A ninja story about finding a family has a distinctive visual idea at its center. BLUE RIGHTS released the NINJA SKOOLER pilot film on November 6, introducing an original project directed and storyboarded by Shunsuke Takarai.
Takarai says he tried an approach without outlines to convey the uncertainty and vulnerability of childhood. His aim was an atmosphere in which characters and backgrounds feel connected, a choice that gives the colorful pilot a softer visual identity.
Watch the official NINJA SKOOLER pilot film from BLUE RIGHTS.
Project: NINJA SKOOLER
Production: BLUE RIGHTS / breccia / Kinema citrus
©NINJA SKOOLER
A world built around belonging
The story follows Rappa, an orphan who dreams of fictional ninjas. After a fall from a rooftop, he is saved by the real ninja Okachimachi and his master. Rappa asks to become an apprentice, and the three begin living together like a family.
A still from the pilot film, supplied by BLUE RIGHTS.
Project: NINJA SKOOLER
Production: BLUE RIGHTS / breccia / Kinema citrus
©NINJA SKOOLER
Years later, the master's candy shop becomes a gathering place for neighborhood children. That everyday warmth sits alongside a more fragile discovery: the retired master has been hiding pain from Rappa. The contrast gives the visual softness a clear emotional context.
The artists behind the pilot
Hami created the original character concepts, with character design by Hiroko Oguri. Lee Jooyuong is credited as art director and Akiko Saito for color design. The production credits list breccia and Kinema citrus for animation, with BLUE RIGHTS producing.
The pilot also features the song Knots by Takashi Iwami, released digitally alongside the film. Kevin Penkin is credited for the music. BLUE RIGHTS is seeking partners for further development across publishing, music, digital content and international projects; the announcement does not establish a series release date.
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