KEY POINTS
Non-fungible token (NFT) project Azuki recently disclosed Kinu Nishimura’s involvement as the character designer for Episode 1 of the Azuki Anthology Series, an upcoming anime series in collaboration with director Goro Taniguchi.
In a post shared on April 3, Azuki hailed Kinu as a renowned figure in the realm of classic anime and video game character design, citing her notable contributions as the main illustrator and designer for renowned titles like Super Street Fighter II and television animations such as Overman King Gainer.
Azuki also provided insights into the characters designed by Kinu and set to debut in Episode 1. Among them is Haru, distinguished by her pigtail with bun hairstyle and tomboy vibes, and TK, characterized by a bucket hat with a small brim.
The designs of these characters drew inspiration from Azuki NFTs #1093 and #3446.
The premiere of Episode 1 of the Azuki Anthology Series is slated for release later this month. The series will feature short animations chronicling stories into a “magical world” known as “The Garden.”
This initiative marks a significant expansion for Azuki creator, Chiru Labs, as it ventures beyond the confines of the NFT landscape. Earlier in January, the company joined forces with IPX to introduce a physical collection inspired by Beanz NFTs.
This move reflects a broader trend observed among NFT projects, as they endeavor to enrich fan engagement by delving into the “real” world. Noteworthy examples include Bitcoin & Friends, the pioneering animated series centered around Bitcoin, which premiered its inaugural season in January, and Cool Cats, which released its “The Milk Chug” series in 2023.
