If you’ve ever had even a passing interest in anime or games, you’ve probably heard the name. GAINAX was founded in 1984 for the sole purpose of creating one animated film: “Royal Space Force: The Wings of Honnêamise”. The name “GAINAX” combines “gaina,” a dialect word from Shimane and Tottori meaning “huge” or “amazing,” with the letter “X” representing the unknown—right from the beginning, the company had an extraordinary aura. Who could have imagined that a company born to make a single feature film would later leave such a lasting impact on the anime and gaming industries?

When talking about GAINAX, you can’t overlook their anime works. Shows like “Fushigi no Umi no Nadia” and “Top wo Nerae! Gunbuster” gained a passionate following from the late '80s to the '90s. But most unforgettable to anime fans worldwide was “Neon Genesis Evangelion”. With its groundbreaking psychological storytelling, philosophical themes, and mysterious direction that shattered the conventions of robot anime, it became more than just entertainment—it became a cultural phenomenon. The constant surprises and excitement, never knowing what would come next—that unpredictability was GAINAX’s true essence.

GAINAX wasn’t just about anime—that’s part of what made them interesting. In fact, starting in the late ’80s, they ventured into game development and created the hit “Princess Maker” series. This was a pioneer in the “raising simulation” genre, where players supported the growth of a girl and guided her through various life paths—a concept full of originality. Even today, the concept doesn’t feel outdated, truly a work that “broke the norms of its time.” Their boldness in pioneering new genres and free-thinking spirit truly embodied the “gaina” mindset.

At the heart of GAINAX’s production style was always the drive to “try something new.” In the early days, they often outsourced animation production, but in 2004, with the OVA “Gunbuster 2”, they established their own in-house production department and chose to create works themselves. In 2015, they independently produced the TV anime “Wish Upon the Pleiades”. Through bold challenges and a refusal to settle for what was familiar, they embodied the ideal spirit of craftsmanship. It was their passion and ingenuity—doing what big studios couldn’t—that gave rise to that unique “GAINAX feel.”

GAINAX wasn’t just about being outrageous—their works featured deep themes and emotional impact that left lasting impressions on many. Their legacy continues to live on in various parts of the anime and gaming industries today. Looking back on the journey of this legendary group of passionate creators, who poured their souls into what they made, is enough to stir something in your heart.