From Milky☆Highway to the Cinema: The One-Man Army Success of Yōhei Kameyama
One of the most inspiring success stories in the world of independent animation is unfolding. Starting as a graduation project in 2022 and reaching over 6.7 million views on YouTube, Milky☆Highway has been transformed into a feature film through the perseverance of its creator, Yōhei Kameyama. Kameyama not only directs the project but also handles almost every process, including screenwriting, character design, 3D modeling, and animation, truly living up to the term "one-man army."
The story follows the adventures of Chiharu, a superhuman, and her cyborg friend Makina, who are penalized for speeding on intergalactic roads. The duo is tasked with cleaning an interplanetary train called Milky☆Subway as community service. However, what starts as a mundane cleaning job turns into a chaotic and fun struggle for survival when the train suddenly takes off into deep space. While creating this universe, Yōhei Kameyama blends 2D aesthetics with modern 3D techniques to offer viewers a visual feast.
The growth of this project is seen as a new representative of the independent production tradition started by figures like Makoto Shinkai in the industry. In an interview with Anime News Network, Kameyama expressed his surprise at the project's success and noted that he collaborated with Shin-Ei Animation to expand the series into a 12-episode show and subsequently into a feature film titled Milky☆Subway: The Galactic Limited Express: Local Train to the Theater. Following its successful theatrical run in Japan, the film began streaming on Netflix on June 1, 2026.
Kameyama's success is not just a technical feat but also proof that independent artists can make a global impact without the support of major studios. Stating that he wants to continue the adventures of Chiharu and Makina in the future, the director has already begun developing ideas for new projects. For anime fans, this production stands out as a must-watch work with both its visual innovation and sincere storytelling.
