New Deer Celebrates 10th Anniversary

New Deer, a company dedicated to connecting Japan and the world through animation via film distribution and festival production, celebrated its 10th anniversary on April 17th with a special giveaway campaign on social media. To mark the occasion, congratulatory messages from animation creators and critics associated with the company were also released.

Founded by animation researcher Nobuaki Doi (author of Makoto Shinkai: The Birth of a National Animator and A Guide to 21st Century Animation), New Deer has played a key role in introducing international animation talents to Japan, while also promoting rising Japanese animators to global audiences. In recent years, the company’s productions have been selected for over 180 film festivals worldwide, winning 33 awards, including the Silver Bear for Short Film at the Berlin International Film Festival and the Grand Prix at the Ottawa International Animation Festival.

Representative Nobuaki Doi

To celebrate its 10th anniversary on April 17th, New Deer—a company bridging Japan and the world through animation via film distribution and festival production—launched a special giveaway campaign on social media. Alongside the celebration, congratulatory messages from renowned animation creators, critics, and actors who have collaborated with the company were released.

Founded by animation researcher Nobuaki Doi, author of Makoto Shinkai: The Birth of a National Animator and A Guide to 21st Century Animation, New Deer has helped introduce overseas creators to Japanese audiences while also promoting Japanese talent to the global stage. Over the past decade, its productions have been selected for more than 180 international film festivals, winning 33 awards—including the Silver Bear for Short Film at the Berlin International Film Festival and the Grand Prix at the Ottawa International Animation Festival.

Company Statement

Celebrating the milestone, New Deer commented:

“There are many animations in Japan and the world that deserve to be better known and that you will never forget once you see them. New Deer will continue to run so that we can continue to deliver such animations to many people.”

Message from CEO Nobuaki Doi

“Looking up to trailblazers like Genron, HEADZ, and boid—who are both critics and business leaders—I felt a duty to take on the challenge of spreading unknown animation to the world. It’s now been 10 years since I registered the company just three weeks after submitting my doctoral thesis.

People often asked me, ‘How do you make a living doing this?’ I kept searching for that answer myself. Somehow, I’ve managed to survive by distributing films, organizing festivals, writing, lecturing, hosting independent and public events, and producing original works—not just animation, but games too. I came close to bankruptcy many times, but every time, it felt like a thread—like something from a spider’s web—was handed to me, helping me stay afloat.

These 10 years have allowed me to build trust and connections both in Japan and abroad. That single thread has multiplied into many, forming a strong lifeline. In the next decade, I’ll use that lifeline to climb even higher and bring unforgettable animation to the world.”

Excerpts from Congratulatory Messages

Hiroki Azuma (Critic, Founder of Genron)

“A critic creating a company and contributing to a genre’s growth is no easy feat. I’m proud that Doi-kun followed in Genron’s footsteps. Congratulations on your 10th anniversary!”

Ryo Iwase (Actor)

“Talking with Doi-san is always fun—he listens kindly and has something meaningful to say. When I talk to him, I feel like he’s someone who could guide the future in a good direction. Let’s keep talking for the next 10 years. Congratulations!”

Chi Uchida (Actor)

“Congratulations to New Deer on 10 amazing years! I first met Doi-san over a decade ago at a gathering of film enthusiasts. His calm demeanor and sharp insight stuck with me. His work bridging Japanese and global animation is pioneering. I hope we can collaborate again—being part of The Blind Willow and the Sleeping Woman last year was such a gift!”

Kiyotaka Oshiyama (Director, Look Back, Studio Dorian)

“Congratulations, New Deer! Doi-san has a deep love for animation. As the line between indie and mainstream production blurs and animation continues to diversify, New Deer’s role becomes ever more important. By the way, Studio Dorian is now in its 8th year!”

Gints Zilbalodis (Director, Flow)

“Congrats on 10 years, New Deer and Nobuaki! Supporting and distributing independent animation is a noble mission. With the world hungry for unique animation, you’re true leaders in Japan. See you soon!”

Shugo Tokumaru (Musician)

“Like a child who finds a treasure in the park and says, ‘Look!’—that’s Doi-san. He connects talents and opens up the world. I’ll always be cheering you on!”

Yoshiko Mizushiri (Animation Artist)

“Congratulations to New Deer on its 10th anniversary. When I think of animation, I think of Doi-san. Thanks to his support, I created Anxious Body and Normal Life. For an artist like me, who creates with no fixed destination, New Deer is a strong, guiding presence. Please continue to share powerful animation with the world!”