Japan
Tom Cruise and Alejandro González Iñárritu Visit MAPPA’s 15th Anniversary Exhibition: Hollywood superstar Tom Cruise and award-winning Mexican filmmaker Alejandro González Iñárritu visited an exhibition celebrating the 15th anniversary of MAPPA, one of Japan’s prominent animation studios.
The visit brings together two major names in international cinema and a Japanese animation studio known for its contribution to contemporary anime. Their appearance at the anniversary exhibition highlights the growing connections between Hollywood filmmaking, international directors and Japan’s globally influential animation industry.
MAPPA’s animation legacy takes centre stage
The exhibition showcased notable productions from MAPPA, including Jujutsu Kaisen and Yuri!!! on Ice. Both titles have helped demonstrate the creative range of Japanese anime, from action-driven storytelling to character-focused sports drama.
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A key highlight of the visit was a roundtable discussion with veteran animator and character designer Tadashi Hiramatsu. Known for his work on both productions, Hiramatsu shared insights into the artistic decisions and production techniques behind anime animation.
According to the report, Iñárritu mentioned that his son is a devoted fan of MAPPA’s productions, while Cruise expressed particular interest in the cinematic framing and detailed animation techniques displayed in the Jujutsu Kaisen section.
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Tom Cruise explores traditional and digital animation
During the discussion, Cruise asked about the balance between traditional hand-drawn animation and modern digital techniques. Hiramatsu explained that although younger animators increasingly use digital tools, foundational training with pencil and paper remains important.
Cruise drew a comparison with voice recording, highlighting the importance of preserving an artist’s original expression. The exchange illustrated how creative principles can connect different filmmaking disciplines, even when their production methods vary considerably.
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Japanese anime’s growing international appeal
The visit underscores the cultural reach of Japanese animation and its ability to attract interest from leading figures in global cinema. While Hollywood filmmaking and anime have different production traditions, both rely on visual storytelling, detailed craftsmanship and the creative interpretation of characters and narratives.
MAPPA’s 15th anniversary provides an opportunity to reflect on the studio’s work and the artists behind its productions. The exhibition also offers a glimpse into the collaborative nature of animation, where traditional drawing skills and modern technology contribute to a finished work.
Cruise’s interest in animation techniques and Iñárritu’s engagement with the studio’s creative output highlight the potential for further dialogue between live-action cinema and animation.
