 1983 – March 23, 1984 | Adapted by Harmony Gold USA as ''Robotech: The New Generation'' in 1985, co-production with Artmic |- | ''Starzan S'' | Hidehito Ueda | Fuji TV | January 7 – August 25, 1984 | Adapted from an original concept by Hiroshi Sasagawa |- | ''Super Dimension Cavalry Southern Cross'' | Yasuo Hasegawa | MBS | April 15 – September 30, 1984 | Adapted by Harmony Gold USA into ''Robotech: The Masters'' in 1985 |- | ''Yoroshiku Mechadoc'' | Hidehito Ueda | Fuji TV | September 1, 1984 – March 30, 1985 | Adapted from the manga of the same name by Ryuji Tsugihara, which was serialized in Shueisha's ''Weekly Shonen Jump'' manga magazine from November 1982 to March 1985 |- | ''Fire of Alpen Rose: Judy and Randy'' | Hidehito Ueda | Fuji TV | April 6 – October 5, 1985 | Adapted from the manga, ''Alpen Rose'', by Michiyo Akaishi, which was serialized in Shogakukan's ''Ciao'' manga magazine for female readers from April 1983 to May 1986 |- | ''Showa Era Idiot Story Book: Most Refined'' | Hidehito Ueda | TV Asahi | October 7, 1985 – March 24, 1986 | Adapted from the manga of the same name by Yuu Azuki, which was serialized in Shueisha's ''Margaret'' manga magazine for female readers from 1985 to 1987 |- | ''Shonen Jump Special: Kochira Katsushika-ku Kameari Kōen-mae Hashutsujo'' | Hiroshi Sasagawa | Anime Film; Shown at 1985 Shonen Jump Film Festival | November 23, 1985 | Adapted from the manga of the same name by Osamu Akimoto, which was serialized in Shueisha's ''Weekly Shonen Jump'' manga magazine from October 1976 to September 2016; presented as a double feature with ''Shonen Jump Special: Kimagure Orange Road'', which was animated by Studio Pierrot |- | ''The Legend of Hikari'' | Tomomi Mochizuki | ABC | May 3 – September 20, 1986 | Adapted from the manga of the same name by Izumi Aso, which was serialized in Shueisha's ''Ribon'' manga magazine for female readers from 1985 to December 1988 |- | ''Doteraman'' | Shinya Sadamitsu | NTV | October 14, 1986 – February 24, 1987 | Tatsunoko's first TV anime to be broadcast on NTV in 15 years since ''Animentary Ketsudan'' |- | ''Red Photon Zillion'' | Mizuho Nishikubo | NTV | April 12 – December 13, 1987 | After the production of the anime, Tatsunoko Production and Mitsuhisa Ishikawa, the producer of Zillion, established IG Tatsunoko (which later became Production I.G) to obstruct the dispersing of the excellent staffs of Tatsunoko branch which had done actual production. Therefore, Zillion is considered to be Production I.G's first work.  |- | ''Oraa Guzura Dado'' | Hiroshi Sasagawa | TV Tokyo | October 12, 1987 – September 20, 1988 | Color remake of the 1967 series |- | ''Legend of Heavenly Sphere Shurato'' | Mizuho Nishikubo | TV Tokyo | April 6, 1989 – January 18, 1990 | Adapted from the manga of the same name by Hiroshi Kawamoto, which was serialized in Shonen Gahosha's ''Shonen King'' manga magazine from February to September 1988 |- | ''Konchū Monogatari: Minashigo Hutch'' | Iku Suzuki | NTV | July 21, 1989 – August 31, 1990 | Modern remake of the 1970 anime ''Honeybee Hutch'' |}

=== 1990s === {| class="wikitable sortable" |- ! Title !! Series director !! Broadcast network(s) !! Year(s) !! Notes |- | ''Kyatto Ninden Teyandee'' | Kunitoshi Okajima | TV Tokyo | February 1, 1990 – February 12, 1991 | Adapted into English by Saban Entertainment as ''Samurai Pizza Cats'' in 1991; a sequel series known as ''Kyatto Keisatsu Beranmee'' (or ''Crime Stoppin' Cats'') was planned, but was mysteriously cancelled for unknown reasons{{Citation needed|date=March 2017}} |- | ''The Great Adventure of Robin Hood'' | Kōichi Mashimo | NHK | July 29, 1990 – October 28, 1992 | Adapted from the English folktale ''Robin Hood''; also Tatsunoko's first anime to be broadcast on the government-owned NHK network. |- | ''Shurato: Dark Genesis'' | Yoshihisa Matsumoto | OVA | August 1991 – March 1992 | Sequel to ''Legend of Heavenly Sphere Shurato'' |- | ''Space Knight Tekkaman Blade'' | Hiroshi Negishi | TV Tokyo | February 18, 1992 – February 2, 1993 | 1992 reboot of 1975's ''Space Knight Tekkaman'', adapted by Saban Entertainment and Media Blasters into English as ''Teknoman'' |- | ''The Irresponsible Captain Tylor'' | Kōichi Mashimo | TV Tokyo | January 25 – July 19, 1993 | Adapted from the light novel series of the same name by Hitoshi Yoshioka, which was serialized in Fujimi Shobo's ''Fujimi Fantasia Bunko'' magazines from January 1989 to January 1996 |- | ''Casshan: Robot Hunter'' | Hiroyuki Fukushima, Masashi Abe, Takashi Watanabe | OVA | August 21, 1993 – February 21, 1994 | 1993 remake of 1973's ''Neo-Human Casshan''; co-produced by Artmic and Gainax |- | ''Time Bokan: Royal Revival'' | Hiroshi Sasagawa, Akiyuki Shinbo | OVA | November 26, 1993 – January 1, 1994 | Direct-to-video installment of ''Time Bokan Series'' |- | ''The Legend of Snow White'' | Tsuneo Ninomiya | NHK | April 6, 1994 – March 29, 1995 | Adaptation of the German fairy tale by the Brothers Grimm |- | ''Tekkaman Blade II'' | Hideki Tonokatsu | OVA | July 21, 1994 – April 21, 1995 | Sequel to 1992's ''Tekkaman Blade'' |- | ''Gatchaman'' | Akihiko Nishiyama | OVA | October 1, 1994 – April 1, 1995 | 1994 reboot of 1972's ''Science Ninja Team Gatchaman''; co-produced by Artmic |- | ''Dokkan! Robotendon'' | Hiroshi Sasagawa | TV Tokyo | October 5, 1995 – March 28, 1996 | |- | ''Cinderella Monogatari'' | Hiroshi Sasagawa | NHK | April 4 – October 3, 1996 | Adapted from the fairy tale by Charles Perrault and The Brothers Grimm |- | ''Hurricane Polymar: Holy Blood'' | Akiyuki Shinbo | OVA | September 21, 1996 – February 21, 1997 | 1996 reboot of 1974's ''Hurricane Polymar''; co-produced by J.C. Staff |- | ''Mach GoGoGo'' | Hiroshi Sasagawa | TV Tokyo | January 9 – September 25, 1997 | 1997 reboot of 1967's ''Mach GoGoGo''; adapted into English by DiC Entertainment as ''Speed Racer X'' in 2002 |- | ''Generator Gawl'' | Seiji Mizushima | TV Tokyo | October 6 – December 22, 1998 | |- | ''Seikimatsu Densetsu: Wonderful Tatsunoko Land'' | Hiroshi Sasagawa | TBS | December 31, 1999 | TV special |}

=== 2000s === {| class="wikitable sortable" |- ! Title !! Series director / Genre !! Broadcast network(s) / Platform(s) !! Year(s) !! Notes |- | ''Tatsunoko Fight'' | Electronics Application (Eleca) | PSX | October 5, 2000 | Video game featuring an exclusive character, ''Denkou Senka Volter'' |- | ''Time Bokan 2000: Kaitou Kiramekiman'' | Hidehito Ueda | TV Tokyo | April 5, 2000 – September 27, 2000 | |- | ''The SoulTaker'' | Akiyuki Shinbo | WOWOW | April 4, 2001 – July 4, 2001 | |- | ''Yobarete Tobidete Akubi-chan'' | Hiroshi Sagasawa | TV Tokyo | December 11, 2001 – March 26, 2002 | Spin-off of ''The Genie Family'' |- |''Nurse Witch Komugi'' | Yasuhiro Takemoto & Yoshitomo Yonetani | OVA | August 8, 2002 – April 2, 2004 | Co-production with Kyoto Animation; spin-off of ''The SoulTaker'' |- |''Fate/stay night'' | Visual novel | PC | January 30, 2004 | Video game; Opening animations |- | ''Karas'' | Keiichi Sato | OVA | March 25, 2005 – August 3, 2007 | Tatsunoko's 40th anniversary work; combined into a two-part film in the west by Manga Entertainment |- | ''Akubi Girl'' | Hiroshi Sagasawa | TV Tokyo | 2006 | Remake of ''Yobarete Tobidete Akubi-chan'' |- | ''Robotech: The Shadow Chronicles'' | Tommy Yune, Dong-Wook Lee & Yeun-Sook Seo | Movie | January 5, 2007 | co-production with Harmony Gold USA |- |''Fate/stay night Réalta Nua'' | Visual novel | PS2 | April 19, 2007 | Video game; Opening animations |- | ''Yatterman'' | {{ubl|Akira Shigino (eps. 1-17)|Masakazu Higasa (eps. 18-60)}} | ytv, NTV | January 14, 2008 – September 27, 2009 | Remake of 1977 television series |- | ''Casshern Sins'' | Shigeyasu Yamauchi | MBS | October 1, 2008 – March 15, 2009 | Re-imaging of the 1973 series; Animation production by Madhouse |- | ''Tatsunoko vs. Capcom: Cross Generation of Heroes'' | Fighting | Wii | December 11, 2008 | Video game; Tatsunoko also animated Cross Generation's opening and anime cutscenes. |}

=== 2010s === {{columns-list|colwidth=30em}} * ''Tatsunoko vs. Capcom: Ultimate All-Stars'' (Nintendo Wii) (January 26, 2010) * ''Hutch the Honeybee: Yuki no Melody'' (2010; co-production with Group TAC) * ''Yozakura Quartet: Hoshi no Umi'' (2010; co-production with KMMJ Studios) * ''Princess Resurrection'' (2010; remake of original TV series) * ''[[C (TV series)|[C]: The Money of Soul and Possibility Control]]'' (Fuji TV) (2011) * ''Sket Dance'' (TV Tokyo) (2011–2012) * ''Pretty Rhythm: Aurora Dream'' (TV Tokyo) (2011) * ''Pretty Rhythm: Dear My Future'' (TV Tokyo) (2012–2013; co-production with DongWoo A&E) * ''Ippatsu-Hicchuu! Devander'' (2012; OVA in celebration of Tatsunoko Productions' 50th anniversary) * ''Namiuchigiwa no Muromi-san'' (MBS) (2013) * ''Pretty Rhythm: Rainbow Live'' (TV Tokyo) (2013–2014; co-production with DongWoo A&E) * ''Gatchaman Crowds'' (NTV) (2013) * ''Yozakura Quartet: Hana no Uta''/''Yozakura Quartet: Tsuki ni Naku'' (2013) * ''Triple Combination: Transformers Go!'' (2013) * ''Robotech: Love Live Alive'' (2013) (Robotech version of the MOSPEADA OVA: Love Live Alive) * ''Wake Up, Girls!'' (2014; co-production with Ordet) * ''Ping Pong'' (Fuji TV) (2014) * ''PriPara'' (TV Tokyo) (2014–2017; co-production with DongWoo A&E) * ''Psycho-Pass 2'' (Fuji TV) (2014) * ''Yatterman Night'' (YTV) (2015) * ''Gatchaman Crowds insight'' (NTV) (2015) * ''PriPara Mi~nna no Akogare Let's Go PriPari'' (TV Tokyo) (2016) * ''Transformers: Combiner Wars'' (2016; co-production with Hasbro Studios and Machinima Inc.) * ''Time Bokan 24'' (YTV/NTV) (2016–2017) * ''Infini-T Force'' (NTV) (2017, co-production with Digital Frontier) * ''Idol Time PriPara'' (TV Tokyo) (2017–2018; co-production with DongWoo A&E) * ''Transformers: Titans Return'' (2017–2018; co-production with Hasbro Studios and Machinima Inc.) * ''Transformers: Power of the Primes'' (2018; co-production with Hasbro Studios and Machinima Inc.) * ''Kiratto Pri Chan'' (TV Tokyo) (2018–2021; co-production with DongWoo A&E) * ''The Price of Smiles'' (2019, Tatsunoko's 55th anniversary work) * ''King of Prism: Shiny Seven Stars'' (2019) * ''Ninja Box'' (2019–2020; co-production with C2C)

=== 2020s === {{columns-list|colwidth=30em}} * ''Genie Family 2020'' (YTV) (2020, co-production with Nippon Animation) * ''Joran: The Princess of Snow and Blood'' (NTV) (2021) * ''Idol Land PriPara'' (2021) * ''Muteking the Dancing Hero'' (TVO) (2021, co-production with Tezuka Productions) * ''Waccha PriMagi!'' (TV Tokyo) (2021–2022, co-production with DongWoo A&E) * ''Exception'' (Netflix) (2022, co-production with 5 Inc.)<ref>{{cite news |title=Exception Horror Anime's Trailer Reveals Cast, Composer, October 13 Debut |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2022-09-12/exception-horror-anime-trailer-reveals-cast-composer-october-13-debut/.189596 |work=Anime News Network |date=September 12, 2022}}</ref> * ''Ippon Again!'' (TV Tokyo) (2023) * ''The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel – Northern War'' (2023)<ref>{{cite web |last=Romano |first=Sal |title=The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel – Northern War anime produced by Tatsunoku Production, delayed to early 2023 |url=https://www.gematsu.com/2022/01/the-legend-of-heroes-trails-of-cold-steel-northern-war-anime-produced-by-tatsunoku-production-delayed-to-early-2023 |website=Gematsu |date=31 January 2022 |access-date=31 January 2022}}</ref> * ''Pole Princess!!'' (2023)<ref>{{cite web |last=Hodgkins |first=Crystalyn |title=Tatsunoko Pro Reveals Original Pole Dancing Anime Pole Princess!! |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2022-11-25/tatsunoko-pro-reveals-original-pole-dancing-anime-pole-princess/.192277 |website=Anime News Network |access-date=November 25, 2022 |date=November 25, 2022}}</ref> * ''King of Prism: Dramatic Prism.1'' (2024) * ''King of Prism: Your Endless Call - Minna Kirameki! Prism☆Tours'' (2025) * ''Turkey! Time to Strike'' (NTV) (2025, co-production with Pony Canyon)<ref>{{cite web |last=Mateo |first=Alex |title=Turkey! Original Bowling Anime Reveals Teaser Trailer, 2025 Premiere |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2024-03-23/turkey-original-bowling-anime-reveals-teaser-trailer-2025-premiere/.209060 |website=Anime News Network |access-date=March 23, 2024 |date=March 23, 2024}}</ref> * ''A Gatherer's Adventure in Isekai'' (2025, co-production with SynergySP)<ref>{{cite web |last=Loo |first=Egan |title=A Gatherer's Adventure in Isekai TV Anime Unveils Composer, October Debut |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2025-05-11/a-gatherer-adventure-in-isekai-tv-anime-unveils-composer-october-debut/.224358 |website=Anime News Network |access-date=May 11, 2025 |date=May 11, 2025}}</ref> * ''Pardon the Intrusion, I'm Home!'' (2026)<ref>{{cite web |last=Cayanan |first=Joanna |title=Watomura's 'Tadaima, Ojamasaremasu!' Romantic Comedy Manga Gets TV Anime in 2026 |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2025-11-25/watomura-tadaima-ojamasaremasu-romantic-comedy-manga-gets-tv-anime-in-2026/.231377 |website=Anime News Network |access-date=November 25, 2025 |date=November 25, 2025}}</ref> * ''Red River'' (2026)<ref>{{cite web|title=Chie Shinohara's Red River Shōjo Manga Gets TV Anime This Summer|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2026-02-14/chie-shinohara-red-river-shojo-manga-gets-tv-anime-this-summer/.234197|website=Anime News Network|last=Hodgkins|first=Crystalyn|date=February 14, 2026|access-date=February 15, 2026}}</ref> * ''Giant Ojō-sama'' (TBA)<ref>{{cite web |last=Loo |first=Egan |title=Giant Ojō-sama Comedy Manga Gets TV Anime by Tatsunoko |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2025-03-02/giant-ojo-sama-comedy-manga-gets-tv-anime-by-tatsunoko/.221859 |website=Anime News Network |access-date=March 3, 2025 |date=March 2, 2025}}</ref>

== Co-productions == {{Unreferenced section|date=October 2017}} * ''Once Upon a Time...Man'' (1978–1981; produced by Procidis) * ''Super Dimension Fortress Macross'' (MBS) (1982–1983; produced by Studio Nue and Artland) * ''Super Dimension Fortress Macross: Do You Remember Love?'' (1984; produced by Studio Nue and Artland) * ''Genesis Climber MOSPEADA: Love Live Alive'' (1985; co-production with Artmic) * ''Megazone 23'' (Additional footage) (1985; produced by AIC and Artland) * ''Robotech'' (1985; co-production with Harmony Gold USA and Big West) * ''Robotech II: The Sentinels'' (1986; co-production with Harmony Gold USA) * ''Robotech: The Movie'' (1986; co-production with Harmony Gold USA, The Idol Company, Artland and Artmic) * ''Super Dimension Fortress Macross: Flash Back 2012'' (1987; co-production with Studio Nue and Artland) * ''Neon Genesis Evangelion'' (TV Tokyo) (1995–1996; co-production with Gainax) * ''Simple 1500 Series Vol. 24: The Gun Shooting'' (1999; contributed with animated cutscenes)

== Anime studios founded by former members == {{Unreferenced section|date=April 2015}} * Ashi Productions/Production Reed (since 1975) * Artmic (1978–1997) (defunct) * Pierrot (since 1979) * J.C.Staff (since 1986) * Production I.G (since 1987) * Animation 21 (since the 1990s) (defunct) * Xebec (1995–2019) (defunct) * Radix Ace Entertainment (1995–2006) (defunct) * Bee Train Production (1997–2012) (dormant) * Actas (since 1998) * TNK (since 1999) * A-Line (since 2000) * P.A. Works (since 2000) * Yanchester (since 2024)

== Notes == {{notelist}}

== References == {{Reflist|30em}}

== Sources == * {{Cite book |last=Sasagawa |first=Hiroshi |author-link=Hiroshi Sasagawa|title=Buta mo Odaterya Ki ni Noboru: Watashi no Manga-dō to Anime-dō |script-title=ja:ぶたもおだてりゃ木にのぼる: 私のマンガ道とアニメ道 |trans-title=Even pigs will climb trees if you flatter them: My Manga Way and Anime Way |publisher= Wani Books |date= September 1, 2000 |isbn= 4-8470-1358-1|ref = {{SfnRef|Buta mo Odaterya Ki ni Noboru|2000}}}}

== External links == {{Portal|Tokyo|Companies|Anime and manga}} {{Commons category|Tatsunoko Production}} * {{Official website|https://tatsunoko.co.jp/en/}} * {{Official website|https://tatsunoko.co.jp/}} {{in lang|ja}} * [https://bakken-record.jp Bakken Record official website] {{in lang|ja}} * {{anime News Network|company|591}}

{{Tatsunoko Production}} {{Tatsunoko Production films}} {{Japanese animation studios}} {{Macross series}} {{Authority control}} Category:Animation studios in Tokyo Category:Companies based in Musashino, Tokyo Category:Japanese animation studios Category:Japanese companies established in 1962 Category:Mass media companies established in 1962 Category:Tatsunoko Production