Wish Upon the Pleiades

Wish Upon the Pleiades originated from a collaborative project between the animation studio Gainax and the Japanese automobile manufacturer Subaru. Initially released as a series of short promotional web animations in 2011, the concept was later expanded into a full twelve-episode television series that aired in 2015. The collaboration was intended to blend high-concept magical girl fantasy with subtle automotive motifs, reflecting Subaru's brand identity through character design and thematic elements centered on astronomy and exploration.

The 2015 series was directed by Shouji Saeki, who sought to refine the narrative scope established in the original shorts. The animation emphasizes a distinct aesthetic that balances the whimsical nature of the magical girl genre with intricate, celestial-themed visuals. Upon its release, the series was noted for its departure from the grittier tone often associated with mid-era Gainax productions, instead favoring a lighter, dream-like atmosphere that received a focused response from both animation enthusiasts and fans of the original promotional project.