Production company BLUE RIGHTS has released a pilot film for the Ninja Skooler anime, pairing new animation footage with the original song “Knots” by musician Takashi Iwami. Kinema Citrus created the original concept two years ago, presenting early teaser footage at Anime Central in Rosemont, Illinois. The new short film arrived on YouTube while Iwami’s song saw a separate digital release on music platforms [1].
How the Ninja Skooler Anime Follows Rappa
The story follows Rappa, an orphaned boy who spends his days idolizing fictional ninja from stories and games. His life changes on a snowy night when he falls from a slippery rooftop, only to be caught in midair and saved by an active ninja named Okachimachi and his aging master. Following the rescue, Rappa arrives at their doorstep and asks to become their apprentice, prompting Rappa, Okachimachi, and the master to move in together as a family [1].
Years after joining the household, Rappa throws all his energy into daily training so he can become a dependable ninja who protects the local town from trouble. Local children who look up to him gather each afternoon at the master’s old traditional candy shop, turning the storefront into a lively meeting place where Rappa shares laughs with his adoptive family and neighborhood friends. He expects these bright days will last forever, but that comfort shatters when he catches sight of Okachimachi quietly tending to their retired teacher. Through that private interaction, Rappa catches a clear glimpse of deep physical pain that the aging mentor had kept hidden from the household for years, forcing the boy to confront the difficult realities behind the heroic warrior path he chose [1].
The narrative balances youthful enthusiasm with quiet domestic reality. While Rappa views life as a warrior through the exciting lens of childhood adventure, Okachimachi and his retired mentor carry the lasting physical toll of duty. Their shared home inside an old sweet shop anchors that emotional tension in a quiet neighborhood setting [2].
Visual Direction Without Outlines
Director Shunsuke Takarai took an unusual artistic path for the short film, choosing to render characters and backgrounds without standard black ink outline borders. Takarai, who drew the storyboards himself at Studio HALE, wanted the visual presentation to reflect the emotional state of young characters discovering their world. The resulting animation softens figure edges so character movement blends directly into painted environments without harsh dividing lines separating them from the scenery [1].
In his press release statement, Takarai explained the creative reasoning behind this stylistic choice. “Visually, I tried working without outlines to capture the uncertainty and vulnerability of childhood. I hope you enjoy the atmosphere that emerges as the characters and backgrounds blend together,” Takarai said. Soft colors define each figure instead of heavy contour lines [1].
Takarai previously directed the 2024 pilot trailer, and his past portfolio includes directing episodes six and eleven of the television series Made in Abyss: The Golden City of the Scorching Sun. He also directed the animated music video for “non-reflection” by music producer Aiobahn. That background in atmospheric fantasy storytelling informs the soft lighting and gentle palette seen throughout this new ninja short [1].
Production Staff and Studio Collaboration
Animation production for the pilot is a joint effort between studio breccia and Kinema Citrus, drawing together experienced talent from several anime franchises. Hiroko Oguri served as character designer for the short, adapting earlier concept work originally created by manga illustrator Hami. Hami previously drew the manga adaptation of Sound! Euphonium and provided the original character designs when Kinema Citrus first unveiled Rappa [1].
Key creative positions behind the camera feature prominent anime collaborators who shaped notable fantasy productions over the past decade. Lee Jooyuong served as background art director, establishing the painted environmental backdrops for the candy shop and snowy rooftops, while Akiko Saito handled the color design. Compositing director Tsunetaka Ema of T2 Studio oversaw the final visual assembly, reuniting with composer Kevin Penkin, who composed the musical score following their prior work on Made in Abyss. Satoshi Wada supervised animation output as animation producer at Studio HALE, ensuring that the visual execution matched Takarai’s directorial concept across every sequence [1].
Finishing artists from partner studios contributed to the completed frames. Hiroaki Kaguchi and YOSHIKI Eri completed finishing tasks with staff at Anitus-Kobe. At Studio BUS, finishing credits went to Na Jong-ah, Kim seo-young, Kim Jung-hye, Kim Yeon-mi, Kim Eun-kyeoung, Baek Sung-hee, Kim Mi-yeon, and Lee Jeong Mi [2].
Origins at Anime Central 2024
Kinema Citrus first previewed Rappa before an audience in May 2024 during the Anime Central convention held in Rosemont, Illinois. Kinema Citrus screened early footage during its Sweet 16 panel, presenting a preliminary pilot trailer to celebrate its sixteenth anniversary. At that early stage, Kinema Citrus introduced Rappa and his ninja world through quick animation cuts, hinting at an original property in active development [1].
Kinema Citrus provided the foundational concept for the universe before collaborating with partner studios to expand the idea. Executive producer Muneki Ogasawara, who formerly served as chairman of Kinema Citrus and acts as representative member for breccia, helped shepherd the concept into production. Ogasawara previously worked as senior producer on original projects such as Goodbye, Lara [1].
Two full years passed between that initial convention appearance in Illinois and the arrival of the completed pilot film. During that period, the creative team refined the artistic style, brought in new production partners, and developed a broader roadmap for the story. The creators chose not to rush into a television broadcast schedule, focusing on establishing the core visual and musical identity of the universe before pursuing wider serialization [1].
Why the Ninja Skooler Anime Reaches Beyond Television
Production firm BLUE RIGHTS, founded by anime producer Makoto Kimura, is managing the commercial future of the property. Kimura brings extensive production experience to BLUE RIGHTS, having earned credits on major series including Chainsaw Man, Vinland Saga Season 2, Hell’s Paradise, and Terror in Resonance. Under his leadership, BLUE RIGHTS wants the Ninja Skooler anime to grow into an enduring franchise with manga, toys, and digital media [1].
Official statements from BLUE RIGHTS outline an expansive cross-media campaign for the series. The company says the larger endeavor “aims to build lasting IP value across animation, music, publishing and digital content.” It is actively “developing ways for audiences to experience NINJA SKOOLER through serialized manga, shorts, character projects, toys and other merchandise,” setting up multiple commercial avenues to introduce young audiences to the cast [1].
To support those commercial ambitions, BLUE RIGHTS issued an open call for commercial partners in its promotional release. The company asked prospective collaborators in publishing, music, digital content, character merchandise, and international licensing to reach out to “explore potential collaboration opportunities.” Melvyn Tan reported for Anime Trending that BLUE RIGHTS views the pilot film as a launchpad for long-term licensing agreements worldwide [1].
- ONLINE NEWS Tan, M. (2026, November 5). Ninja Skooler Anime Gets Pilot Film. Anime Trending. [Article Link]
- ONLINE NEWS Anime News Network. (2026, November 5). Ninja Skooler Anime Unveils Pilot Film, Images, Song. Anime News Network. [Article Link]
