The History of Shaft Anime Production is Here! Original Art, Storyboards, and More - "Shaft 50th Anniversary Exhibition" Venue Report

Shaft, the animation production company that has created beloved works such as the Monogatari Series and Puella Magi Madoka Magica, celebrated its 50th anniversary on September 1, 2025. The "Shaft 50th Anniversary Exhibition," which brings together precious production materials from the works Shaft has been involved with over its 50-year journey, is currently being held at Mixalive TOKYO in Ikebukuro, Tokyo.

This article delivers the exhibition content centered on photos taken at the preview before the opening. The "Shaft 50th Anniversary Exhibition" is divided into Exhibition Rooms 1 and 2 on the 4th floor of Mixalive TOKYO, and Exhibition Room 3 on the 9th floor, with special screenings and other events taking place on the theater floor on the 6th floor. Additionally, original goods from the "Shaft 50th Anniversary Exhibition" can be purchased at the official store on the basement 2nd floor.

First, let's look at the lineup of works in Exhibition Room 1. Shaft, which was founded as a finishing company in 1975, handled the finishing work (the process of coloring cel animation with paint) for various anime works before beginning full-scale prime contractor production.

The fact that they participated in works that remain in anime history, such as Mobile Suit Gundam broadcast in 1979 and Touch broadcast from 1985 onward, allows one to feel the length of that history.

One of the epoch-making works among Shaft productions is Tsukuyomi -MOON PHASE-, the first work at the studio where Akiyuki Shinbo served as director. Overflowing with the unique visual beauty of Director Shinbo and featuring the highly addictive "Neko Mimi Mode" opening animation, it became a major topic of conversation among anime fans at the time. From the displayed storyboards, you should be able to glimpse a part of the creativity.