Although “Solo Leveling” is considered a global anime phenomenon, according to Atsushi Kaneko, the series was never specifically tailored to international viewers. However, earlier statements from the production team painted a different picture.
No specific focus
During an interview at Mumbai Comic Con 2026, the producer of A-1 Pictures explained that when producing “Solo Leveling” they deliberately followed the same approach as classic anime for the Japanese market.
According to Kaneko, a Japanese production would lose part of its identity if it was aimed at an international audience from the start. Therefore, the team focused entirely on simply making a good anime.
However, his statements partially contradict previous statements by producer Sota Furuhashi. He explained in February 2025 that, in contrast to many traditional anime, “Solo Leveling” was also designed for the international video-on-demand market from the start.
At that time there was even talk of a creative balancing act between typical Japanese anime elements and the expectations of a global audience.
Creative freedom
Kaneko also emphasized that the series’ huge success was by no means predictable. Rather, the positive response is due to the fact that the entire team worked on the project with passion.
Instead of giving the anime series a fixed style, the director and character designers were given as much creative freedom as possible. This is precisely why the visual elements of the series would reflect the individual preferences and strengths of the creative people involved.
»Solo Leveling« currently consists of two seasons, which are available on demand on Crunchyroll and have been released on DVD and Blu-ray. Despite numerous awards and records, a third season has not yet been announced.
Order on Blu-ray:
Via animehunch.com
© Chugong, DUBU (REDICE Studio), D&C Media / Solo Leveling Production Committee