Studio Aura

Studio Aura is a Japanese animation studio founded in August 2018 as NickFamily Studios Japan (though most of its works that aired in 2018 and early 2019 started production as early as 2016 at various studios before the rights to them were sold to the animation company). The studio produces anime, mainly TV series but also OVAs. Most former Yui Animation staff have voluntarily been transferred to the studio. The studio operates facilities, most of which were previously CN XD Studios Japan and Studio Pri facilities, in the Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Saitama, Hokkaido, and Aichi Prefectures. The studio's first anime series, Fate/Jewel, premiered on October 4th, 2018.
NickFamily Studios and AuraAnime Licensing hold the master licenses to all of Studio Aura's first-party works, with the only exception being PB&J Kawauso (on account of the anime initially being animated by Toei Animation prior to 2018). Sometimes the master license to a particular series is split between NickFamily Studios and Aniplex of America. Starting on January 1st, 2020, Studio Aura's first-party anime premiering prior to December 31st, 2019, high-profile series, and all CN XD Studios Japan/Studio Pri works, would be regrouped under "Studio Aura Originals" ("Studio Aura Original Adaptations", for anime adaptations of existing works, and "Studio Aura Presentations", for CN XD Studios Japan works), which would be licensed in whole or in part (such as linear broadcast rights) by AuraAnime Licensing in North America.
In November 2018, it was announced that Studio Aura would open a division to animate third-party works.
After experiencing a 5% loss in October 2018, Studio Aura laid off 300 animators and began outsourcing in-between animation to other Japanese animation studios in November 2018.
Studio Aura has an in-between animation studio, Sparkle Project, that was founded in March 2017 by NickFamily Studios and reorganized under Studio Aura in May 2019. Unlike Studio Aura, Sparkle Project holds none of the master licenses for any projects they work on.
In May 2019, Sparkle Project announced a new original anime series (which was in the works since January 2018), set to premiere on June 3rd, 2019. Studio Aura will represent the series outside of Japan.
In the wake of the Kyoto Animation arson attack, Studio Aura announced that they would donate approximately ¥500,000 (approximately $4601.50 USD) to Kyoto Animation to help them recover from the incident, additionally delaying the Japanese premiere of Miracle Tunes to August 10th, 2019, as well as delaying Magical Girl Bunny Utai and My Secret Pet to 2020. Magical Girl Bunny Utai and My Secret Pet were further delayed to July 2020 in the wake of the 2019–20 coronavirus pandemic.
In March 2020, Studio Aura J and Studio Aura K were founded. The studio facilities are expected to open up when coronavirus cases reduce throughout Japan; in the meantime, staff are expected to work from home. Some TV anime previously slated for Studio Aura C and F would instead be moved to J and K respectively.
On April 10th, 2020, Studio Aura D split-off two new studios: Studio Aura 3DCG, which alongside Boundary will take over animation production for Lycopene the Tomatoy Poodle: The Animation from Studio Aura D and Silver Link starting with season 3, and Studio Tomia. Both studios are considered a part of Aura Japan.
In August 2020, Studio Aura F split-off two studios: one in Aomori Prefecture as well as one in Akita Prefecture. Studio Aura then rebranded all their studios (except for Studio Aura 3DCG, Sparkle Project, Studio Komiya, and Studio Tomia, which remained unchanged, as well as Studio Aura H, which became Studio Aura Support Studio) to match the prefecture or district the studios were located in (for example, Studio Aura F became Studio Aura Hokkaido). The studios will be credited under these names beginning in the Winter 2021 anime season.
==List of facilities==
*Studio Aura Tokyo A- formerly CN XD Studios Tokyo and Studio Aura A, flagship studio, located in Tokyo Prefecture
*Studio Aura Kyoto- formerly CN XD Studios Kyoto and Studio Aura B, secondary flagship, located in Kyoto Prefecture
*Studio Aura Aichi A- formerly CN XD Studios Aichi and Studio Aura C, located in Aichi Prefecture
*Studio Aura Saitama- formerly CN XD Studios Saitama and Studio Aura D, located in Saitama Prefecture
*Studio Aura Kyoto- formerly CN XD Studios Kyoto and Studio Aura E, located in Kyoto Prefecture
*Studio Aura Hokkaido- formerly Studio Pri and Studio Aura F, located in Hokkaido Prefecture
*Sparkle Project- located in Tokyo
*Studio Aura Tokyo B- formerly Yui Animation and Studio Aura G, located in Tokyo
*Studio Aura Support Studio- in-between studio, formerly Studio Aura H, located in Saitama Prefecture
*Studio Aura Tokyo C- formerly Studio Aura I, located in Tokyo
*Studio Aura Akihabara- formerly Studio Aura J, located in Akihabara, focused on shonen anime
*Studio Aura Aichi B- formerly Studio Aura K, located in Aichi, focused on shoujo anime
*Studio Aura 3DCG- located in Saitama, focused on 3DCG anime
*Studio Komiya- located in Chiyoda, Tokyo
*Studio Tomia- located in Saitama
*Studio Aura Aomori- located in Aomori Prefecture
*Studio Aura Akita- located in Akita Prefecture
==Anime works==
===Television and OVA===
Title 	Original network(s) 	Original run	Based upon 	Facility used 	Additional note(s)
Fate/Jewel 	Cartoon Network/Tokyo MX 	2018 - 2019 	Fate/stay night by Type-MoonJewelpet by Sanrio/Sega 	A 	
Magical Kari 	TV Tokyo 	2018 	Kari the Magic Bunny by NickFamily Studios 	F 	
Robot Warriors 	YTV Family 	2018 - 2019 	Original work 	B 	
Trigger Pets 	TV Tokyo/Yomiuri TV 	2018 - 2019 	Kill la Kill, Space Patrol Luluco, Kiznaiver, and Little Witch Academia by Studio TriggerJewelpet by Sanrio/Sega	D 	Co-production with Studio Trigger
Jewelpet Story 	TV Tokyo 	2018 - 2019 	Jewelpet by Sanrio/Sega 	F 	
Cozy-san 	TV Tokyo 	2018 	Cozy-san by Toei Animation 	G 	Master license shared with Nelvana
Dragon Sisters 	Cartoon Network/Tokyo MX 	2018 	Dragonfly Girl by Gallop 	C 	
Cottonsweet: Feel the Magic! 	TV Tokyo 	2019 	Cottonsweet by NickFamily Studios/YTV Family 	F 	Master license shared with Nelvana
Time Force Girls! Finale 	TV Tokyo/Aura 	2019 - 2020 	Time Force by NickFamily Studios/YTV Family 	F 	Master license shared with Nelvana
Kawaii!! Magic School Finals 	TV Akihabara 	2018 - 2019 	Kawaii!! Magic School by Gallop 	F 	
Guilty Crown: Dancing Endlaves 	Fuji TV 	2020 	Guilty Crown by Production I.G 	B 	co-production with Production I.GMaster license shared with Aniplex of America
Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D's Cute 	TV Tokyo 	2018 - 2019 	Yu-Gi-Oh! by Kazuki Takahashi 	F 	co-production with Gallop
The Last Uniform 	TV Tokyo 	2019 	The Last Uniform by Mera Hakamada 	D 	
Puella Magi Homura Tamura 	MBS 	2019 	Puella Magi Madoka Magica by ShaftPuella Magi Homura Tamura by afro 	E 	co-production with ShaftMaster license shared with Aniplex of America
Cottonsweet: Time-Travelling Rabbit 	OVA 	2019 	Time Force and Cottonsweet by NickFamily Studios 	C 	Released as an OVA in Japan whilst airing on North American television
Nicktoons Family Universe: The Animation 	TV Tokyo 	2019 	Nicktoons Family Universe by NickFamily Studios/Aura Television Productions 	H 	In-between animation only; actual anime produced by A-1 Pictures and CloverWorks
Mia's Adventure 	OVA 	2019 	Instant Adventure: Just Add Water! by NickFamily Studios 	E 	Released as an OVA-exclusive in Japan whilst airing on North American television
Robotics;Notes DaSH 	Fuji TV 	2019 	Robotics;Notes DaSH by 5pb 	C 	Co-production with Production I.GMaster license shared with Aniplex of America
Tales of Xillia Side:Milla 	TV Tokyo 	2019 	Tales of Xillia by Bandai Namco Holdings 	A 	Co-production with Ufotable
Beyblade: Rising 	TV Tokyo 	TBA 	Beyblade by Takara Tomy 	C 	Co-production with Nelvana, SynergySP, and d-rights
Little Witch Academia: Moonlight of One 	OVA 	2019 	Little Witch Academia by Studio Trigger 	F 	Co-production with Studio Trigger
Wolf Girl and Black Prince II 	Tokyo MXYomiuri TV 	2019 	Wolf Girl and Black Prince by Ayuko Hatta 	F 	Co-production with YTV Family and NickFamily Studios
Nano Invaders II 	TV Surge Nippon 	2019 	Nano Invaders 	G 	Co-production with Seikunime, YTV Family, NickFamily Studios, Jiubao Animation, and Nano Invaders Production Committee
Adventures of a Gamer: Gamer's Quest 	OVA 	2019 	Gamer's Quest from Cartoon MadnessAdventures of a Gamer by EliDigitals/NickFamily 	C 	
Cottonsweet: Feel the Magic+! 	TV Tokyo 	2019 	Cottonsweet by NickFamily Studios/YTV Family 	F 	Master license shared with Nelvana
Surprise! Pop Rabbit (2019) 	TV Tokyo 	2019-20 	Surprise! Pop Rabbit 	F 	
Contract Wars (2019) 	TV Tokyo 	2019-20 	Contract Wars 	B 	Co-production with YTV Family and AniplexMaster license shared with Aniplex of America
Pokémon-chan Sun & Moon 	TV Tokyo 	2019 	Pokémon-chanPokémon by Game Freak/Nintendo 	F 	Co-production with OLM
Miracle Tunes 	TV Tokyo 	2019 	Idol x Warrior Miracle Tunes! by OLM 	F 	Co-production with OLM
Shoujo Mangaka Mizu 	TV Tokyo 	2019 	Shoujo Mangaka Mizu 	D 	
Pokémon-chan Sword and Shield 	OVA 	2019 	Pokémon-chanPokémon by Game Freak/Nintendo 	F 	Co-production with OLM
Angel Cat Sugar 	TV Asahi 	2019 	Angel Cat Sugar by Yuko Shimizu 	F 	Planning/in-between only; animation produced by Toei Animation
Lycopene the Tomatoy Poodle: The Animation 	TV Tokyo (season 1)TV Akihabara (season 2)	2019-20 	Lycopene the Tomatoy Poodle by Kouji Ooishi 	D (later moved to 3DCG)	3DCG animeCo-production with Silver Link (seasons 1-2) and Boundary (season 3)
Robot Warriors II 	YTV Family 	2019 	Original work 	B 	
Go-chan: The Animation 	TV Asahi 	2019 	Go-chan by TV Asahi 	B 	Co-production with Shin-Ei Animation and YTV Family
Go-Go! Music Club 	Tokyo MX 	2019 	Go-Go! Music Club manga 	F 	Co-production with YTV Family
My Hero Academia Smash!! II 	OVA 	2019 	My Hero Academia Smash!! by Kōhei HorikoshiMy Hero Academia by Kōhei Horikoshi 	E 	Co-production with Bones
Cave Story: Quests of Toroko and Sue 	OVA 	2019 	Cave Story by Pixel 	C 	
Puella Magi Tart Magica: The Legend of Jeanne d'Arc	MBS 	2019 	Puella Magi Madoka Magica by ShaftPuella Magi Tart Magica: The Legend of Jeanne d'Arc 	E 	Co-production with Shaft
Of the Red, the Light, and the Ayakashi 	TV Tokyo 	2019 	Of the Red, the Light, and the Ayakashi 	D 	
Pokémon: RéBURST Pikachu/Eevee 	Cartoon Network 	2019 	Pokémon by Game Freak/NintendoPocket Monsters RéBURST by Jin Kusude 	A 	Co-production with OLM
Time Force Girls! OVA 	OVA 	2019 	Time Force by NickFamily Studios/YTV Family 	F 	Master license shared with Nelvana
Magical Pokémon Journey: Ruby & Sapphire 	TV Tokyo 	2020 	Pocket Monsters Chamo-Chamo ★ Pretty ♪ by Yumi TsukirinoPokémon by Game Freak/Nintendo 	F 	Co-production with OLM and co-funded by NickFamily Studios and Disney XD
Himouto! Umaru-chan G 	Tokyo MX 	2020 	Himouto! Umaru-chan by Sankaku Head 	C 	Co-production with Doga Kobo
Karaage to Watashi 	Tokyo MX 	2020 	Original work 	A 	
Heroes of Light: A Story about Magic 	TV Surge Nippon 	2020 	Original work 	A 	Co-production with YTV Family, NickFamily Studios, Splash Entertainment, New Xebec, Beta Cartoon, Ω+ Animation, and OverFlare
Contract Wars: Finale Arc 	TV Tokyo 	2020 	Contract Wars 	B 	Co-production with YTV Family and AniplexMaster license shared with Aniplex of America
Pukupuku Natural Circular Notice 	TV Akihabara 	2020 	Pukupuku Natural Circular Notice 	K 	
Monster Coins: Finale 	TV Tokyo 	2020 	Monster Coins 	I 	
===Sparkle Project===
Title 	Original network(s)	Original run	Note(s)
My Great Secret 	TV Tokyo Anime 	2019 	
Super Scouter Kumi-chan 	Nicktoons Family 	2020 	In-between animation only
MagicaPendant 	TV Akihabara 	2020 	
C.M.A.: Cat's Martial Arts	TV Akihabara 	2020 	
Sparkle Eyes 	TV Akihabara 	2021 	
MagicaPendant Second 	TV Akihabara 	2021 	
===Anime films===
*The Time I Got Stage Fright and Left the Stage: The Movie (2020, Studio Aura D)
*Time Force Girls! Epilogue (2020, Studio Aura F, co-production with YTV Family and NickFamily Studios)
*The X's: Final Mission (2020, Studio Aura C, co-production with Nickelodeon Movies and Sparkle Project)
===ONA===
Title 	Original network(s) 	Original run	Based upon 	Additional note(s)
Anime Developers 	Niconico ChannelNetflix 	2019 	Original work 	Dub produced by NickFamily Studios
Cave Story 	Niconico ChannelCrunchyroll	2019 	Cave Story by Pixel	
Grossology: Big Villain Team-Up	Bandai ChannelCrunchyroll 	2020 	Grossology 	Co-production with Sparkle Project and Nelvana''
==Continuations==
*PB&J Kawauso (Disney Channel, 2018-19, continuation from Toei Animation)
==In development==
*Knights of Riverside TV series (TBA, 2019, Studio Aura B, co-production with Rv S Seoul)
*Puella Magi Madoka Magica: Wraith Arc adaptation (MBS, TBA, Studio Aura A, co-production with Shaft)
*Puella Magi Madoka Magica: The Different Story adaptation (MBS, TBA, Studio Aura B, co-production with Shaft)
*Magical Girl Bunny Utai (TV Tokyo, 2020, Studio Aura F, co-production with YTV Family)
*My Secret Pet (TV Tokyo, 2020, Studio Aura F, co-production with YTV Family)
*Cottonsweet: Maho no Usagi (TBA, Studio Aura F, co-production with Silver Link)
*Finale: Sayonara, Zetsubou-Sensei (TBA, Studio Aura I, co-production with Shaft)
*Pokémon-chan Gaiden: Rockruff Roommates (TBA 2020, Studio Aura F, co-production with OLM)
*My Lawyer Sues for Everything Season 2 (TBA, Studio Aura J)
*Drawing Master: The Animation (2020, Studio Aura G)
*Arisa (2020, Studio Aura K)
*Kitchen Princess (TBA, Studio Aura F)
*37.5°C no Namida (TBA, Studio Aura F)
*Magical Record Lyrical Nanoha Force (TBA, Studio Aura B, co-animated with Seven Arcs Pictures)
*Magical Record Lyrical Nanoha Force Dimension (TBA, Studio Aura B, co-animated with Seven Arcs Pictures)
*Cowa! (TBA, Studio Aura C, co-animated with Toei Animation)
*Pyu to Fuku! Jaguar (TBA, Studio Aura E)
*Wāqwāq (TBA, Studio Aura B)
*Banjo-Kazooie: The Animation (TBA, Studio Aura D, production also overseen by Microsoft)
*Yooka-Laylee: The Animation (TBA, Studio Aura A, production also overseen by Team 17)
*Go-Go! Music Club: A Bond to Remember (2020, Studio Aura K, co-production with YTV Family and Aniplex)
*AligaPocket (2020, Studio Aura J, co-production with NickFamily Studios)
*Beta Heroes anime (2020, Studio Aura A, co-production with Beta, Silver Warrior Animation, and Firebasket Studios)
*Monster Coins ReStart! (2021, Studio Aura Tokyo C, co-funded by NickFamily Studios and Sega Toys)
===For third-party contractors===
*Kalos: A Xelphos III Side Story (for Seikunime; Studio Aura G, co-production with Studio Mir, Typewriter Productions West, and TV Tokyo)
TBA.
==Overseas production==
*Road to Infinity (season 2) (2018)
*Morning Variety (Mashimaro shorts only, co-animated with Studio Mir and Nelvana) (2019)
==Trivia==
*Most of the studio's TV anime that aired in 2018 started development at several studios whose works that were in-development at the time were sold to NickFamily Studios Japan/Studio Aura in August 2018.