A galaxy reimagined through the lens of Japanese studios
What happens when the most famous galaxy in cinema meets the boldest side of Japanese animation?
Star Wars Visions Volume 3 emerges as the return of the anthology, now with an even more auteur-driven approach — this time, fully rooted in anime tradition. The new season was announced during Star Wars Celebration Japan 2025 and promises to impress.
This new volume will feature nine animated shorts, all produced exclusively by Japanese studios.
Moreover, the vision is clear: to transform the Star Wars galaxy into a space for artistic experimentation. Thus, different visual styles and narrative traditions are free to reinterpret the universe without needing to follow the timeline of the official films.
The return of iconic stories: Kara, Juro, Ronin, and F
For the first time, Star Wars: Visions won’t feature only original stories — some of the most beloved animations by fans will receive direct sequels. Here are the highlights:
- The Ninth Jedi (Volume 1)
- Due to its success, it will become a spin-off series in 2026: Visions Presents: The Ninth Jedi.
- The story follows Kara, daughter of a lightsaber-smith, and Juro, a mysterious leader trying to rebuild the Jedi Order.
- The Duel
- In contrast, this story returns with the short The Duel: Payback.
- It brings back the enigmatic Ronin, a lone warrior inspired by samurai, who now faces a new Jedi enemy.
- The Village Bride
- Meanwhile, this one continues with the short The Lost Ones.
- The narrative follows the path of Jedi F, who lives in exile after the events of Order 66 — a Jedi purge featured in the films.
These sequels reinforce the value of the anthology format, which allows for standalone narratives connected through aesthetic, Japanese sensibility, and the symbolic force of the Star Wars universe.
Legendary studios and fresh voices: who’s behind the shorts
Volume 3 brings together an impressive mix of studios, blending veterans of Japanese animation with new creative voices.
Returning to the anthology:
- Kamikaze Douga (The Duel) — Once again brings its woodblock print-inspired visuals.
- Production I.G (The Ninth Jedi) — Renowned for its work on Ghost in the Shell.
- Trigger (The Twins, The Elder) — Continues its dynamic and stylized approach.
- Kinema Citrus (The Village Bride) — Returns with its sensitive, cinematic storytelling.
First-time participants:
- David Production (JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure) — Joins the anthology with its expressive and daring style.
- Wit Studio (Attack on Titan, Spy x Family) — Brings the weight of contemporary hits.
- Polygon Pictures — Specializes in 3D animation.
- Project Studio Q — Offers an experimental proposal with fresh visual approaches.
- ANIMA (co-producing with Kamikaze Douga) — Debuts in the franchise with visuals bridging tradition and innovation.
Each studio brings its unique style to the shorts, turning Volume 3 into a diverse showcase of animation techniques and storytelling.
Festival spotlight: the artistic impact of the short Black
One of the most anticipated shorts this season is Black, directed by Shinya Ōhira and produced by David Production. Known for his expressive fluidity and visceral style, Ōhira is a respected name in Japanese experimental animation.
- The production took three years to complete
- It was selected for the Annecy Festival, one of the world’s most prestigious animation events
- Marks the first time Star Wars is featured as auteur animation at a major festival
The presence of Black at Annecy confirms that Visions goes beyond entertainment — it’s also a serious aesthetic exploration within the Star Wars saga.
So, when does it all premiere?
Take note of the release dates:
Star Wars: Visions Volume 3
- Premieres October 29, 2025, with nine new shorts on Disney+
Visions Presents: The Ninth Jedi
- Spin-off series set to debut in 2026
Other confirmed titles this season include:
- Black (David Production)
- Child of Hope (still undisclosed, but already confirmed)
A new hope for Star Wars animation
With its new season and upcoming spin-offs, Star Wars: Visions is no longer just an anthology. It has now become a platform for artistic experimentation and celebration of international animation, especially Japanese.
Ultimately, if the Force was once felt, it’s now also being drawn with bold new strokes. As Star Wars Visions Volume 3 emerges, audiences will witness how the saga continues to reinvent itself — and perhaps realize that the future of the galaxy lies in the hands of its animators.
