How a small studio aims to defeat giants through storytelling

History · Published 7 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Founded by former Gonzo producers, David Production set out to prove that scale matters less than substance. Named after the biblical underdog, the studio aims to create impactful animation through a philosophy of great characters and storytelling, eventually becoming a major force in the Japanese animation industry.

Established in September 2007 by Kōji Kajita and Taito Okiura, David Production emerged after the founders departed from the studio Gonzo. The company's name is a deliberate nod to the biblical tale of David and Goliath, a metaphor for their ambition to produce high-quality animation and compelling characters despite being smaller than many of the industry's established giants. The name also serves as an acronym for "Design Audio & Visual Illusion Dynamics," reflecting the studio's focus on high-impact visual effects. The founders originally worked at the studio Gonzo before establishing their own company. This new venture was based in Nishitōkyō, Tokyo.

The studio's trajectory moved from subcontracting to primary production in 2009 with the work Ristorante Paradiso. This evolution paved the way for a diverse portfolio of notable adaptations and original works. Their portfolio features hits like JoJo's Bizarre Adventure, the biological study Cells at Work!, the 2018 Captain Tsubasa version, the intense Fire Force, and the 2022 Urusei Yatsura remake. Initially, the studio functioned as a subcontractor for different companies. It was not until 2009 that they secured their first role as a primary contractor.

As the studio's influence grew, it attracted talent from other prominent studios; for instance, several producers and a CG director from Shaft joined David Production around 2018. This growth and industry standing were further solidified on August 1, 2014, when the studio was acquired by Fuji Television, marking a significant milestone in its corporate history. The acquisition by Fuji Television occurred in August 2014. This transition helped cement their position within the competitive animation market.

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