Animation Project - News Release

Yanmar Appoints Renowned Anime Producer Masuo Ueda as Executive Producer for Upcoming Anime Project 未ル (Miru)

July 18, 2024
Yanmar Holdings Co., Ltd.

Osaka, Japan (July 18, 2024) - Yanmar Holdings Co., Ltd. has appointed Masuo Ueda as the executive producer for its original animation, Miru¹, set to air in Japan in early 2025. The official title of the anime is “未ル (Miru): Paths To My Future”, and it will be broadcast as a five-episode series. Details about a global release will be announced once confirmed.

Miru is an animation project by Yanmar that features an epic adventure set in a world where robots and people coexist amidst a looming environmental threat. The anime features a robot, designed by Yanmar's team, as the main character.

The Yanmar Group is dedicated to creating “A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE”, guided by the principle of “HANASAKA”, which values belief in people’s potential and encourages new challenges. In this project, Yanmar depicts the protagonist grappling with change, growing through interactions with robots and other characters, and altering the future. Each character’s challenge depicted in Miru resonates with HANASAKA and is seen as a step towards realizing A Sustainable Future. Yanmar believes that everyone has the power to shape the future and encourages viewers to take steps towards building a better future by fostering a commitment to a sustainable society.

The production team includes Masuo Ueda, an anime producer known for works such as “Mobile Suit Gundam III: Encounters in Space” and “City Hunter”, along with five innovative anime studios. The team embodies the spirit of HANASAKA, supporting and encouraging creativity and inspiration through anime. By allowing each studio to express their creativity, the production will showcase a diverse world within Miru, over its five episodes. More details will be released as it becomes available.

The robot featured in this anime, MIRU is weaponless and stands alongside humans offering support as they face challenges. Centered around the theme of “confrontation and harmony between humans and nature”, the five-episode series will explore various human stories unfolding in this unique world.

Overview of Original Animation “未ル (Miru)”

Created and produced by: Yanmar Holdings Co., Ltd.
Executive Producer: Masuo Ueda
Production Support by: Skyfall Co., Ltd.
Planning Cooperation: btrax Japan LLC
Broadcast Schedule: Early 2025 (March – May, five-episode series)
Official Anime Title: 未ル (Miru): Paths To My Future
Synopsis: In the distant future, humans create a robot named MIRU capable of traveling through time, visiting various eras, places, and even parallel worlds. Unlike some robots, MIRU isn't equipped with weapons. Instead, it helps people overcome immense obstacles peacefully, encouraging new beginnings without violence.
MIRU continuously evolves by interacting with people, learning and growing to assist those struggling to survive. It listens to their problems and offers support. By helping others, MIRU sets off a “Butterfly Effect,” * of dramatic change guiding society toward a brighter future.
Why was MIRU created? What is its purpose? Can it save the Earth and humanity from a dystopian future?
“The future is in our hands.” This anime aims to inspire everyone to believe in this message and seeks to make a positive impact on the world.

*The “Butterfly Effect” refers to the concept that small actions can lead to significant and unforeseen consequences.

Comment from Mr. Masuo Ueda, Skyfall Co., Ltd.

“When I heard that Yanmar was making an anime, I was shocked. It was like being hit on the head with a hammer. And a robot anime at that!? And it doesn’t even have weapons? A non-combat, weaponless robot? I started my anime career with Mobile Suit Gundam and never imagined that at this age, I'd be working on another robot anime. However, as I learned more, I became fascinated by the project's challenging nature and the team's enthusiasm. Now, I am deeply engrossed in it. This might be my last major project in my anime career, and I am incredibly happy to be part of this exciting endeavor.”

Profile of Mr. Masuo Ueda

Born in Tokyo in 1955, Ueda joined Nippon Sunrise (now Bandai Namco Filmworks) in 1979. His first production role was the theatrical release of Mobile Suit Gundam III: Encounters in Space. Over the years, he has produced numerous hits and classics such as Galactic Drifter Vifam, City Hunter, and ∀ Gundam. After completing the Mobile Suit Gundam 20th Anniversary Project, he left Sunrise in 2000 to work as a freelance producer, contributing to the production of InuYasha. He played a key role in the establishment of Aniplex and later served as president of A-1 Pictures, president, and chairman of Aniplex. He is currently the CEO of Skyfall Co., Ltd.

Miru Special Website: https://www.miru-anime.com/
Miru Official X Account: https://x.com/miruanime_info　(@miruanime_info)
Miru Official Facebook Account: https://www.facebook.com/miruanimeinfo/

1Yanmar Unveils “未ル (Miru)” Animation Project at Anime Expo 2023 (Announced on June 20, 2023)
https://www.yanmar.com/global/about/yanmar_robot/news/2023/06/20/125810.html

About Yanmar

With beginnings in Osaka, Japan, in 1912, Yanmar was the first ever to succeed in making a compact diesel engine of a practical size in 1933. A pioneer in diesel engine technology, Yanmar is a global innovator in a wide range of industrial equipment, from small and large engines, agricultural machinery and facilities, construction equipment, energy systems, marine, to machine tools, and components — Yanmar’s global business operations span seven domains. On land, at sea, and in the city, Yanmar provides advanced solutions to the challenges customers face, towards realizing A Sustainable Future. For more details, please visit the official website of Yanmar Holdings Co., Ltd.