“Demon Slayer” Animator GOZ to Turn Your Drawings into Animation! “100-nin no Wa” Anime Project Launched: “Animation Isn’t Just Made by Special People”
The company, La torche, has proudly announced the launch of a brand-new initiative: the “100-nin no Wa Animation Project.” This exciting endeavor is spearheaded by “ANIMAUS” (Animausu), a creative unit centered around the talented animator GOZ (Goozu Haruna), who is known for her work on hits like the anime film Kimetsu no Yaiba Mugen Ressha-hen (also known as Demon Slayer: Mugen Train Arc) and the movie Ai no Uta wo Kikasete (also known as Sing a Bit of Harmony). The project invites 100 individuals to draw a simple circle, representing the breath of life within each person, and then combines these 100 circles into a single, cohesive animation.
The company, La torche, has proudly announced the launch of a brand-new initiative: the “100-nin no Wa Animation Project.” This exciting endeavor is spearheaded by “ANIMAUS” (Animausu), a creative unit centered around the talented animator GOZ (Goozu Haruna), who is known for her work on hits like the anime film Kimetsu no Yaiba Mugen Ressha-hen (also known as Demon Slayer: Mugen Train Arc) and the movie Ai no Uta wo Kikasete (also known as Sing a Bit of Harmony). The project invites 100 individuals to draw a simple circle, representing the breath of life within each person, and then combines these 100 circles into a single, cohesive animation.
The unit “ANIMAUS” was formed with GOZ, an animator who has served as a key animator and animation director on acclaimed productions such as Kimetsu no Yaiba Mugen Ressha-hen and Ai no Uta wo Kikasete. The name ANIMAUS is a portmanteau, combining “anime” (meaning to breathe life into something, or referring to an animator) with “us,” signifying “our” collective spirit and contribution.
ANIMAUS is dedicated to activities that unleash “the power to feel” and “the power to express,” expanding individuality and creativity, much like how animation breathes life into each person’s “inochi” (life). As part of their mission, they held a digital animation workshop for children at the “Kodomotachi no Tame no Eigasai 16” (Children’s Film Festival 16) in Nagano-ken Matsumoto-shi on July 12, 2025, which saw the enthusiastic participation of over 120 children.
The current “100-nin no Wa Project” boldly transcends traditional animation concepts. It will feature GOZ crafting a dynamic animation based on drawings submitted by 100 members of the general public. The participants are simply asked to draw a circle (“wa” or “kan”)—a motif so simple that even the youngest children can draw it. Yet, this humble shape carries profound meanings such as “meguri” (cycles), “tsunagari” (connection), and “junkan” (circulation).
La torche emphasizes that a circle, drawn with a single stroke, has no beginning and no end. Within this simple form, “completeness,” “infinity,” and “meguriai” (chance encounters, or a miracle) manifest. As GOZ imbues these 100 drawn circles with life, static images will begin to move, literally visualizing the breath of life.
Entry for the project opens on September 12 at 19:00 JST. Participants can join by drawing a circle with any writing tool, photographing it, and submitting the image through the special project website. To commemorate the project’s launch, an online talk event featuring GOZ will also be held on September 15.
During this event, GOZ will share her aspirations for the project and discuss the future possibilities that animation can unlock. A workshop where participants can draw their own “maru” (circle) will also be part of the event. GOZ has also provided a special message regarding the project, and further details on the “100-nin no Wa Animation Project” can be found on their Note page.
Full Comment Text Below
GOZ
Animation isn’t something exclusively made by a select few. I believe that when we gather the “proof of life” from each and every individual, a new story emerges. Please, let your circle become a part of this “wa.”
—GOZ
Project Overview
- Duration: September 12, 2025 (Fri) 19:00 JST – October 31, 2025 (Fri) 19:00 JST
- Location: Entry via the ANIMAUS “100-nin no Wa” special website
- How to Participate: Draw a circle with any writing tool, photograph it, and submit the image through the special website.
Event Details: “100-nin no Wa Project” Kick-Off Commemorative Workshop
- Event Name: 100-nin no Wa Project Kick-Off Commemorative Workshop
- Date & Time: September 15, 2025 (Mon/Holiday) 20:30 JST – 21:30 JST (tentative)
- Location: Online (Zoom)
- How to Participate: Apply via the special website (applications open September 12, 19:00 JST)
- Participation Fee: 2,200 yen (tax included)
Written by Nakase Koutarou
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