Japanese streaming service ABEMA announced on December 26, 2025 that it has launched a project for independent animators called Project PRISMation. The project is a collaboration with various creators, primarily individuals or small teams who primarily produce web animation, to create original anime pilot films. Project PRISMation anime news represents ABEMA's commitment to supporting next-generation talent, with the initiative combining Prism and Animation to symbolize a space where diverse talents converge to shine brightly.
The project will release the first three works from creators around the world for three consecutive weeks, starting on January 16, 2026. ABEMA original anime initiative provides a platform for indie creators to showcase their work, with the streaming service planning to continue the project beyond 2026 and collaborate with a rotating roster of diverse creators annually. Latest anime news 2026 highlights ABEMA's push into original content creation, following parent company CyberAgent's investment in original IP and the establishment of new animation studios like Studio Kurm and CA Soa earlier in 2025.
The first work, Poppin-Play Kitchen by Zemyata from Thailand, premieres on January 16, 2026. The bizarre colorful cooking show follows hosts P-chan, C-chan, and U-chan. Zemyata worked on Eve's music video for Yoru wa Honoka, establishing the creator's reputation in the web animation community. Anime streaming news 2026 showcases ABEMA's global reach, with creators from Thailand, Vietnam, and Japan participating in the first wave of Project PRISMation releases.
The second work, Gluttomy by rapitus from Vietnam, premieres on January 23, 2026. Gluttomy follows Appel, a hardworking student who attends an elite private high school on scholarship, and his encounter with mysterious pink-haired twins Glista and Glyde, who take an interest in Appel. RaPis and Tus of the duo rapitus created the 2D animated short film Children Under the Reed Field, which went viral and inspired this new pilot. Indie anime news highlights the project's focus on discovering emerging talent, with rapitus representing Vietnamese creators in the global animation landscape.
The third work, The Horrors' Horror Home by director Uguiso Kobo's Rushio Moriyama and writer Yūya Matsuzaki from Japan, premieres on January 30, 2026. The short follows the Horrors family: a vampire father Dracule, onryō wraith mother Sadako, their daughter Alice, and the cat Dark Matter. Moriyama was an episode director for Scott Pilgrim Takes Off, DAN DA DAN, SANDA, and Doraemon, bringing established industry experience to the indie project. Anime studio news 2026 demonstrates how Project PRISMation bridges mainstream and independent animation, with experienced directors like Moriyama contributing to the initiative alongside emerging creators.
ABEMA will continue to work with a wide range of creators. The company is looking for new creators both inside and outside of Japan in May 2026. Anime industry news 2026 reveals ABEMA's long-term commitment to Project PRISMation, with public submissions opening in May 2026 for original anime concepts from both Japanese and international creators. This open submission process provides opportunities for animators worldwide to participate in the project, expanding the platform's reach and diversity.
A special feature on the project is scheduled to air during ABEMA's original program SHIBUYA ANIME BASE on January 16, 2026. Anime announcements 2026 highlight the promotional support ABEMA is providing for Project PRISMation, with dedicated programming to introduce viewers to the initiative and its creators. The special coverage will help build awareness for the project and showcase the diverse range of animation styles and stories featured in the first wave of releases.
Project PRISMation represents ABEMA's broader strategy to invest in original IP and support independent creators. Anime adaptation news 2026 shows how streaming platforms are increasingly focusing on original content creation, with ABEMA joining other services in developing exclusive anime projects. The initiative aligns with CyberAgent's investment in animation, following the establishment of new studios and the company's commitment to expanding its presence in the anime industry.
The name Prismation comes from Prism and Animation, and it symbolizes a space where diverse talents converge to shine brightly. Anime news updates 2026 showcase how Project PRISMation aims to provide a platform for creators who might not have access to traditional anime production pipelines, offering opportunities for web animators and independent creators to reach wider audiences through ABEMA's streaming platform.
Project PRISMation anime news represents a significant development in the streaming anime landscape, with ABEMA creating a dedicated initiative for independent creators. The project's focus on global talent, diverse animation styles, and original storytelling positions it as a unique offering in the competitive streaming market, providing viewers with fresh perspectives and innovative animation techniques from emerging creators worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Project PRISMation?
It is a new initiative launched by the Japanese streaming service ABEMA to collaborate with independent animators and small teams to create original anime pilot films.
When do the first Project PRISMation works premiere?
The first wave of pilots will premiere over three consecutive weeks starting January 16, 2026.
Who are the creators in the first wave of Project PRISMation?
The first three creators/teams are Zemyata (Thailand), the duo rapitus (Vietnam), and Uguisu Kobo (Japan) featuring director Rushio Moriyama and writer Yūya Matsuzaki.
What is Poppin-Play Kitchen about?
Created by Zemyata, it is a "bizarre colorful cooking show" featuring three hosts named P-chan, C-chan, and U-chan.
What is Gluttomy about?
Created by rapitus, it follows Appel, a hardworking scholarship student at an elite high school, who encounters mysterious pink-haired twins named Glista and Glyde.
What is The Horrors' Horror Home about?
It follows the supernatural Horrors family, consisting of a vampire father (Dracule), an onryō mother (Sadako), their daughter Alice, and a cat named Dark Matter.
When can creators submit to Project PRISMation?
ABEMA will begin looking for new creators from both inside and outside Japan in May 2026.
Where can I watch Project PRISMation works?
The works will be available on the ABEMA streaming platform and are expected to be featured on the project's official website.
What does the name PRISMation mean?
The name is a portmanteau of "Prism" and "Animation," symbolizing a space where diverse, multifaceted talents converge to shine brightly.
Is Project PRISMation a one-time initiative?
No. ABEMA has stated it will continue to work with a wide range of creators on an ongoing basis to discover and support next-generation animation talent.