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Entertainment • Animation

Studio Trigger

Studio Trigger is a Japanese animation studio founded in 2011 by former Gainax employees Hiroyuki Imaishi and Masahiko Ōtsuka.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Studio Trigger is a Japanese animation studio founded in 2011 by former Gainax employees Hiroyuki Imaishi and Masahiko Ōtsuka. It is known for producing stylized, high-energy anime such as Kill la Kill, Little Witch Academia, Promare, BNA: Brand New Animal, Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, and Delicious in Dungeon. The studio is headquartered in Kichijōji, Musashino, Tokyo, Japan.

History

Studio Trigger was established in 2011 by Hiroyuki Imaishi and Masahiko Ōtsuka after both had worked at Gainax. The studio quickly became known for creating visually distinctive anime with a strong directorial identity.

Style and reputation

The studio is often associated with energetic action, exaggerated expressions, vivid colour palettes, and experimental presentation. Its productions have made it one of the best-known modern Japanese animation studios.

Notable works

Trigger’s better-known productions include Kill la Kill, Little Witch Academia, Promare, BNA: Brand New Animal, Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, and Delicious in Dungeon. It has also contributed to the Gridman-related anime projects.

Industry impact

Studio Trigger is regarded as an influential post-Gainax studio in contemporary anime. Its output has been comparatively selective, but several of its titles have become internationally recognised.

Key facts

  • Founded by former Gainax staff after they left the company in 2011.
  • Known for bold visual style, fast-paced action, and distinctive character animation.
  • Produced the television series Kill la Kill and Little Witch Academia, among other original and adapted works.
  • Has also worked on related projects in the Gridman franchise, including SSSS.Gridman and SSSS.Dynazenon.
  • Headquartered in Kichijōji, Musashino, Tokyo.
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Canadian context

Studio Trigger’s anime are widely available to Canadian viewers through international streaming platforms and have a substantial fan base in Canada.

Frequently asked questions

What is Studio Trigger?
Studio Trigger is a Japanese animation studio known for producing stylized anime series and films.
Who founded Studio Trigger?
It was founded by Hiroyuki Imaishi and Masahiko Ōtsuka, both former Gainax employees.
When was Studio Trigger founded?
Studio Trigger was founded on August 22, 2011.
Where is Studio Trigger headquartered?
Its headquarters are in Kichijōji, Musashino, Tokyo, Japan.
What are Studio Trigger’s best-known works?
Its best-known works include Kill la Kill, Little Witch Academia, Promare, BNA: Brand New Animal, Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, and Delicious in Dungeon.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Studio_Trigger
    Supports: Founding date, founders, headquarters, and list of notable works.
  2. The Encyclopedia of Science Fiction — https://sf-encyclopedia.com/entry/trigger
    Supports: Studio Trigger’s founding by former Gainax staff and its significance in Japanese animation.