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Bandai Namco Filmworks, Sotsu Reorganize to Combine Gundam Units
posted on by Joanna Cayanan
Bandai Namco Holdings Inc. announced on October 7 that it has begun preparations for an organizational restructure of its anime-related businesses, specifically with Bandai Namco Filmworks and Sotsu Co., Ltd., to streamline overlapping Gundam-related and other businesses (anime planning, production, copyright management) between the two companies. The companies aim for the restructure to take effect on April 1, 2026.
With the organizational restructure, Bandai Namco Filmworks and Sotsu both aim to further expand the Gundam series worldwide. The Gundam business and IP production business will be consolidated under Bandai Namco Filmworks. Bandai Namco Filmworks will handle planning, production, and copyrights, while Sotsu will handle commercialization in Japan and overseas. Sotsu's functions, including planning and development with external partners, will also be consolidated under Bandai Namco Filmworks.
Bandai Namco Holdings acquired Sotsu as a subsidiary through a tender offer in 2019, and consolidated all the Gundam franchise licenses within the group. In 2022, Bandai Namco Holdings combined anime studio Sunrise Inc., the visual business operations of Bandai Namco Arts Inc., and Bandai Namco Rights Marketing Inc. into the new company Bandai Namco Filmworks Inc.. The Gundam business continues to be handled by the two companies even after becoming a group company of Bandai Namco Holdings. Bandai Namco Filmworks handles planning and production, and Sotsu handles merchandising. Both companies are also involved in production and licensing, resulting in overlapping operations within the group.
Bandai Namco Holdings USA Inc. established a wholly-owned subsidiary named Bandai Namco Filmworks America, LLC on April 1, under the control of Bandai Namco Filmworks, with the aim to expand foreign licensing business and brand management, ahead of Sunrise (Bandai Namco Filmworks) and Legendary Pictures' planned live-action Gundam film.
Sources: Bandai Namco Filmworks (link 2), Animation Business Journal (Tadashi Sudo)
Disclosure: Bandai Namco Filmworks Inc. (Sunrise) is a non-controlling, minority shareholder in Anime News Network Inc.
