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Crunchyroll Lays Off Employees Amidst Restructuring
Employees affected worked in HR, e-commerce
― ANN has confirmed reporting from Screen Rant that Crunchyroll has recently laid off a number of employees, after a restructuring and redistribution of roles based on location. The company's restructuring is also due to a shift in its e-commerce strategy, and not due to cost-cutting measures. Screen Rant's reporting on March 10 stated the layoffs were "rou...
South Korean Supreme Court Finalizes Ruling in Favor of Webtoon Creator Pito in Copyright Dispute
Korea Cartoonist Association says ruling clearly confirms creators' rights under the law
― According to reporting from Korean news outlet Nocut News on February 26, South Korea's Supreme Court has finalized a ruling in favor of webtoon creator Pito in a long-running copyright infringement case, rejecting claims that a platform executive held joint authorship of the work. Following the court's decisi...
Korean Web Novel, Webtoon Platform Blice to Shut Down
Service operated as serialization platform that allowed creators to upload, sell web novels, webtoons directly
― Korean web novel and webtoon platform Blice will end its service on June 30, according to a recent notice posted on the platform. Blice, which launched in 2018, operated as a serialization platform that allowed creators to upload and sell web novels and webtoons directly. The service cite...
Kikunosuke Toya, Shion Wakayama Win 20th Annual Seiyū Awards
Idol unit AiScReam, Yōko Hikasa, Akira Ishida, Reina Ueda, more honored
― The organizers of the 20th Annual Seiyū Awards announced the winners on Sunday. The winners include: Best Lead Actor Award
Award for best leading performances from an actor during the year
Kikunosuke Toya Shion Wakayama Best Supporting Actor Award
Award for best supporting performances from an actor during the year Reina Ueda S...
MiSK Foundation's Investment Company EGDC Acquires Over 5% CAPCOM Shares
Company acquired 26,788,500 CAPCOM shares or 5.03% of total outstanding shares
― Electronic Gaming Development Company, the investment company wholly owned by Saudi Arabian organization MiSK Foundation (Mohammed bin Salman Foundation), submitted a Large Shareholding Report to the Kanto Local Finance Bureau on March 13, stating that it has acquired a large number of CAPCOM shares. Electronic Gaming De...
Amazon Prime Video Raises Price of Ad-Free Tier in U.S.
'Prime Video Ultra' Tier raises price to US$4.99 per month on top of regular Prime subscription
― Amazon announced on Friday it is raising the price of its ad-free subscription tier in the U.S. on April 10 from US$2.99 to US$4.99 per month and rebranding it as Prime Video Ultra. The subscription tier will now include five concurrent streams (previously three), 100 downloads (previously 25), and excl...
Evangelion Creator, Gackt, Tezuka's Son, 2channel & Niconico Founders Tease New Social Media Service
Billed as “last social media service made by humans before the AI era”
― The company Popopo announced on Thursday that Niconico founder Nobuo Kawakami, Evangelion creator Hideaki Anno, musician Gackt, 2channel founder Hiroyuki Nishimura, and filmmaker (and Osamu Tezuka's son) Makoto Tezuka will help unveil Popopo's new service on March 18 at noon Japan time (March 17 at 11:00 p.m. EDT). As of press ...
Kadokawa to Consolidate Animation Production in New 'Studio One Base' Venue in Tokyo
Company to consolidate its studios ENGI, Studio KADAN, Raging Bull, BELLNOX FILMS, Chiptune
― Kadokawa launched on March 5 its new vision, "Creating Creators. Creating Studios." Under the new vision, Kadokawa announced the establishment of Studio One Base animation production hub, where it will consolidate its animation production studios including ENGI, Studio KADAN, Raging Bull, BELLNOX FILMS, and ...
Class Action Lawsuit Against Crunchyroll Alleges Disclosure of User Information to 3rd-Party Analytics Company Braze
5 plaintiffs filed class action complaint alleging violation of Video Privacy Protection Act
― A number of plaintiffs filed a consumer digital privacy class action complaint against Crunchyroll on March 3. The complaint alleges that Crunchyroll violated the Video Privacy Protection Act (VPPA). Plaintiffs Francisco Cabonios, minor J.T. filing the action through guardian Oskar Toruno, Anthony Gonzales,...
Renta! Announces Library Transfer Program for Manga Planet Subscribers
Manga Planet to shut down digital platform on March 31
― E-book service Renta! announced on Monday that it has coordinated a special transfer program with Manga Planet to allow subscribers of its closing digital service to access their purchased manga by requesting a move to Renta!'s platform. Renta! details the transfer process as follows: Subscribers should log in to Manga Planet before March 31 to...
Nintendo Sues U.S. Government Over Tariffs Vacated by Supreme Court
Company seeks refunds of vacated taxes with interest
― Nintendo of America filed a lawsuit on Friday in the U.S. Court of International Trade against the U.S. government, over the global import tariff taxes enacted last year. As a result of the Supreme Court's ruling against most of the tariffs on February 20, the company is seeking the refund of the vacated tariffs it paid, with interest. Nintendo c...
WEBTOON Entertainment Names Yongsoo Kim President to Lead Global Operations
WEBTOON Ent.'s leadership team will report to President, who in turn reports to Founder, CEO Junkoo Kim
― WEBTOON Entertainment announced on Friday it has appointed Chief Strategy Officer and Head of Global WEBTOON Yongsoo Kim as President, tasking him with overseeing global operations and driving the company's next phase of growth. Kim has also been named to the company's Board of Directors. Under ...
WEBTOON Entertainment Narrows Operating Loss in 2025 as Revenue Grows
Company reported full-year revenue of US$1.38 billion
― WEBTOON Entertainment closed out 2025 with modest revenue growth and a narrower operating loss. The company reported full-year revenue of US$1.38 billion, a 2.5% increase from 2024, or 3.9% growth on a constant currency basis (which does not take fluctuating foreign exchange rates into consideration). Operating loss narrowed by 36.9% to US$63.5 ...
Dark Horse Comics Founder, CEO Mike Richardson Leaves Company
Richardson founded publishing company in 1986 as offshoot of Things From Another World store
― ReedPop's Popverse and The Beat reported on Wednesday that after 40 years, Dark Horse Comics founder and CEO Mike Richardson is no longer with the company. The Beat posted Dark Horse Comics and its parent company Embracer Group's statement, which explains that the company is "implementing changes to moderni...
Twin Engine Acquires Shares in Anime Studio NUT, Makes Studio a Group Company
Studip produced Saga of Tanya the Evil, Deca-Dence, Blue Giant
― Anime planning and production company Twin Engine (production for Vinland Saga, Dororo, Hell's Paradise: Jigokuraku) announced on Wednesday that it has acquired shares in anime studio NUT (Saga of Tanya the Evil, Deca-Dence, Blue Giant), making it a group company. The studio will be part of Twin Engine's EOTA studio team. Twin Engine pr...
Manga Market in Japan Shrinks for 1st Time in 7 Years in 2025
Market has been growing since 2017, with 2020 marking explosive 23% growth
― The All Japan Magazine and Book Publisher's and Editor's Association's (AJPEA) Research Institute for Publications revealed last Friday its report on the Japanese manga industry in Japan in 2025. The manga market shrunk 1.7% year-on-year in 2025, with the market value amounting to 692.5 billion yen (about US$4.40 billion), c...
hololive's Cover Corp. Sues VTuber for Copyright Infringement
Suit seeks monetary compensation, temporary restraining order
―
Cover Corporation, the parent company of the hololive productions VTuber management company, filed a lawsuit on February 5 against the V_Virgin_Mary YouTube channel on grounds of copyright infringement. The court document notes 20 VTuber characters whose contents are infringed upon in the channel's videos. The company claims to have su...
Shogakukan Discloses It Hired act-age Writer Tatsuya Matsuki to Pen New Manga on Manga One
Shogakukan details how it came to hire writer convicted of sex crime against minor in 2020
― Shogakukan released a new statement on Monday related to the issue of its Manga ONE editorial department allowing manga creator Shōichi Yamamoto to publish a new manga on the service under a pen name, after he had been arrested and convicted of a sex crime. In the new statement, Shogakukan stated that in resp...
Kadokawa, Aniplex Announce Anime Film Distribution & Promotion Joint Venture 'Animec'
New venture aims to maximize anime works' value, appeal through optimal release strategies
― Kadokawa and Aniplex announced on Monday a new joint venture, Animec Inc., that will specialize in the distribution and promotion of anime films. From the combination of the words "Anime" and Cinema," Animec aims to deliver the charm of anime films to fans and contribute to the further development of the indu...
Media Do International Acquires Seven Seas Entertainment
Media Do highlights its LLM AI-based translation system in announcing US$80 million acquisition
― Media Do International, the California-based subsidiary of e-book distributor Media Do Holdings, announced on Sunday that it has acquired manga and light novel publisher Seven Seas Entertainment. Nikkei reports that Media Do International acquired Seven Seas for US$80 million. The announcement reported...
Bandai Namco Announces Company Restructuring, Personnel Changes
Changes effective April 1
―
Bandai Namco Holdings announced on Wednesday it will enter a company restructuring and enact personnel changes at the executive/departmental head level across its various groups, including Bandai Namco Holdings, Bandai (the toy and hobby business unit), Bandai Namco Entertainment (BNE, the digital business unit), Bandai Namco Filmworks (BNFW, the video and music business ...
Korean Government to Invest to Diversify Webtoon Market
Initiatives will support approximately 250 projects
― The Korean government will invest a total of 4 billion Korean won (approximately US$3 million) in 2026 to reduce genre concentration in the webtoon market and expand the creator base. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Manhwa Contents Agency (KOMACON) announced two funding programs on February 24: “Diversity Comics Producti...
Shogakukan Apologizes for Releasing New Manga by Creator Convicted of Sex Crime Against Minor (Updated)
Other creators react when civil suit reveals crime's details, Manga ONE editor's role in settlement talks
― Content warning: this article contains graphic descriptions of rape and sexual abuse. Shogakukan's Manga One editorial department issued a statement and an apology on Friday regarding manga creator Shōichi Yamamoto, after the editorial department had allowed Yamamoto to publish a new manga on t...
Netflix Bows Out After Paramount Offers Higher Bid for Warner Bros. Discovery
Netflix declined to raise offer to match Paramount's proposal within same day
― Warner Bros. Discovery announced on Thursday that it has determined that Paramount's hostile takeover bid for Warner Bros. Discovery is now a better deal than Netflix's previous deal to acquire the company, constituting what it calls a "Company Superior Proposal." This triggered a period of four business days for Netflix...
Mappa Absorbs Sibling Studio Contrail Through Merger
Contrail brand to continue under Mappa's management
― Studio MAPPA announced on Wednesday that it will absorb its sibling studio Contrail through a merger, assuming all rights and obligations. The studio will now be under Mappa's management, but the brand will continue to exist. Gamebiz reported that the studio concluded its sixth fiscal period, ending in March 2025, with a net loss of 68 million ye...
ShoPro Books' Contract to Publish Marvel Comics in Japan Ends on March 31
Japanese-translated Marvel Comics titles available until September 30 or until supplies last
― ShoPro Books (Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions) announced on Friday that its contract to publish Marvel Comics titles in Japanese will end on March 31. In line with this, the company will gradually discontinue sales of currently available Marvel Comics titles. Physical copies of Marvel comics will be availab...
Manga Mavericks Enters Distribution Deal with Pathway Book Service, Gazelle Book Services
Gazelle Book Services to handle EU distribution
― Manga Mavericks Books, the new publishing division of the Manga Mavericks website and podcast, announced on Monday that it is entering a distribution deal with Pathway Book Service and with Gazelle Book Services Ltd for Europe. Pathway will handle comprehensive book fulfillment, warehousing, and retail distribution for Manga Mavericks Books. Manga Ma...
Pokémon Company International to Acquire Excell Brands
Company to acquire largest United States distributor of Pokémon TCG
― ICv2 reported on Monday that The Pokémon Company International has entered into an agreement to acquire distributor and category manager Excell Brands. The acquisition is still subject to regulatory approval and closing conditions. Excell Brands is currently the largest United States distributor of Pokémon TCG (Trading Card Game). ...
Saudi Arabia's RTS Acquires EVO Fighting Game Tournaments
EVO 2026 will be held at Las Vegas Convention Center West Hall on June 26 to 28
― The Evolution Championship Series (EVO) fighting game tournament's website announced on Tuesday Saudi-owned RTS acquired EVO from Nodwin Gaming. Nodwin Gaming will "continue to work with Evo with a focus on leveraging its expertise in emerging markets."RTS was founded in 2021, and Qiddiya Investment Company (QIC) acquir...
Sony Shuts Down Shadow of the Colossus, Demon's Souls Remake Studio Bluepoint Games
Company was founded in 2006, was acquired by SIE in 2021
― Bloomberg reported on Thursday that Sony is shutting down the game development studio Bluepoint Games in March, with roughly 70 employees losing their jobs. A PlayStation spokesperson told Bloomberg the choice was made "following a recent business review." Bluepoint Games and SIE Japan Studio's remake of FromSoftware's Demon's Souls game ship...
Glacier Bay Books Reveals More Licenses; Integration of Star Fruit Books' Publishing Line, Inventory
Company will release Chome's Shitsugaikishitsu, Naoto Yamakawa's Basement Attic short story collections
― Glacier Bay Books made several announcements on its X/Twitter account on Friday, including new licenses, Kickstarter information, and information about Star Fruit Books. Glacier Bay Books stated Star Fruit Books is transferring its publishing line and inventory to Glacier Bay Books. This is follo...
Is it Really Impossible to Make a Living as an Animator in Japan?
There have been numerous horror stories about working as a newbie animator in Japan—namely, the inability to earn a living wage. To find out if this was still the case, ANN met freelance and studio-employed animators, studio heads, and animator-rights advocates.
― From reports of monthly salaries as low as 160,000 yen (US$1,034) in 2015 to the examples of scant wages seen with 2020's #AnimationPaidMe...
Prime Video VP: 'We Want to Become Preferred Destination for Anime Content Globally'
Service previously announced it will stream upcoming The Ghost in the Shell, Hokuto no Ken -Fist of the North Star-, 2nd season From Old Country Bumpkin to Master Swordsman anime
― Amazon Prime Video's vice president for APAC (Asia Pacific) & ANZ (Australia and New Zealand) Gaurav Gandhi stated during the "Prime Video Presents: International Originals" presentation in London on February 12 that he wa...
Aniplex Appoints International Business Head Shu Nishimoto as New President
Nishimoto to replace Atsuhiro Iwakami, who will become Sony Music Entertainment president
― Sony Music Entertainment announced on Monday that Shu Nishimoto (pictured right), a current executive officer and the senior manager of the International Business Department of Aniplex, will replace Atsuhiro Iwakami (pictured below) as Aniplex's representative director and president on April 1. Iwakami himself...
TMS Entertainment Absorbs Subsidiary Telecom Animation Film
Company established in 1975
― Japanese anime production company TMS Entertainment announced on Monday the company is absorbing its subsidiary Telecom Animation Film. TMS is assuming all rights and obligations of Telecom Animation Film, which is being dissolved. Monday's issue of the Japanese government's Kanpō gazette posted the merger news. Telecom Animation Film is known for its work on the Lupin ...
AlphaPolis Acquires Anime Studio NIA Animation
Studio produces CG for upcoming Hokuto no Ken -Fist of the North Star- anime
― Japanese publishing company AlphaPolis announced on Friday it has acquired anime studio NIA Animation, and will make NIA Animation a wholly owned subsidiary. AlphaPolis did not disclose the acquisition price. The acquisition date is set for March 31. NIA Animation was founded in July 2021, and it focuses on 3DCG animation ...
Anime in 2025: Is the Crunchyroll Cage Real?
Is it a death sentence when anime series stream outside of Crunchyroll? Kalai Chik looks at the numbers to see whether the common conception is true.
― Over 250 anime titles premiered in the U.S. across Crunchyroll, Netflix, Amazon's Prime Video, HIDIVE, Hulu, Disney+, and HBO Max in 2025. To no surprise, series exclusive to Crunchyroll make up almost half of the anime that reach the U.S. market. Con...
Manta Comics Opens Global Submissions for New Creator Program
Platform offers pay-per-episode or hybrid model that combines subscriptions with pay-per-episode
― Manta Comics has officially opened applications for its new Manta Creator program, inviting webcomic creators from around the world to submit original series across all genres — including both all-ages and mature content. The program is open to individual creators, beginners, experienced artists, and st...
CyberAgent Turns Cygames Pictures Into Consolidated Subsidiary CyPic
Cygames Pictures becomes CyberAgent's subsidiary on February 27, changes name on April 6
― Media advertising company CyberAgent announced last Friday that Cygames Pictures will become a consolidated subsidiary of CyberAgent on February 27. Cygames Pictures is currently a subsidiary of CyberAgent's subsidiary Cygames. Cygames Pictures will change its name to CyPic on April 6. Nobuhiro Takenaka will co...
Answerman - What's Really Happening With The Crunchyroll Store Delistings?
The loss of a true one-stop shop for anime fans hurts the industry as a whole, and a drive to cut inventory costs may be to blame.
― Anime fans ask: I've been following some worrying developments with the Crunchyroll Store lately and wanted to get your take on what's happening. You might have seen the news that the Crunchyroll Store is allegedly pulling low-selling in-stock inventory items. Word has...
Toomics Denies Sale Rumors as It Seeks New Investment
Company responds after report earlier this month stated Toomics had begun process to sell management control
― Toomics, a Korea-based webtoon platform known for adult-oriented titles, has denied recent reports claiming the company is being sold. Sooseong Webtoons, the largest shareholder of Toomics Holdings, said on February 4 there is no plan to sell management control of the company, pushing back ...
Disney CEO Bob Iger Steps Down in March With Josh D'Amaro Named as Replacement
D'Amaro assumes role on March 18; Dana Walden to become President, CCO
― The Walt Disney Company announced on Tuesday that Bob Iger will step down as CEO on March 18. Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D'Amaro (pictured below on right) will assume the role on the same day, following a unanimous vote from the Board of Directors on Monday. D'Amaro is also joining the Board of Directors effective immediat...
Crunchyroll Increases Subscription Prices for All Tiers
Price increases to US$9.99 for Fan, US$13.99 for Mega Fan, US$17.99 for Ultimate Fan
― Crunchyroll announced on Monday that it has increased the prices for all of its subscription tiers in the U.S. The company increased the Fan Tier price from US$7.99 to US$9.99, the Mega Fan Tier price from US$11.99 to US$13.99 per month and the Ultimate Fan Tier from US$15.99 to US$17.99 per month. The price change...
Egg Firm Anime Planning Company Becomes Subsidiary of Aniplex
Company founded in 2015
― Animation production and planning company Egg Firm announced on Monday that Aniplex has acquired the company, making Egg Firm a wholly owned subsidiary of Aniplex. The announcement noted that Egg Firm's primary business will not change.Former Genco producer Nobuhiro Osawa (Sword Art Online, Prison School, Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon? chief producer) foun...
Major Manga, Manhwa Pirate Site Bato.to Shuts Down; Chinese Man Suspected as Operator Detained
Chinese, Japanese agencies worked together to file complaints that led to man's detention; man allegedly admits to operating 60 related sites
― Japan's Content Overseas Distribution Association (CODA), an organization that aims to reduce worldwide piracy and actively promote the international distribution of Japanese content, revealed on Thursday its involvement in the detention of a man who was the ...
Korean Court Upholds Prison Sentence for Operator Behind Major Webtoon Piracy Site OKTOON
4.5-year prison sentence handed down by appellate court has been upheld
― South Korea's Supreme Court has finalized a prison sentence for the operator behind some of the country's largest illegal content distribution sites, including the notorious webtoon piracy platform OKTOON, marking a significant legal milestone in the fight against webtoon copyright infringement. According to Korean news agency...
Keiji Inafune's comcept Game Company Announces Dissolution
Level5 comcept was already dissolved in May 2025 following founder Keiji Inafune's departure
― The January 29 issue of the Japanese government's Kanpo gazette revealed the comcept video game development company has been dissolved, after a January 13 general shareholder's meeting made the decision.Level-5 already dissolved the company's successor, LEVEL5 comcept, in May 2025, following founder Keiji I...
BookWalker Global Service Launches New Global English Store, LCP DRM System in February
New website acts as dedicated English content hub
―
Kadokawa's BookWalker Global store announced on Tuesday that its new rebuilt website, app, and reader will launch in February. The company also announced it will introduce a new Lightweight Content Protection (LCP) DRM system, which will allow users to access purchases through LCP-compatible reading apps outside of BookWalker. All English-language ...
Netflix to Use Toho's New Studio for Up to 15 Productions a Year
Netflix to begin using studio in 2028
― Netflix announced during its "Next on Netflix" event in Tokyo on Tuesday that it will begin using Toho's newly established studio starting in 2028, with up to 15 productions planned every year. The agreement is part of Netflix's ongoing collaboration with Toho. Netflix also unveiled its slate of upcoming Japanese titles, including Human Vapor, a remake of the 1...
WEBTOON Entertainment Denies IPO Misrepresentation Claims in U.S. Court Filing
Case now enters substantive phase focused on factual disputes, liability
― WEBTOON Entertainment has formally denied allegations that it misrepresented its business conditions during its Nasdaq initial public offering, according to a court filing submitted in the United States. According to Korean business news outlet Seoul Economy, the response, filed on January 9 with the U.S. District Court for t...
Manga Creator Go Nagai to be Inducted into Eisner 2026 Hall of Fame
Mazinger Z, Cutie Honey, Devilman creator among 19 Judges Choice honorees
― The Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards announced on Thursday the 19 Judges Choice honorees who be inducted into the 2026 Hall of Fame, including manga creator Go Nagai. The committee who chose the inductees includes: Michael T. Gilbert, Karen Green, Alonso Nuñez, Diana Schutz, Jim Thompson, and Maggie Thompson. The other 18 in...
South Korea's New AI Law Raises Questions for Webtoon Creators, Platforms
Under new law, companies that develop, provide AI models, services must clearly disclose AI-generated content
― South Korea on Thursday introduced what it claims is the world's first comprehensive set of laws regulating AI with the "AI Basic Act." The landmark law is aimed at promoting the development of artificial intelligence while introducing safeguards for transparency and safety. While the gove...
Netflix, MAPPA Strengthen Partnership to Co-Develop, Exclusively Stream Original Titles
Future MAPPA titles to stream exclusively, simultaneously on Netflix globally
― Netflix announced on Wednesday that it has formed a new strategic partnership with anime studio MAPPA. The new partnership makes Netflix the exclusive streamer for a number of future original anime titles from MAPPA, and allows the two companies to work together on these new projects in a more comprehensive way "from stor...
Japan Fair Trade Commission Releases Report Highlighting Transactional, Contractual Issues in Anime Industry
Issues found with power imbalances in contract negotiations, low compensation, order cancellations
― The Japan Fair Trade Commission published on December 24 its results of a survey it conducted into the business environments for the anime and film industries. For anime, the Japan FTC studied the transactions between production companies and primary contractors, between primary contractors and subcon...
KOCCA Unveils 2026 Talent Roadmap to Train Webtoon Creators With AI as Major Focus
KOCCA will run dedicated tracks for webtoon producers, emerging creators to train around 140 webtoon professionals
― Korea's Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Creative Content Agency (KOCCA) announced on January 12 a 2026 talent development roadmap aimed at strengthening the global competitiveness of Korean content, with webtoons and AI-driven creation as key priorities. Under th...
Netflix Announces Deal to Stream Sony Pictures' Films Following Theatrical Screenings
Live-action The Legend of Zelda film to stream on Netflix under new deal
― Netflix and Sony Pictures Entertainment announced on Thursday that they have reached a multiyear Pay-1 agreement for Netflix to exclusively stream Sony Pictures' films worldwide after their theatrical screenings and home video releases for the first 18 months. The change will take place gradually starting later this year, and ...
TBS, Legendary Entertainment Enter Into Business Alliance to Co-Produce Japanese IP
TBS acquires minority stake in Legendary for US$150 million
― Tokyo Broadcasting System (TBS) Holdings, the parent company of the Japanese television network TBS, announced on Friday that it has entered into a capital and business alliance agreement with Legendary Entertainment, with TBS investing US$150 million into Legendary by acquiring a minority stake in Legendary.The agreement aims to allow joi...
A Tour of World Masterpiece Theater's Historic Nippon Animation Studio
Now 50 years on, the studio that fostered talents like Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata and brought to life Anne of Green Gables, Future Boy Conan, and CHIBI MARUKO-CHAN opened its doors to offer Anime News Network a tour through where the magic is made.
― About an hour's train ride outside of Tokyo, nestled in a quiet neighborhood in Tama City lays one of the anime industry's most storied studios: ...
Publisher TO Books to List on Tokyo Stock Exchange
Light novel/manga publisher to list on stock exchange on February 13
― Japanese light novels and manga publisher TO Books announced last Friday that it has receive approval to list on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, starting on February 13. The company is offering 486,700 shares of common stock both inside and outside of Japan. The company's Board of Directors will determine the shares' prices on February ...
Manga Research Company Comici Launches English Manga Platform
comici Manga offers titles from Bushiroad Works, Nihon Sha, Ohzora, Publishing, Fusosha
― Manga data science researcher Comici announced the launch of its global manga platform comici Manga on Thursday. The platform is an extension of its pre-existing Japanese ComiMaga platform, which offers titles from various publishers and titles from its Comic+ web magazine. comici Manga is available through web ...
GungHo Online Appoints New CEO Kazuya Sakai, Current CEO Kazuki Morishita Steps Down
Kazumasa Takayama will replace Sakai as CFO on February 1
― GungHo Online Entertainment announced on Friday that its CEO, President, and Representative Director Kazuki Morishita is stepping down from his position on February 1. Current CFO, Director, and Executive General Manager of Finance Accounting Division Kazuya Sakai will become the new CEO, President, and Representative Director on the same da...
Disney, WEBTOON Move Forward With New Digital Comics Platform
With agreements finalized, WEBTOON will proceed with building, operating platform
― The Walt Disney Company and WEBTOON Entertainment announced on Thursday they completed their previously announced strategic agreements, which includes Disney's approximately 2% equity investment in WEBTOON Entertainment and the plans to launch a new digital comics platform. With the agreements finalized, WEBTOON will...
TMS Entertainment Forms Partnership with Taiwan's R. Animation
Studios to collaborate on production, share production knowledge, techniques
― Japanese anime production company TMS Entertainment announced on Thursday that it has established a business partnership with Taiwanese animation studio R. Animation. The partnership is aimed at having both studios collaborate on anime production, as well as to share production knowledge and techniques.TMS Entertainment sa...
Game Developer Granzella, 2 Affiliates Referred to Prosecutors for Allegedly Unpaid Employee Wages
Company allegedly failed to pay approximate total of 18.41 million yen worth of wages
― MRO Hokuriku Broadcasting reported on Tuesday that the Kanazawa Labor Standards Inspection Office has referred the Kanazawa-based game development company Granzella and its affiliates Gakuten Games and R Studio to prosecutors, after they had allegedly failed to pay employees nine months' worth of wages, for an app...
Toho, Good Smile Company Establish Joint Company for Goods, Promotional Work
Name of new venture is To-Smile
― Otaku merchandise and figure company Good Smile Company and media and entertainment company Toho established the joint company To-Smile on December 9. The new company will plan, develop, produce, sell, and promote toys, goods, and merchandise for the two companies. To-Smile plans to sell goods in Toho Cinemas in Japan, as well as overseas, focused on North America an...
WEBTOON Expands Creator Programs
Company also launches residency initiative in 2026
― WEBTOON announced plans on December 11 to significantly expand its Creator Programs in 2026, introducing new monetization options, educational initiatives, and in-person support designed to help creators build long-term careers on the platform. The expanded programs will roll out throughout 2026 and include improved monetization tools for CANVAS c...
Korea's Internet Self-Regulatory Body Introduces New Guidelines for Webtoons, Web Novels
Guidelines outline standards, review procedures for identifying hate speech, inappropriate expressions within narrative content
― The Korea Internet Self-Governance Organization (KISO) announced on December 12 that it has established new self-regulatory guidelines for story-based digital content, including webtoons and web novels. KISO is a non-governmental, industry-led self-regulatory body compris...
Toho Acquires UK's Anime Limited, Establishes European HQ in London
Toho will retain "full Anime Limited staff" including founder, managing director Andrew Partridge
― UK-based anime distribution company Anime Limited announced on Friday that Toho has acquired a 100% equity share of the company from PLAION PICTURES. Anime Limited will become a subsidiary of Toho Global, which is Toho's subsidiary overseeing overseas business. Toho also plans to establish a European r...
Creek & River's C&R Creative Studios Company Establishes Anime Team, Collaborates with AI Animation Company
New creative team to begin producing anime
― Creative company Creek & River announced on Wednesday that its C&R Creative Studios subsidiary has established a specialized anime team, and will begin collaborating with Tokyo-based AI animation company Puri Prince to begin producing anime by offering their services to other companies and organizations.C&R Creative Studios has previously done work for vi...
Warner Bros. Discovery Rejects Paramount's Hostile Takeover Bid
Warner Bros. Discovery decides Paramount's "offer's value is inadequate, with significant risks and costs"
― Entertainment news source The Hollywood Reporter reported on Wednesday that the Board of Directors of Warner Bros. Discovery has rejected Paramount's hostile takeover bid for Warner Bros. Discovery. Warner Bros. Discovery's Board decided that Paramount's "offer's value is inadequate, with sign...
Diamond Comics Files for 'Liquidation' Bankruptcy
Company changes previously filed chapter 11 to chapter 7 bankruptcy
― Media news website ICv2 reported on Sunday that Diamond Comic Distributors filed a new motion on Friday to change from the previously filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy to Chapter 7. This change requires the company to liquidate assets to repay debtors, as opposed to reorganizing its debts, which may allow businesses to return to operatio...
BookWalker Global Service Announces Update With Rebuilt Website, App, Reader
Users' previous purchases transfer to new library
― Kadokawa's BookWalker Global store announced on Tuesday that it is getting a big update with a new rebuilt website, app, and reader. Users' previous purchases will transfer to the new library, but they may need to set set up a new login. Additional performance improvements and features will roll out in the future. BookWalker CEO Samuel Pinansky will...
Anime Studio Gainax Formally Dissolved After Bankruptcy Concludes
Co-Founder Hideaki Anno: Rights to studio's works have been transferred to "rightful owners"
― Anime director Hideaki Anno announced on the website of his studio Khara on Thursday that the anime studio Gainax's bankruptcy proceedings have concluded, and that Gainax has officially and legally been dissolved as of Thursday, December 10. Anno noted that all of the rights to Gainax's works, deliverables,...
Crunchyroll Halts Ad-Supported Streaming on December 31
Certain anime streaming for free included Cowboy Bebop, Spy×Family, Demon Slayer, My Hero Academia
― Crunchyroll revealed in an advertisement during its own free streams that it is halting free ad-supported streaming on its service on December 31. The company's subscription tiers and other ad-supported streaming channels are unaffected. Only certain titles were available for ad-supported streaming wi...
Ablaze Publishing Enters Worldwide Distribution Agreement With Simon & Schuster
Simon & Schuster to handle sales, global distribution of Ablaze's books, effective February 1
― Ablaze Publishing announced on Tuesday that it has entered into a worldwide distribution agreement with publishing business Simon & Schuster, effective February 1, 2026. Simon & Schuster will handle sales, fulfillment, logistics and global distribution of Ablaze's physical books. Ablaze was founded in 2019...
UAE Investment Firm UCI Invests in Developer KLab
Company plans to leverage capital mostly on acquiring Bitcoin, other crypto assets
― Japanese game developer KLab Inc. announced last Friday that the company has entered into a capital and business alliance with Ultimate Classic Investment (UCI), a United Arab Emirates (UAE)-based investment firm whose investors include members of the UAE royal family. UCI has acquired shares of KLab through third pa...
Paramount Makes Hostile Takeover Bid for Warner Bros. Discovery
Netflix had entered agreement to acquire Warner Bros. on Friday
― CNN reported on Monday that Paramount has made a hostile takeover bid for Warner Bros. Discovery, three days after Netflix and Warner Bros. Discovery entered into a definitive agreement for Netflix to acquire Warner Bros., its film studios, its television studios, HBO, and HBO Max. Paramount is offering US$30 per Warner Bros. Discovery...
Netflix Enters Agreement to Acquire Warner Bros., HBO, HBO Max
Deal to close in around 12-18 months following Warner Bros. Discovery's split
― Netflix and Warner Bros. Discovery announced on Friday that they have entered into a definitive agreement for Netflix to acquire Warner Bros., its film studios, its television studios, HBO, and HBO Max. The deal will close after Warner Bros. Discovery's previously announced split into two separate publicly traded companie...
Amazon Streamed AI English Dubs on Banana Fish, 'No Game, No Life Zero,' Pet Anime (Updated)
Voice actors speak out against AI dubs, Kadokawa & HIDIVE respond
― Amazon Prime Video's streams of the Banana Fish anime and No Game, No Life Zero anime previously listed "AI beta" dubs for its English and Latin American Spanish dubs. The company's streams of the Pet anime and Journal of the Mysterious Creatures anime were also listing the English and Latin American Spanish dubs as "AI beta" dubs. T...
Crunchyroll Launches on Whale Smart TVs
Streamer available through Whale TV app store
― Crunchyroll announced on Tuesday that its streaming service is now available on Whale TV-enabled smart televisions. Whale TV owners can add Crunchyroll to the OS through the TV's app store.Crunchyroll launched its app on Samsung smart televisions in 2024.
The company launched a 24/7 free ad-supported Crunchyroll Channel on the Samsung TV Plus service in...
WEBTOON Ent. Reports Revenue Increase But Net Loss in 3rd Quarter
Monthly active users rise in Japan but decline in Korea, rest of world
― WEBTOON Entertainment posted higher revenue but swung to a loss in the third quarter of 2025, as slowing user numbers in Korea and other global markets weighed on the company despite strong performance in Japan and continued growth in its IP adaptation business. According to the company's most recent filing and shareholder lett...
KOCCA Expands Support for Webtoon-Based Games
Google Play supports overseas marketing, platform promotion; Naver Webtoon provides IP
― The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Creative Content Agency (KOCCA) outlined the achievements of the second phase of the Global Webtoon Games program and discussed plans for a third phase during G-STAR 2025 at BEXCO in Busan on November 14. The initiative, run in partnership with Google Pla...
Korean Appeals Court Sentences Operator Behind NunuTV, OKToon Piracy Sites to 4.5 Years in Prison
Appeals court serves harsher sentence than initial 3-year term issued by lower court
― The Daejeon High Court's Criminal Appeals Division on November 13 sentenced the operator behind the illegal streaming site NunuTV and the webtoon piracy site OKToon to four years and six months in prison for copyright infringement. The sentence was harsher than the initial three-year term issued by a lower court i...
Shueisha, Kodansha, Shogakukan, Kadokawa Win Copyright Suit Against Cloudflare
Cloudflare ordered to pay about 500 million yen/US$3 million in damages
― The Tokyo District Court has ruled on Wednesday that American internet infrastructure company Cloudflare is liable for damages in a copyright infringement lawsuit filed by Japanese publishers Shueisha, Kodansha, Shogakukan, and Kadokawa in 2022.The ruling recognized about 3.6 billion yen (about US$24 million) in damages to the ...
Pursuing a Unified Vision at FLAT STUDIO: Director loundraw and Producer Ryu Ishii
Founding a new studio is never easy - loundraw , an illustrator and the founder of FLAT STUDIO , and FLAT STUDIO producer Ryū Ishii sat down with ANN to share how they managed during the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
― Founding a new studio is never easy—even without all of the logistics involved, there's pressure to prove that a new venture is worthwhile, that it can produce quality work, and that...
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