Works Featuring “Itano Circus”

Works Featuring “Itano Circus”

Late 1970s–1980s

YearsTitleNotes
1979–80 Mobile Suit Gundam (TV) Early proto-Itano three-dimensional mecha action; Elmeth’s remote “bits” and missile swarms.
1980 Space Runaway Ideon Swirling-contrail “natto missile” barrages that foreshadow the style.
1982–83 The Super Dimension Fortress Macross (TV) Defining dogfights and dense missile-swarm cuts; becomes a franchise hallmark.
1984 Macross: Do You Remember Love? (Film) Theatrical showcase of Itano Circus aesthetics.
1994 Macross Plus (OVA / Film) YF-21 vs. Ghost X-9 with the famed “legendary five seconds” sequence.

Later Works & Influence

  • Neon Genesis Evangelion: Multiple homage-like missile-swarm/dogfight shots.
  • Cowboy Bebop: The Movie – Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door: A memorable missile cut evocative of the style.
  • Eureka Seven: TV-series cuts that deploy Itano-style “circus” motion.
  • Ultraman (films & TV): CG/VFX beam and missile swarms inspired by Itano Circus.

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