The US twins who built their dream anime studio in Japan

Creative twins Arthell and Darnell Isom were gifted both as musicians and visual artists. While their father hoped they would pursue stardom in music, their true passion and talent lay in art. Growing up in Paterson, New Jersey, the brothers spent their childhood bringing vivid characters and imaginative storylines to life on paper. Their realisation that this passion could become a career came when they discovered the world of anime and the 1995 Japanese classic Ghost in the Shell.

Inspired by the film's distinctive art style, Arthell and Darnell made a secret pact: one day, they would create their own film and animation studio. To prepare for that dream, they pursued different paths. Darnell focused on live-action filmmaking, while Arthell travelled to Japan to study anime and train under Ghost in the Shell’s renowned art director, Hiromasa Ogura.

At Japan’s prestigious Yoyogi Animation Academy and later at Ogura’s studio, Ogura Koubou, Arthell contributed to iconic franchises such as Naruto, Bleach, and Black Butler. Eventually, he left the company to join forces with his twin brother once more. Together, they co-founded the animation studio D’Art Shtajio – turning their childhood dream into reality.

Clips used in this programme are courtesy of Syfy / NBCUniversal Media Group, Toei Animation, Production I.G., D'ART Shtajio and OLM Incorporated.

Presenter: Mobeen Azhar
Producer: Tommy Dixon

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(Photo: Two photos set against an anime-style background. In the left photo, twins Arthell and Darnell are wearing white graduation robes and caps. In the right photo, Arthell is seated at a desk, drawing a brightly coloured picture. Credit: Arthell Isom)