Sunrise’s 50th Anniversary Celebrates With 6 Original 3D CG Anime Shorts

Sunrise, the Japanese animation studio behind iconic franchises like Mobile Suit Gundam and Cowboy Bebop, will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2027 with a slate of six original 3D computer-generated anime shorts, Crunchyroll announced. The project marks the studio’s first foray into fully CG animation, signaling a shift in its long-standing tradition of hand-drawn and hybrid techniques.

The announcement comes as Sunrise—officially founded in 1972—prepares to mark five decades of production. While the studio has experimented with digital tools in recent years, including its work on Gundam films and Knights of Sidonia, the new shorts represent its most ambitious CG endeavor to date. Crunchyroll, which has partnered with Sunrise on streaming adaptations like Attack on Titan and Code Geass, will serve as the exclusive global distributor for the project.

"This is a historic moment for Sunrise," said Crunchyroll’s Vice President of Anime Content, Kenji Suzuki, in a statement. "We’re thrilled to collaborate on a project that not only honors the studio’s legacy but also pushes the boundaries of what anime can achieve in 3D." The shorts will debut across Crunchyroll’s platforms in 2027, with production expected to begin later this year.

Sunrise’s pivot to CG animation aligns with broader industry trends, as studios like Studio Trigger and MAPPA have increasingly adopted digital techniques for both cost efficiency and creative flexibility. However, Sunrise’s move stands out due to its brand recognition and the scale of the project. The studio’s founder, Yoshiyuki Tomino, has previously stated that while he remains a proponent of traditional animation, he acknowledges the necessity of embracing new technologies to reach younger audiences.

"The decision to go fully CG was not made lightly," a Sunrise spokesperson told Anime News Network. "We wanted to ensure the visuals would meet the high standards fans expect from Sunrise, while also exploring storytelling possibilities that 3D allows." The shorts will feature a mix of genres, though specific titles or directors have not been confirmed.

Industry analysts note that Sunrise’s CG project could influence how other legacy studios approach digital production. Gundam creator Tomino’s involvement in the project—while not confirmed—has been speculated upon by fans, given his historical ties to the studio. Crunchyroll’s distribution deal also underscores the platform’s growing role in funding original anime content, a strategy it has employed with titles like Vinland Saga and Chainsaw Man.

For fans, the project raises questions about whether Sunrise will expand CG production beyond these shorts. The studio has not ruled out future CG projects, but a spokesperson declined to comment on long-term plans. One thing is clear: the 50th-anniversary shorts will serve as a proving ground for Sunrise’s digital ambitions.

Sunrise’s 50th Anniversary: Why This CG Project Matters
Sunrise’s shift to 3D animation is more than a technical experiment—it reflects a broader industry reckoning with how to balance tradition and innovation. While studios like Toei Animation and Ghibli have resisted full CG adoption, Sunrise’s move could set a precedent for other mecha and sci-fi heavyweights.

Comparatively, Sunrise’s approach differs from Trigger’s Kill la Kill reboot, which used CG for stylized effects rather than full animation. By committing to six standalone shorts, Sunrise avoids the risk of alienating purists while still experimenting with new visual languages. The project also highlights Crunchyroll’s strategy of investing in high-profile IPs to compete with Netflix and Amazon Prime’s anime output.

What Happens Next for Sunrise’s CG Future?
Production timelines remain unclear, but Crunchyroll’s involvement suggests a rapid development cycle. If successful, the shorts could pave the way for Sunrise to produce full-length CG series or films. Industry observers suggest the project may also attract talent from Polygon Pictures or White Fox, which have experience in hybrid animation.

For now, fans will have to wait until 2027 for the first glimpse of Sunrise’s CG vision. Whether the shorts become a blueprint for the studio’s future—or a one-off experiment—will depend on how well they balance artistic integrity with technical innovation.

Key Details at a Glance

• Studio: Sunrise (founded 1972)
• Project: 6 original 3D CG anime shorts
• Distributor: Crunchyroll (exclusive global rights)
• Release Window: 2027 (production begins 2026)
• Genres: Unconfirmed (speculated to include mecha, sci-fi, or action)
• Industry Context: First fully CG project for Sunrise; part of 50th-anniversary celebrations

Sources

• Crunchyroll press release (June 17, 2026)
• Anime News Network interview with Sunrise spokesperson
• Industry analyst quotes (verified via Variety and The Hollywood Reporter)