Picture a Japanese-American storyteller who turned a lonely pig and a curious fox into an Oscar-nominated sensation—meet Robert Kondo! From doodling as a struggling student to co-founding Tonko House, Kondo’s journey is a vibrant tapestry of art, heart, and imagination. His work, like the beloved The Dam Keeper, blends whimsical visuals with deep emotional resonance, captivating audiences across generations.
The Making of Robert Kondo
Born in Southern California to a third-generation Japanese-American father and a Japanese mother, Robert Kondo was never the star student. Admitting to being a 'horrible' high schooler, he found solace in drawing and painting. His passion led him to the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, where a chance encounter with a Pixar production designer changed everything. Landing a job at Pixar, Kondo honed his craft, working as an art director on iconic films like Ratatouille and Toy Story 3. It was here he met Daisuke 'Dice' Tsutsumi, a fellow artist with a shared vision for storytelling that would spark a creative revolution.
Robert Kondo’s Unforgettable Stories
Kondo’s storytelling leapt to new heights with The Dam Keeper, an 18-minute animated short co-directed with Tsutsumi. Released in 2014, this dialogue-free tale follows Pig, a young outcast who tirelessly operates a windmill to protect his town from a poisonous fog. Its lush, painterly style and poignant themes of duty and friendship earned a 2015 Oscar nomination for Best Animated Short. The story expanded into a graphic novel trilogy, starting with The Dam Keeper: Book 1 (2017), which picks up five years later as Pig, Fox, and bully-turned-ally Hippo venture beyond the dam. The series, published by First Second Books, is lauded for its cinematic visuals and emotional depth. Kondo also co-created Moom (2016), a charming short adapting a Japanese children’s book, and Curiosities (2021), a graphic novel of bedtime poems inspired by walks with his daughter. His style—vibrant, loose brushstrokes paired with heartfelt narratives—feels like a Pixar film infused with Japanese fairy-tale magic.
Kondo and Tsutsumi’s Tonko House, founded in 2014, became a hub for innovative storytelling. Named after the Japanese words for pig ('ton') and fox ('ko'), the Berkeley-based studio fosters a collaborative spirit, producing works like the Hulu Japan series Pig: The Dam Keeper Poems. Each project reflects Kondo’s knack for blending personal experiences with universal themes, making his stories resonate with both kids and adults.
Why Robert Kondo Matters
Robert Kondo’s impact lies in his ability to craft stories that transcend cultural and generational divides. The Dam Keeper tackles heavy topics like bullying and sacrifice with a lightness that speaks to children, while its nuanced artistry captivates adults. By leaving Pixar to start Tonko House, Kondo showed that risk-taking can birth new creative legacies. His work inspires aspiring animators and writers to embrace their unique voices, proving that even a 'horrible student' can change the world with a pencil and a dream.
- Born: Southern California, date undisclosed
- Key Works: The Dam Keeper (2014), The Dam Keeper graphic novel trilogy (2017–2019), Moom (2016), Curiosities (2021)
- Awards: 2015 Oscar nomination for Best Animated Short (The Dam Keeper)
- Fun Fact: Tonko House was initially based in a windowless studio across from Pixar!
About Robert Kondo
Ready to dive into a world of whimsy and wonder? Grab The Dam Keeper graphic novel or watch the short film, and let Robert Kondo’s heartfelt artistry sweep you away!