3Hz

3Hz, formally 3Hz Inc. and commonly identified in anime credits as Studio 3Hz, was a Japanese animation studio founded in March 2013 by Yūichirō Matsuya and former animators associated with Kinema Citrus. The studio developed a reputation for original and creator-led anime projects rather than operating primarily as a large-scale adaptation factory. Its work covered television animation, web animation, films, original video animation and related production activities. The studio's early profile was established through projects such as Celestial Method, an original science-fiction and fantasy television series released in 2014. It later became more widely recognized for Flip Flappers, an original 2016 television anime built around surreal parallel worlds, visual experimentation and the relationship between its two young protagonists. In 2017, 3Hz produced Princess Principal, an original action and espionage series set in an alternate, steampunk-influenced London. The title combined period-inspired political intrigue, covert missions and an ensemble cast, and became one of the studio's most identifiable properties. 3Hz also participated in projects outside its core original television slate. Its credits included work connected with A.I.C.O. -Incarnation-, a science-fiction web anime involving artificial life and a post-disaster setting; Black Fox, an animated film blending action, science fiction and ninja themes; and Healer Girl, an original television series in which singing functions as a form of healing. The studio's broader production record included television series, original video animation, films and video-game-related animation work, with its role varying by project from principal animation producer to co-producer or production participant. The studio's output generally occupied science-fiction, fantasy, action, adventure, music and youth-ensemble genres. Across its better-known titles, recurring characteristics included high-concept settings, strong visual identities, female-led casts and an emphasis on original world-building. 3Hz was not known as a mass-market consumer brand in the way that major media conglomerates are; its name was instead encountered by viewers through opening and ending credits, production announcements and the anime titles associated with it. On June 17, 2024, 3Hz announced that it had transferred its animation planning and production business to A-1 Pictures. The announcement indicated that the business would continue within A-1 Pictures. Staff working on Sword Art Online Alternative: Gun Gale Online II were also reported to continue that work after the transfer at A-1 Pictures. Following the transfer, 3Hz ceased functioning as an independent animation studio, making its active period effectively 2013–2024.

3Hz Inc. was established in Japan in March 2013 by Yūichirō Matsuya and animators who had previously been associated with Kinema Citrus. The company entered the anime sector as a planning and production studio, with its name appearing in credits as Studio 3Hz. Rather than defining itself through a single long-running franchise, it built its identity through a succession of original concepts and collaborations across television, web and film animation. Its early television work included Celestial Method, an original series released in 2014 that combined science-fiction and fantasy elements. The project helped introduce the studio as a producer of original anime. 3Hz subsequently participated in a range of television and other animation projects, with its responsibilities differing according to each production. The studio was associated with principal animation production on some titles and with collaborative or committee-based production roles on others. The studio's most distinctive period came in the second half of the 2010s. Flip Flappers, released in 2016, followed two girls through fantastical and surreal alternate spaces. Its unconventional visual language and emphasis on imaginative world-building made it a prominent example of 3Hz's original-project approach. Princess Principal followed in 2017. Set in an alternate version of London shaped by espionage, social division and steampunk technology, the series combined action, covert operations and character-driven ensemble storytelling. 3Hz continued to work in science fiction and other genre formats. A.I.C.O. -Incarnation- was a web anime involving artificial life, bodily identity and a catastrophic event in Japan. Black Fox, released as an animated film, combined science-fiction concepts with ninja and action motifs. Healer Girl, a 2022 original television anime, shifted toward music, everyday drama and fantasy by presenting singing as a healing practice. These projects demonstrated the breadth of the studio's production interests while retaining its preference for stylized premises and original settings. The studio's documented activities extended beyond conventional television series. Its work included original video animation, films and video-game-related animation, alongside production and co-production services. It also had notable creative and production personnel connected with it, including founder and president Yūichirō Matsuya, animation producer Hideaki Kubo during the 2014–2019 period, and director Yasuhiro Irie. On June 17, 2024, 3Hz announced the transfer of its animation planning and production business to A-1 Pictures. The announcement stated that the business would continue at A-1 Pictures rather than remain within an independently operating 3Hz studio. The staff working on Sword Art Online Alternative: Gun Gale Online II were specifically reported to continue their work after the transition. As a result, 3Hz's independent studio activity ended after approximately eleven years, while aspects of its production personnel and ongoing work were absorbed into A-1 Pictures.

• 2024

  Animation business transferred to A-1 Pictures

  [1]3Hzen.wikipedia.org

  3Hz announces the transfer of its animation planning and production business to A-1 Pictures; the independent studio subsequently ceases operation.

• 2022

  Healer Girl released

  [1]3Hzen.wikipedia.org

  3Hz produces Healer Girl, an original television anime centered on music-based healing.

• 2019

  Black Fox released

  [1]3Hzen.wikipedia.org

  The studio is associated with Black Fox, an animated film combining science-fiction, ninja and action elements.

• 2018

  A.I.C.O. -Incarnation- released

  [1]3Hzen.wikipedia.org

  3Hz is associated with the science-fiction web anime A.I.C.O. -Incarnation-.

• 2017

  Princess Principal released

  [1]3Hzen.wikipedia.org

  The studio produces Princess Principal, an original espionage action series set in an alternate steampunk London.

• 2016

  Flip Flappers released

  [1]3Hzen.wikipedia.org

  3Hz produces the original television anime Flip Flappers, notable for its surreal visual style and parallel-world adventure premise.

• 2014

  Celestial Method released

  [1]3Hzen.wikipedia.org

  The studio becomes associated with Celestial Method, an original television anime combining science-fiction and fantasy elements.

• 2013

  3Hz is established

  [1]3Hzen.wikipedia.org

  3Hz Inc. is founded in Japan by Yūichirō Matsuya and former Kinema Citrus-associated animators.

An original-project-oriented Japanese animation studio with strengths in science fiction, fantasy, action, visual experimentation and female-led ensemble storytelling.

• Television anime · 2014

  Celestial Method

  An original television anime released in 2014. It combines science-fiction and fantasy around a mysterious phenomenon and the residents of a small Japanese town. The series is associated with 3Hz's early development as an original-project animation studio.

• Television anime · 2016

  Flip Flappers

  An original television anime produced by 3Hz and released in 2016. It follows two girls whose relationship develops through journeys into strange alternate spaces. The series is known for its experimental imagery, shifting genre references and themes of identity, discovery and personal growth.

• Television anime · 2017

  Princess Principal

  An original television anime produced by 3Hz in 2017. Set in an alternate, steampunk-influenced London, it centers on a group of young women working as spies. Its format combines covert missions, political intrigue, action and ensemble character development.

• Web anime · 2018

  A.I.C.O. -Incarnation-

  A science-fiction web anime associated with 3Hz. Its story addresses artificial life, bodily replacement and the consequences of a major biological disaster in Japan. The project reflects the studio's recurring interest in speculative technology and high-concept settings.

• Animated film · 2019

  Black Fox

  An original animated film associated with 3Hz and released in 2019. It combines ninja heritage, science-fiction technology and action around a young female protagonist whose family history shapes the conflict.

• Television anime · 2022

  Healer Girl

  An original television anime produced by 3Hz and released in 2022. It follows girls training to use singing as a healing practice, combining musical performance, everyday character drama and light fantasy.

• 2024

  Transfer of animation planning and production business to A-1 PicturesM&A

  Background

  After operating as an independent animation studio for roughly eleven years, 3Hz announced that its animation planning and production business would continue within A-1 Pictures.

  Action taken

  3Hz transferred its animation planning and production business to A-1 Pictures. Staff working on Sword Art Online Alternative: Gun Gale Online II were reported to continue their work at A-1 Pictures.

  Aftermath

  3Hz ceased operating as an independent animation studio, while the relevant business functions and ongoing production personnel continued under A-1 Pictures.

  Source

1. 13Hzen.wikipedia.org
2. 23Hz — Anime News Network Encyclopediaanimenewsnetwork.com