One great example of this is LeSean Thomas, an American director who worked with Japanese studios on anime like Cannon Busters and Yasuke. Now, there’s another exciting project coming from South America.
Apukunapa Kutimuyñin, which means “The Return of the Gods” in the Quechua language, is a Peruvian-inspired animation that mixes Andean mythology with the look and feel of Japanese anime. This series is the first project from Ninakami, an animation studio in Lima, Peru, that was started in 2021. It’s a big step forward for animation in Latin America and for anime as a worldwide art form.
The story of Apukunapa Kutimuyñin is based on ancient Indigenous stories. It features gods and characters from Andean mythology, such as Inti, the sun god; Illapa, the god of thunder; Pachamama, the earth mother; Mallki, an Incan mummy; Nina, the fire goddess; and Torito de Pucará, a mythical bull. The main character is Sisa, a young girl who gets caught up in a battle between gods and humans in a modern world that’s stuck between the past and the future.
Ninakami has big plans for the series, even though it’s still in the early stages of development. They want to create two seasons, each with 12 episodes, and possibly a full-length movie in the future. The studio hopes that their work will encourage young Latin American artists to tell their own stories from their home countries. As director Sergio Ferrari said, “We want young Latin American artists to know that they don’t have to leave their homes to achieve their dreams. They can do it from home with training, structure, and respect.”
The production of the series is a global effort. Some animators are working in Japan, post-production is being done in Uruguay, and the voice actors are in Peru. The theme song, Pampachay (QOYLLURIT’I), is by L E N I N, who created Quechua pop, also known as Q-pop. This genre combines K-pop music with lyrics in the Quechua language, which is still spoken by over 10 million people in Latin America.
L E N I N said on Instagram, “Qoyllurit’i is the first song we worked on with a foreign team, and even though it has a strong Quechua influence, it transformed into the musical experience you’ve seen now. Q’pop is a project I’ve been working on since July 2022. For me, it’s a way to explore my Andean identity and musical influences.”
This combination of cultural storytelling and global animation is already attracting attention from around the world. Apukunapa Kutimuyñin will be shown at the Peru Pavilion during the Osaka Expo 2025. Ninakami shared on Instagram, “It’s a testament to our country’s immense creative talent and how art can connect cultures.”
The trailer for the series will be screened in the Peru-Japan link area, which is a space dedicated to the friendship between the two countries. With projects like Apukunapa Kutimuyñin, anime inspiration is growing beyond national borders and becoming a global language of myth, identity, and imagination.
The series promises a unique blend of action, adventure, and cultural exploration. Sisa’s journey will take viewers through stunning landscapes inspired by the Andes Mountains and ancient Incan ruins. The visual style will be a vibrant mix of traditional anime aesthetics and Peruvian artistic motifs, creating a visually captivating experience.
Beyond the exciting visuals and action-packed plot, Apukunapa Kutimuyñin aims to promote cultural understanding and appreciation. By showcasing Andean mythology and the Quechua language, the series hopes to introduce viewers to a rich and often overlooked cultural heritage. The use of Q-pop music further enhances this cultural exchange, blending modern sounds with ancient traditions.
Ninakami’s commitment to fostering local talent is also a significant aspect of this project. By providing opportunities for Latin American artists to work on a globally recognized animation, the studio hopes to inspire a new generation of creatives to pursue their passions without having to leave their homes. This initiative could have a lasting impact on the animation industry in Latin America, creating a more sustainable and vibrant ecosystem for local artists.
The series’ participation in the Osaka Expo 2025 is a major milestone, providing a platform to showcase Peruvian culture and animation to a global audience. This exposure could lead to further collaborations and opportunities for Ninakami and other Latin American animation studios, paving the way for more diverse and innovative storytelling in the animation industry.
Apukunapa Kutimuyñin is more than just an animated series; it’s a cultural bridge, a celebration of Indigenous heritage, and a testament to the power of global collaboration. It represents a new wave of anime-inspired storytelling that embraces diversity and pushes the boundaries of creativity. As the series continues to develop, it promises to be a significant contribution to the world of animation and a source of pride for Latin America.
The impact of Apukunapa Kutimuyñin extends beyond entertainment. It serves as a powerful tool for cultural preservation and education. By incorporating the Quechua language and Andean mythology into the narrative, the series helps to keep these traditions alive and relevant for future generations. This is particularly important in a world where many Indigenous cultures are facing the threat of assimilation and cultural loss.
Furthermore, the series promotes a more inclusive and representative media landscape. By showcasing characters and stories from a non-Western perspective, Apukunapa Kutimuyñin challenges the dominant narratives in the animation industry and provides viewers with a fresh and unique perspective. This can help to broaden understanding and empathy between different cultures and promote a more interconnected and harmonious world.
The success of Apukunapa Kutimuyñin could also inspire other animation studios in Latin America and around the world to explore their own cultural heritage and create stories that reflect the diversity of human experience. This could lead to a more vibrant and innovative animation industry that celebrates the richness and complexity of our global community.
Apukunapa Kutimuyñin