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GameStop Makes Bid to Buy eBay
GameStop submits non-binding proposal to acquire 100% of eBay at $125 per share in cash/stock
― GameStop announced on Sunday that it has submitted a non-binding proposal to acquire 100% of eBay at US$125 per share in cash and common stock at 50% each with full shareholder election rights. The company is filing a Schedule 13D and HSR notification, related to acquisitions, on Monday. GameStop currently...
Major Spanish Piracy Site Shut Down After Joint Effort Between Korean Webtoon Companies, Spanish Authorities
Platform recorded approximately 86 million visits in March 2025
― A coalition of major Korean webtoon platforms have successfully shut down one of the largest Spanish-language piracy sites, marking a significant milestone in global anti-piracy efforts. On April 27, Kakao Entertainment and Naver Webtoon announced that, together with member companies of the Copyright Overseas Promotion Association (CO...
CJ ENM to Spin Off Webtoon Label Manhwa Family as Separate Entity
Company says spin-off will allow each business unit to strengthen its expertise, operate more independently
― CJ ENM, one of the biggest entertainment conglomerates in Korea, is moving to spin off its webtoon production label Manhwa Family into a separate entity, as part of a broader strategy to focus on its core live-action content business. According to a regulatory filing on April 21, CJ ENM Stud...
Korea's Largest Illegal Webtoon Site Newtoki Shuts Down Ahead of Crackdown
Operator of Newtoki announced all affiliated platforms would cease operations
― One of South Korea's largest illegal webtoon distribution sites, Newtoki, has abruptly shut down its services just weeks before the government rolls out a new rapid blocking system targeting copyright infringement. According to industry sources on April 27, the operator of Newtoki announced that all affiliated platforms ...
Kadokawa Establishes 'Kadokawa Retail Ventures' Company for N. American Retail Business
New company to take over management of Manga Spot bookstores from Kadokawa World Entertainment
― Kadokawa announced on Monday that it has established a new company named Kadokawa Retail Ventures, LLC in February to take over North American retail business from its Kadokawa World Entertainment (KWE) company.The company is based in New York, with Yen Press Publisher and Managing Director and KWE CEO an...
Naver Webtoon Reports 23% Revenue Boost as Anti-Piracy System Delays Illegal Distribution
Company finds number of titles illegally uploaded within 24 hours of release dropped by about 90% by end of Q1 2026
― Naver Webtoon revealed on Wednesday its anti-piracy system “Toon Radar” has led to a significant increase in paid transactions on its Korean service, as improvements in preemptive blocking technology delay the spread of illegal copies. According to the company's “Q1 2026 Toon Radar R...
Naver Webtoon, Munpia Launch 'World's Largest Web Novel Contest'
Contest to offer total prize pool of 380 million won
― Naver Webtoon and Korean web novel platform Munpia announced on Monday the launch of the 2026 "World's Largest Web Novel Contest," offering a total prize pool of 380 million won (approximately US$258,000) as the companies seek to discover and support the next generation of web novel creators. Submissions will be open from May 13 to June 21, with...
Daejeon Secures Approval for Webtoon IP Cluster Project
Project, backed by budget of 39.9 billion won, will develop 4,909-square-meter complex
― Daejeon Metropolitan City has cleared a key administrative hurdle in its plan to build a large-scale webtoon industry hub, after its Webtoon IP Advanced Cluster Project passed a central government investment review with conditions. The approval from South Korea's Ministry of the Interior and Safety effectively r...
Gachiakuta Creator Kei Urana Addresses Manga Piracy
Urana: “To help people, who cannot afford to buy it or who do not have access to it, enjoy these works, Ando and I have been discussing this for a long time. I cannot share details yet, but [we are exploring many ideas]."
― Gachiakuta manga creator Kei Urana posted on social media an English statement, made via a "translation app" from her original Japanese statement, regarding manga piracy on Tuesd...
Adult Manga Publisher FAKKU Addresses Payment Processor Issues, Investigates Additional Payment Options
Company stated longtime payment processor partner terminated its account without warning in late 2025
― The founder and CEO of adult manga publisher FAKKU announced in a statement on Saturday it is looking into adding more payment methods for users in the midst of its ongoing discussions with payment processors. It is investigating implementing crypto, pre-paid cards, and a dedicated point system. Th...
Korea Cartoonists Association to Hold Webtoon Forum on Cyberbullying, Mental Health
Webtoon artists like Super Pink, Raha Lee will present at event on April 24
― The Korea Cartoonists Association (KCA) will host its second Webtoon Forum of 2026 on April 24, focusing on cyberbullying and mental health issues faced by creators. The event will take place at the Dariso Theater in Seoul and aims to address growing concerns over online harassment targeting webtoon artists. Industry obser...
Tokyo MX Dismisses Representative Director/Chairman Hiroshi Date Following Investigation of Power Harassment
Date also resigned as director
― Tokyo MX announced on Friday that it dismissed Hiroshi Date from his positions of Representative Director and Chairman during an extraordinary meeting on Wednesday. Following an internal report made last December, the company investigated Date and discovered that he had committed power harassment actions such as inappropriate conduct and remarks towards subordinates. ...
Netflix Co-Founder Reed Hastings Leaves Company in June
Hastings to focus on philanthropy, other pursuits
― Netflix revealed in its quarterly shareholder letter on Thursday that its co-founder and current chairman of the board Reed Hastings will not stand for re-election when his term expires in June, and will instead "focus on his philanthropy and other pursuits." Netflix's statement on Hastings reads: Reed built a culture of innovation, integrity and hi...
Mahjong Pros Announces New Distribution Partnership for Manga
Pathway Book Service to handle distribution, Gazelle Book Services Ltd. to distribute through EU
― Mahjong set company Mahjong Pros' Mahjong Pros Publishing imprint announced on Monday that it is entering a distribution partnership with Pathway Book Service for book fulfillment, warehousing, and retail distribution for its catalogue. It is also partnering with Gazelle Book Services Ltd. for distribu...
Tokyopop Offers Public Stock Shares With Goal to Raise US$1.2 Million (Updated)
Investors can purchase stock shares at US$5.00 each with minimum investment of US$1,000
― Publisher Tokyopop announced on Saturday that it is offering public buyers to purchase stock shares of the company at US$5.00 per share with a minimum investment of US$1,000. The equity shares are Class B Common Stock, and they do not include voting rights. Investments of US$2,500 or more result in bonus shares,...
Studio KAI Announces Insolvency Due to Deficit
Company ends fiscal year with 565 million yen net loss
― The April 13 issue of the Japanese government's Kanpо̄ gazette revealed on Monday that Studio Kai animation studio is entering a state of insolvency, in which the company is unable to pay debts, after ending the 2025 fiscal year with a net loss of 565 million yen (approx. US$3.5 million). The company reported a loss of 165,129,000 yen (about U...
Japan Aims to Increase Anime's Overseas Market to 6 Trillion Yen by 2033
Government aims to triple overseas market for anime, games, manga in less than 10 years
― The Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) held its 18th Entertainment and Creative Industrial Policy Seminar on March 27, where it announced how specifically to meet the Japanese government's goal to expand the overseas market for its domestic creative industries to 20 trillion yen (about US$12...
Yen Press Announces New Avocado House Imprint for International Authors in Translation
Initial licenses include Laplace's Witch, Sickness unto Love, 1,000 Words Left to Live, more
― Yen Press announced on Monday the new imprint Avocado House for international authors in translation. Publisher and editor-in-chief JuYoun Lee is the creator and curator of Avocado House. The company aims to initially release 12 titles per year. The company opened a website for Avocado House. The imprint's ...
Cover Corp. Announces Restructuring of Holostars Japan Operations
Branch discontinues new merchandise, original music, event performances, company studio use, more
― Cover Corp. announced on Friday major changes to the operations of its male-focused VTuber branch Holostars in Japan. The company will cease group-wide activities across its multiple generations of talent and will instead focus on individual-focused activities. This will include the discontinuation of...
Absolute Borderline: The Early Days of Evangelion Fandom, Part Three
Brian brings us to the end of the beginning in the final part of his history of Evangelion fandom.
― So, ADV had just announced that they had acquired the North American rights to the Evangelion TV series. Not only that, but they also promised a version with all new animation, confusing Western fans. And how did Gainax respond to the news? Four days after ADV's announcement, Michael House, Gainax's i...
Crunchyroll, Aniplex's Joint Venture Hayate Acquires Anime Studio Lay-duce
Purchase marks Hayate's 1st "capital participation" in an anime production studio
― HAYATE Inc., the new anime production venture from Aniplex and Crunchyroll, announced on Friday that it has acquired all shares of anime studio Lay-duce, making it a wholly owned subsidiary. The announcement stated the purchase marks HAYATE Inc.'s "first capital participation in an anime production studio." HAYATE Inc...
Shift Up Announces New 'Partnership' with Shinji Mikami's Unbound Game Studio
Company's official website notes "acquisition" of Unbound
― Hyung-Tae Kim's game studio Shift Up announced on Wednesday a new "partnership" with Resident Evil director Shinji Mikami's new Unbound Studios. Shift Up's official website calls the partnership an "acquisition," while the announcement video calls it a "publishing partnership." Shift Up will handle publishing for Unbound's future game projec...
BookWalker Global Service Launches New Global English Platform With LCP DRM System Following Delay
New website launches after delay from February
― Kadokawa's BookWalker Global store announced on Monday that it has launched its new rebuilt website, apps, and reader, after a delay from February. The launch includes the previously announced new Lightweight Content Protection (LCP) DRM system, which allows users to access purchases through LCP-compatible reading apps outside of BookWalker.New dedicat...
WEBTOON Launches AI-Powered Localization Tools for Canvas Platform
Program is designed to help creators scale their content globally while maintaining control over localization, distribution
― WEBTOON Entertainment announced on March 26 plans to introduce AI-powered localization tools as part of a unified global CANVAS platform, set to launch in spring 2026. The company's CANVAS platform is a self-publishing platform for indie creators. The new Translation Program ...
LINE Yahoo Gains Control of Kakao Games Following Stake Acquisition (Updated)
Industry sources expect acquisition raises possibility of expanded use of LINE's IP portfolio, including titles from LINE Manga
― LINE Yahoo has become the largest shareholder of Kakao Games following a recent stake acquisition, marking a shift in the company's ownership structure. Kakao Games CEO Sang-woo Han said on March 26 that no specific management changes or organizational restructuring have b...
Comic Market Extended Back to 3 Days After 5 Years as 2-Day Event
Event returns to Tokyo Big Sight on December 29-31
― The Comic Market Committee announced on Tuesday that the Comic Market (Comiket) 109 convention will return as a three-day event on December 29-31. The convention will continue to take place at the Tokyo Big Sight venue, but East 4-6 Halls are unavailable due to renovations. Comiket 108 will take place on August 15-16, but East 4-6 Halls will also...
AnimeJapan Reports Record Attendance in 2026
156,000 attendees counted over 2 public days this past weekend
― The staff for the AnimeJapan 2026 convention announced on Sunday that 156,000 attendees came to the event across its two public days on March 28-29. This year's number is the highest the event has reported, higher than last year's number of 152,400.The event hosted more than 130 exhibitor booths, another record high for the event. Just ...
AnimeJapan 2027, 2028 to be Held in Osaka (Updated)
Event to be held March 27-28, 2027 at Intex Osaka convention center
― Advertisements at the AnimeJapan 2026 event on Saturday revealed that the 2027 and 2028 events will be held in Osaka. The event next year will be held at the Intex Osaka convention center on March 27-28, 2027. The notice did not state why the event is moving, but mentioned the Osaka World Expo event that was held last year. The not...
Oasis Management Company Becomes Largest Shareholder in Kadokawa
Sony Group Corp becomes 2nd-largest as of March 18
― Kadokawa announced on Friday that as of March 18, the company has had a change in its largest shareholder. Oasis Management Company Ltd. is now the largest shareholder in the company. Oasis Management Company Ltd. held 14,893,100 shares (10.03%) as of March 16, and as of March 18 owned 17,655,800 shares (11.89%). This makes Oasis Management Company...
Crunchyroll is 'Working Closely With Leading Cyber Security Experts to Investigate' Possible Security Breach (Updated)
International Cyber Digest wrote that 100 GBs of customer information were possibly leaked
― ANN reached out to Crunchyroll after X (formerly Twitter) user International Cyber Digest wrote on Sunday that Crunchyroll may be facing a security breach through its ticketing system, which is outsourced through Telus in India. A spokesperson provided the following statement:
"We are aware of recent claims a...
Answerman - Hiding Behind Pen Names
How did the MangaONE scandal happen? Jerome explains.
― A Reader asks: "How does someone convicted of a serious crime simply reappear in manga under a pen name, and nobody raises a flag? Do publishers run any checks on the actual person behind the pseudonym, and why are pen names becoming more and more popular for manga creators, writers, and artists? Should proper background checks become a regulat...
Kakao Entertainment, Naver Webtoon Win Civil Lawsuit Against Major Piracy Site Agitoon
Court accepted both companies' claims of 1 billion won each
― Kakao Entertainment and Naver Webtoon won a civil lawsuit on March 11 against the operator of Agitoon, one of South Korea's largest illegal webtoon and web novel distribution sites, with the court awarding a total of 2 billion won (about $1.33 million) in damages. The court fully accepted both companies' claims of 1 billion won each, hold...
Seoul Business Agency Launches 2026 Seoul-Themed Webtoon, Web Novel Support Program
2026 program will select 5 projects, each receiving 100 million Korean won
― The Seoul Business Agency (SBA) announced on March 16 a new initiative to support the development of web novels and webtoons based on Seoul-themed intellectual property, aiming to expand original stories into film, television, and other formats. The 2026 program will select five projects, each receiving 100 million Korean w...
Kakao Entertainment Reports 1 Billion Pirated Content Removals in Latest Anti-Piracy White Paper
Company states it has helped shut down 32 illegal websites in past 4 years
― Kakao Entertainment released its 8th Anti-Illegal Distribution Response White Paper on March 11, reporting that the company has removed more than 1 billion instances of pirated content globally since launching its anti-piracy task force. The report details the activities of Kakao Entertainment's Anti-Piracy Response Team, P...
Korean Cartoonist Association Hosts Webtoon Forum on AI, Copyright, Creative Tools
Creator Jin-kyu Choi introduces webtoon-focused AI production tool he developed using Google's "Vibe Coding"
― The Korean Cartoonist Association (KCA) held its first Webtoon Forum of 2026 on March 13 in Seoul, focusing on the impact of generative AI on creative workflows, copyright, and legal rights. The event, held at a cultural venue in Mapo District, brought together creators, legal experts, and ...
Naver Webtoon Reports US$2.7 Billion Creator Payout Over 5 Years
Naver Webtoon outlines 3 core priorities for 2026
― Naver Webtoon shared its creator support performance and 2026 business strategy at a press conference held in Seoul on March 17, highlighting continued investment in its global ecosystem. At the event, Yongsoo Kim, the recently appointed president of WEBTOON Entertainment, made his first public appearance since taking the role, emphasizing the impo...
8 Lions Partners with TV Asahi to Distribute Ninja Hattori Globally
Company to launch Ninja Hattori YouTube channels, establish Japan base this year
― London-based company 8 Lions Entertainment announced on Tuesday a new partnership with TV Asahi for digital distribution of the Ninja Hattori franchise for video-on-demand (VOD) platforms globally, excluding Japan. The company will launch a network of localized Ninja Hattori YouTube channels, with the first wave of re...
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
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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...
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