Chinzei Hachirou Tametomo (ONA)

Chinzei Hachirou Tametomo is a 2021 original net animation produced by Studio I.G as part of a promotional initiative for the Karatsu city government in Saga Prefecture, Japan. The short film was commissioned to revitalize interest in local history and tourism, specifically focusing on the legend of Minamoto no Tametomo, a famous twelfth-century samurai whose life is deeply intertwined with the folklore of the region. By utilizing high-quality animation, the local government sought to bridge the gap between traditional historical storytelling and contemporary media consumption.

The animation was directed by Kazuya Nomura, a veteran animator known for his work on major projects like Ghost in the Shell: SAC. The production team aimed to render the legendary samurai's narrative with a stylized, dynamic visual language that reflects both traditional Japanese aesthetics and the polished, cinematic fluidity characteristic of Studio I.G’s work. Upon its release, it was received as a sophisticated example of regional branding, praised for its technical execution and its respectful integration of regional cultural heritage into a modern format.