About this Event
Scotland Loves Animation is excited to announce the 2026 education day - open to any students of animation or related fields. Thanks to Anime Limited's sponsorship and Edinburgh College of Art's support we were able to make the Education Day possible this year.
This year's education day features another world-class lineup of guests from the world of Japanese animation - first up is Ryo Katanosaka (Shiranui), a fresh director with his first short film supported by Comix Wave here to talk about his work and journey as a director to date. Next up are Maki Terashima-Furuta and Yoko Ueda from Production I.G. USA and Production I.G. to talk about the world of producing animation across borders. Rounding off with a masterclass from a legend of the Japanese animation space - Shinji Aramaki who pioneered CG usage in Japanese animation and is one of the forefront mecha designers of the era too.
All of these guests will offer up their own experiences from their time and unique perspectives working within animation, overseen by and in discussion with author of Anime: A History Jonathan Clements and Jack Liang of Polygon Pictures.
The provisional schedule for the education day can be found below:
09:45 - 10:00: Arrivals
10:00 - 10:05: A brief welcome & safety talk.
10:05 - 11:35: Behind the Scenes: Shiranui with Ryo Katanosaka
11:35 - 11:45: Break
11:45 - 12:25: Producing an Anime: Session with Production I.G. USA & Production I.G.
12:25 - 13:25: Lunch break
13:25 - 15:00: Masterclass: Shinji Aramaki
Tickets available free of charge if you are a student of animation at a further education institution or related subject (sound design, music etc).
ABOUT THE SPEAKERS:
Behind the Scenes: Shiranui
Ryo Katanosaka (Director)
Born in 1987 in Fukuoka Prefecture. Studied film production at Seian University of Art and Design. After graduation, worked at a supermarket's fresh fish counter while freelancing. Handled live-action footage for corporate commercials and other projects. In 2015, directed the feature-length live-action film "Tabi no Yamabiko." Recently began self-taught animation production and takes on his first commercial animated film with "Shiranui."
Producing an Anime: Presentation by Production I.G. USA & Production I.G.
Maki Terashima-Furuta (Producer)
Maki Terashima-Furuta is President of Production I.G USA and a veteran entertainment executive with more than 28 years of experience in the global animation industry. A bridge between the Japanese and North American entertainment markets, she has played a key role in bringing some of Japan’s most influential animated works to audiences around the world.
Throughout her career, Terashima-Furuta has worked on acclaimed productions including Ghost in the Shell, FLCL, Blood: The Last Vampire, JIN-ROH: The Wolf Brigade, K*ll Bill, IGPX, B: The Beginning, Fena: Pirate Princess, Housing Complex C, Castlevania, and Uzumaki. She has overseen international production, licensing, distribution, and strategic partnerships with leading companies such as Warner Bros. Discovery, Adult Swim, Netflix, Crunchyroll, Sony, and HBO Max. She is currently producing Yokoso! Scooby-Doo, an upcoming original animated series for Tubi in collaboration with Warner Bros. Animation and OLM.
With almost 3 decades of experience in production, licensing, and creative development, Terashima-Furuta brings a unique perspective on both the artistic and business sides of animation and remains a respected voice in the global anime community.
Please join us in welcoming Maki Terashima-Furuta and her colleague from Production I.G. in Japan, Yoko Ueda.
Masterclass with Shinji Aramaki
Shinji Aramaki is an internationally acclaimed anime director, mechanical designer, and one of the pioneers of 3DCG animation in Japan. Currently serving as Chief Creative Officer of Sola Digital Arts, Aramaki has spent more than four decades shaping the future of anime through his innovative visual storytelling and groundbreaking use of computer graphics.
He is best known as the director of Appleseed, Appleseed: Ex Machina, Space Pirate Captain Harlock, and Ghost in the Shell: SAC_2045. His dynamic action sequences, cinematic world- building, and striking visual style have earned him fans around the globe and helped redefine what is possible in animated filmmaking.
In addition to his directing work, Aramaki is a celebrated mechanical designer whose credits include Bubblegum Crisis, Digimon Tamers, Wolf's Rain, Astro Boy, Fullmetal Alchemist, Mobile Suit Gundam MS IGLOO, and Soul Eater. His iconic designs and creative vision have influenced generations of artists and creators.
Please join us in welcoming Shinji Aramaki, one of the most influential figures in modern anime and animation.
Access
Please let us know if you require any support accessing this event by emailing [email protected]
Please see ECA's privacy notice for more information on how your personal details provided will be used and stored.
Event venue & nearby stays
West Court, Edinburgh College of Art, 74 Lauriston Place, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.