Operation ONI

This is a fictional story about Japan, when there were "samurai"s.

A war is about to break out between humans and the Empire of Spirits. Mao, the strongest samurai with ONI horns, had been separated from her parents by death and was raised by the tyrannical lord.

Mao is human, but because of the demon horn on her head, she is not considered human. She has always felt lonely.

Only her best friend, Onatsu, was able to save her from her loneliness. Filled with Onatsu's family-like love and affection, Mao felt happy for the first time in her life.

Then, a war begins between humans and monsters. Mao is going to protect both their country and Onatsu. But Onatsu says, "This is the end of our friendship." She bursts into tears and disappears.

What is the true meaning of Onatsu's words?
And what will become of their friendship?

The truth is hidden in Mao's mysterious horns...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=toZG2i-ArnU

  • Hiroshi Takane
    Director
  • Hiroshi Takane
    Writer
    428: Shibuya Scramble, Fire Emblem, NHK, LEXUS, SONY, Wacoal, BABYMETAL, and Granblue Fantasy
  • Hiroshi Takane
    Producer
  • Risa Imayanagi
    Key Cast
    "Mao"
    The tales of the outcasts (Diana), Yugioh Seven, Survive the Night, Pacific Rim: The Black
  • Yuri Kondo
    Key Cast
    "Onatsu"
    McDONALD'S (TV ads), TOYOTA (Radio ads)
  • Takashi Narumi
    Key Cast
    "Hakuo"
    BETWEEN, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, STALINGRAD
  • Momoko Iwasawa
    Key Cast
    "Ohaguro Bettari"
    My ID is Kang Nam Beauty, Flight SOS Lost in the Pacific
  • Tomiko Claire
    Key Cast
    "Sanagi"
    Little Love Song
  • Ryoku Dion
    Key Cast
    "Saki"
  • Sora Kuwakado
    Key Cast
    "Sora"
    K-ON!
  • Neon
    Key Cast
    "Towngirl"
  • Sho Hosokawa
    Background artist
  • Sho Hosokawa
    Sumi-e Art Director
  • Sho Hosokawa
    Co-Producer
  • Kinosuke Rakuga
    Main Animator
  • Kinosuke Rakuga
    Action Director
  • Miya
    Painting Animator
  • Oksana Grabenko
    Inbetween Animator
    “Hacking Universe” series and “Winter“ comics, “Marilya. In search of weirdos” series, “Take my muffin” YouTube series.
  • Mirko De Stefano
    Inbetween Animator
  • Fawkes Sutherland
    Music Composer
  • Itsuki Amakusa
    Music Composer
  • Suzu Nomiya
    Character Designer
  • Tukine Natsuki
    Character Designer
  • Alejandro Jiang (Hazeiko)
    Character Designer
  • Roberta Alosi
    Character Designer
  • Kaori Fukui
    Director of audiography
  • Marco Preißer
    English Advisor
  • B-Draw
    Concept Artist
  • Hiroko Aoyama
    Script Director
  • kofudeya
    Kanji Logo Designer
  • Soundays
    Arranger
  • Project Type:
    Animation, Experimental, Feature
  • Country of Origin:
    Japan
  • Country of Filming:
    Japan
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    DCI 4K
  • Film Color:
    Black & White
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Digital Cinema Package:
    Unavailable
Director Biography - Hiroshi Takane

Hiroshi Takane is an accomplished scriptwriter, director, and advertising content creator at Synthese Co., Ltd., with over 18 years of experience in the industry. He is also the founder, CEO, and creative force behind Studio ONI Ltd., where he works as a filmmaker, director, scriptwriter, editor, and producer. Born in Tokyo, Japan, in 1979, his career spans both advertising and video games, with a reputation for innovative storytelling.

After completing high school, he pursued studies abroad in Canada and France. In 2005, he graduated from the Japan Academy of Moving Images, an institution founded by legendary director Shohei Imamura, specializing in scriptwriting. He began his professional career in 2006, working on the critically acclaimed 428: Shibuya Scramble as a founding member of Synthese Co., Ltd.

He has been writing scripts for renowned titles such as Fire Emblem and has contributed to other iconic franchises for over 18 years. His advertising work includes campaigns for major brands like NHK, LEXUS, SONY, Wacoal, BABYMETAL, and Granblue Fantasy.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

Hello from Japan!

I’m Hiroshi Takane, the producer, director, editor and scriptwriter of the anime named Operation ONI, created in Sumi-e, one of the East Asian styles of traditional ink brush painting.

While Sumi-e doesn't use many colors, it can express rich and impressive scenes. It's extremely compelling and I'm sure you will feel inspired by it. We are very honored to invite you to this mysterious and traditional Asian world. I hope that many people will discover this oriental culture and enjoy the new sensory experience.

Are you ready to be surprised?

Best Regards,
Hiroshi Takane