Masao Maruyama — Cannes Gala

Masao Maruyama

Masao Maruyama is the visionary producer who led Japanese ani- mation through its greatest transformation—from a niche subculture to one of the world’s most celebrated cult- ural art forms. His lifelong

journey is inseparable from the history of anime itself. The studios he founded —including Madhouse, MAPPA, and M2— became more than production companies: they were creative laboratories where new generations of artists discovered their voices and redefined the possibilities of animation. Their influence extended beyond the medium itself, helping elevate Japan’s visual storytelling and cinematic culture onto the global stage. As a living witness to anime’s evolution from “otaku animation” to internationally acclaimed Japanimation, Maruyama has fearlessly embraced change, nurtured exceptional talent, and opened new paths for generations of creators. The studios and artists he cultivated continue to inspire the future of Japanese ani- mation, ensuring that his legacy endures through the works yet to be created. This honor is presented in profound recognition of Masao Maruyama’s immeasurable contribution to making Japanese animation a global cultural legacy, and in tribute to his pioneering spirit that

continues to shape its future.to shape the future of the art form.