Why One Piece’s Former CG Director Left Toei Animation To Build His Own Studio?

In 2007, Kazuhiro Nishikawa, who once led the CG animation for One Piece, made a career-defining move. After years at Toei Animation, Nishikawa left the legendary studio to establish DandeLion Animation Studio, a production company focused on developing new possibilities in CGI.

Speaking at Anime Expo 2025, Nishikawa explained that while Toei treated CG largely as visual effects used in background shots or large crowd scenes, he wanted more. His ambition was to create characters with depth and push CG animation toward the forefront of storytelling.

Early Challenges and DandeLion’s First Steps

At its beginning, DandeLion Animation Studio was far from a major player. Nishikawa and his team worked on 2D visuals for outside projects, gradually building their reputation. These small-scale jobs provided the foundation to experiment with 3D designs and expand their creative scope.

The studio soon became recognised for its ability to bring multiple characters alive on-screen. From animated bands to dance sequences, Nishikawa’s team found its niche in character-driven CGI. These experiments eventually paved the way for larger opportunities.

Breakthrough Success With The First Slam Dunk

The studio’s defining project came with The First Slam Dunk (2022), a film adaptation of Takehiko Inoue’s iconic manga. By blending 2D artistry with advanced 3D CGI, the movie offered a fresh perspective that stunned global audiences.

Earning more than $279 million worldwide, the film not only became a box-office triumph but also cemented DandeLion’s position in the animation industry. Nishikawa reflected that spending seven years on the project allowed his team to refine every detail, proving that carefully crafted CG can resonate just as strongly as hand-drawn animation.

International Recognition and Oscar Buzz

DandeLion’s achievements extended further in 2024 when Magic Candies, a Toei CG short where Nishikawa worked as producer, received an Academy Award nomination. Though directed by Dragon Ball Z’s Daisuke Nishio, the recognition brought Nishikawa international acclaim.

The nomination, he explained, was a turning point. It showed that DandeLion’s work was not just admired in Asia but also acknowledged across the U.S. and Europe. For Nishikawa, this global recognition reinforced his belief that the studio should continue challenging the boundaries of animation.

Looking Ahead With ELECEED

DandeLion Animation Studio’s latest project is an anime adaptation of ELECEED, the popular webtoon by Son Je-ho and Zhena. Nishikawa revealed that, unlike past works, ELECEED will merge 2D and CGI seamlessly without separating the two styles.

By building scenes entirely in CG without relying on traditional drawn storyboards, the project aims to create a hybrid 3D experience where 2D characters and CG environments blend naturally. Scheduled for a 2026 debut, the anime could mark a new era in how Japanese studios approach animation.

The Future of Nishikawa’s Legacy

From One Piece to The First Slam Dunk and now ELECEED, Kazuhiro Nishikawa’s journey illustrates how a bold vision can reshape an entire medium. His decision to leave Toei Animation nearly two decades ago wasn’t just about independence; it was about proving that CGI could play a central role in anime storytelling.

With DandeLion Animation Studio continuing to push boundaries, Nishikawa’s influence is likely to inspire a new generation of creators who see CG not as an accessory but as a storytelling tool equal to traditional animation.

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