Toei Animation has officially premiered the second short film from its internal staff-led initiative, Pro,Pro,Pro!!. Titled Tanken-ka-tachi (Explorers), the approximately 120-second animated piece explores themes of youth, ambition, and the harsh realities of space exploration through a striking visual palette.
The Pro,Pro,Pro!! project operates directly out of Toei Animation's Oizumi Studio, serving as a creative sandbox where staff members across different departments can pitch and direct original short works. Unlike standard commercial productions managed by the studio, this initiative is specifically designed to foster artistic expression and give emerging creators hands-on leadership experience alongside veterans.
Stellar Cast & Creative Vision
The narrative of Tanken-ka-tachi follows two astronomy enthusiasts, Kaito and Rei. While Kaito is selected as an astronaut, Rei is assigned to a rescue squad instead—setting the stage for high emotional tension when disaster strikes Kaito's mission. The short features a stellar voice cast, with Yuichi Nakamura voicing Kaito, Chika Anzai starring as Rei, and Eiji Takemoto rounding out the cast as the Controller and Director.
The production is spearheaded by planning team members Takeyoshi Tsukada and Takahiro Kawamoto, with direction handled by Oh Junghwa, both of whom have contributed to major studio titles like One Piece. Character designs and chief animation direction are managed by Akiho Sato, working alongside co-animation director Naoko Yamaoka.
Future Projects & Availability
Both Tanken-ka-tachi and the project's first release, Mugen Animation—which featured Toei's iconic mascot Pero—are currently streaming globally via the official Toei Animation Museum YouTube channel. Accompanying the visual release is the theme song Ano Hi no Yakusoku, composed by Kotaro Shimoda with lyrics by tokyo soup, who also perform the track alongside Reo Haga.
With production on the third and fourth entries already underway, Toei Animation continues to use the project to cultivate fresh talent. Fans can follow @TOEIANIME_PRO on X for upcoming announcements, character sheets, and raw animation cuts.
