Gekimation: The Underground Art of Horror Animation
Gekimation is a unique and gritty style of horror animation that blends traditional puppetry with hand-crafted visuals and live-action elements to create raw, unsettling cinematic experiences. Originating in Japan, this DIY filmmaking technique was pioneered by director Ujicha, who is considered the master and originator of the gekimation style.
Unlike traditional animation, gekimation (a portmanteau of “gekiga,” meaning dramatic pictures, and “animation”) eschews smooth motion for a paper-theater-like aesthetic. Characters and scenes are typically made from hand-drawn, cut-out illustrations, which are manipulated frame by frame to create a jarring, surreal experience. This lo-fi approach enhances the grotesque and psychological horror elements, making it a standout subgenre within horror animation.
Ujicha’s most recognized films using gekimation include "Violence Voyager" (2018) and "Burning Buddha Man" (2013). These films are known for their nightmarish imagery, visceral body horror, and disturbing narratives that push the boundaries of both horror and animation. Their aesthetic may appear deceptively childish at first glance but quickly devolves into shocking and unforgettable scenes that linger with viewers.
Fans of gekimation may also enjoy similarly surreal and experimental horror animation works such as Jan Švankmajer’s stop-motion films, Shinya Tsukamoto’s "Tetsuo: The Iron Man," or the haunting aesthetics of Masaaki Yuasa's darker anime. These titles, while not using the gekimation method directly, share thematic and visual similarities in their unsettling, otherworldly atmosphere.
As horror animation continues to evolve, gekimation remains a powerful reminder that innovation doesn't require high-end technology—just imagination, craft, and the courage to disturb. If you're looking for truly original horror animation, gekimation offers a one-of-a-kind descent into madness that stands apart from anything produced by mainstream studios.
Get the UJICHA double-bill bluray released by Third Window Films of VIOLENCE VOYAGER and BURNING BUDDHA MAN on the Terracotta Distribution store