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U-NEXT Holdings to Acquire GoHands Anime Studio as 100%-Owned Subsidiary
Company already has U-Next, self-described as Japan's biggest streamer
― The multi-sector company U-NEXT Holdings announced on Monday that its board of directors decided to acquire the anime studio GoHands as a wholly owned subsidiary. The acquisition via a transfer of stocks will go into effect on June 1. Through this acquisition, U-NEXT Holdings aims to integrate U-NEXT (formerly GyaO NEXT, self-de...
Embracer Group to Spin Off Fellowship Entertainment With Dark Horse Media
Group plans to list Fellowship Entertainment on Nasdaq Stockholm in 2027
― The board of directors for Dark Horse Media's parent company Embracer Group announced on Wednesday that it intends to split the group into two publicly listed companies, through the spinoff of Fellowship Entertainment. The board plans to list Fellowship Entertainment, which will include Dark Horse Media, on the Nasdaq Stockhol...
Nikkei Announces New Entertainment & Content Stock Index
New index includes 20 entertainment companies like Sony, Nintendo, Bandai Namco
― Nikkei will begin calculating and publishing the new Nikkei Entertainment and Content Stock Index on June 18. The new index focuses on entertainment companies in order to accurately capture investment trends in the industry. The index comprises 20 companies listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange within the entertainment and...
TBS Reports 524 Million Yen Loss in Anime Division
Company also reports 80.8% increase in revenue
― Tokyo Broadcasting System (TBS) Holdings announced on Thursday in its financial report for the fiscal year ending in March an 80.8% increase in revenue in its anime division to 3.198 billion yen (about US$20.1 million). The company also reported an overall gross loss of 524 million yen (about US$3.29 million) despite the increase in revenue. The compa...
Crunchyroll Japan's Net Profit Drops 63% to 453 Million Yen (Updated)
Sony subsidiary previously reported profits of 1.239 billion yen in 2024
― The May 19 issue of the Japanese government's Kanpo gazette reported that the Japanese branch of Crunchyroll's net profits for the fiscal period ending in December 2025 were 453 million yen (about US$2.85 million), a drop of 63% from the previously reported 1.239 billion yen (about US$7.79 million) in 2024. According to Crunc...
WEBTOON Ent. Narrows Losses in 1st Quarter 2026
Company also cuts net loss to US$8.8 million, down about 60% from US$21.97 million 1 year ago
― WEBTOON Entertainment narrowed its losses in the first quarter of 2026, posting an operating loss of US$8.03 million — down from US$26.63 million in the same period a year earlier, a roughly 70% improvement. The company disclosed the results on May 11. The company also cut its net loss to US$8.8 million, ...
Cloverway Founder Yasuo Matsuo Launches New Global Production Studio IP Bay
Company focuses on producing adaptations of Japanese literature
― Founder of former U.S.-based licensing agency Cloverway Yasuo Matsuo has launched IP Bay, a new global studio that is focused on producing adaptations of Japanese literature. The studio maintains offices in Hyogo, Tokyo, New York, and Los Angeles. The company is making its market debut at the Cannes Film Market, which began on May 12 a...
CyberAgent Establishes Canvas Kyoto Creative Hub
Canvas Kyoto opens in June to foster new creators in anime/game production
― Media advertising company CyberAgent announced on Friday that it is establishing Canvas Kyoto, a new creative hub, in Kyoto in June. Canvas Kyoto aims to foster new creators and broaden the pool involved with the anime and game production, especially in Japan's Kansai region which includes Kyoto. The company also wishes to e...
Drecom Announces New Indie Game Studio
Drecom Creators Studio to support development of titles, expansion into mixed media
― Japanese video game developer Drecom announced on Thursday the launch of a new indie game studio Drecom Creators Studio. The new studio aims to discover the potential of game titles and support projects from development to long-term expansion, with a focus on small creators and teams.The company lists several types ...
Kakao Ent. Opens Submissions for New Drama Webtoon Series
Company classifies wide range of titles under its drama category, including: everyday slice-of-life stories, black comedies, thrillers, youth narratives
― Kakao Entertainment announced on May 13 that it will accept submissions for new drama-genre webtoons from May 27 through June 10, as part of its ongoing effort to expand its content pipeline. The company classifies a wide range of titles under its...
TBS' Sand B Company Acquires Xenotoon CG Anime Studio
Studio that produced Genshō Yasuda's Make A Girl anime film to merge with Seven Arcs in mid-2027
― Tokyo Broadcasting System (TBS) Holdings' Sand B anime planning and development company acquired a 51% controlling stake in 3D CG anime studio Xenotoon, turning the studio into a subsidiary company of Sand B. The studio's anime director Genshō Yasuda drew the visual (seen right), revealed alongside the ...
Studio Ghibli to Appoint Kenichi Yoda as Its New President in June
Current head Hiroyuki Fukuda to remain as board director, NTV Holdings president
― The world-renowned anime company Studio Ghibli announced on Thursday that its president and representative director of its board, Hiroyuki Fukuda, will step down at the end of its shareholders' meeting slated for June 22. The studio plans to appoint one of its current board directors, Kenichi Yoda (pictured right), as ...
Man Arrested for Alleged Bomb Threat Against Nintendo Headquarters
Kyoto police arrest 27-year-old for obstructing a business with force
― The Kyoto Prefectural Police arrested an unemployed 27-year-old man on Tuesday for allegedly sending a bomb threat to the Nintendo headquarters in Kyoto. According to the authorities, the Hekinan CIty resident admitted to the charge of obstructing a business by force. The man reportedly claimed to have planted multiple bombs aro...
eBay Rejects GameStop's Acquisition Bid
eBay board chair: GameStop's May 3 proposal is "neither credible nor attractive"
―
The e-commerce service eBay announced on Tuesday that it is rejecting the GameStop retail chain's unsolicited acquisition proposal following a review with its financial and legal advisors. Paul S. Pressler, the chair of eBay's board of directors, announced the decision in a letter addressed to GameStop CEO, Ryan Cohen...
Akira's Katsuhiro Ōtomo Establishes New Feature Animation Studio Oval Gear
1st work is in production; studio is hiring animators, production staff
― Katsuhiro Otomo announced on Monday he has founded a new feature animation studio called OVAL GEAR based in Tokyo. The studio's first title is currently in production, and the studio is hiring animators and production staff. The studio stated about its founding: The studio was founded for two purposes: to pass on to the new gen...
Site Branded as Illegal Webtoon Site Newtoki Reappears Ahead of Korea's Emergency Blocking System
Site resurfaced 1 day after original site announced shutdown last month
― The notorious illegal webtoon and web novel site Newtoki has resurfaced in a similar form one day after announcing its shutdown on April 27, highlighting the limits of South Korea's upcoming emergency site-blocking system. According to Korean online news outlet News1, new access links to a site branded as Newtoki have been cir...
Korea Fair Trade Commission Launches Probe into Webtoon, Web Novel Industry Practices
Commission plans to survey more than 100 companies including major domestic platforms, content providers
― The Korea Fair Trade Commission (KFTC) has launched a full-scale investigation into the revenue structures and business practices of the webtoon and web novel industry, aiming to address long-standing concerns over unfair contracts and profit distribution. According to reporting from Korean onl...
Crunchyroll Hosts Inaugural Anime Leadership Summit in New York on October 7
Crunchyroll tops 21 million paid subscribers globally
― Crunchyroll announced on Friday that it will host its inaugural invite-only industry summit called "Crunchyroll Anime Future Forum" in New York City on October 7. Crunchyroll also announced on Friday that it has crossed 21 million paid subscribers globally. The summit will invite Japan's anime sector leaders as well as Hollywood, tech, gaming, a...
Nintendo Raises Switch 2 Console Prices in Japan, U.S., Canada, Europe
Nintendo also raises Switch prices, Switch Online prices in Japan
― Nintendo announced on Friday that it will change the suggested retail prices of the Nintendo Switch 2 console in Japan, Europe, the United States, and Canada, "in light of changes in market conditions, and after considering the global business outlook." The changes will take effect on May 25 in Japan and on September 1 in the U.S., C...
Grooming Allegations Retracted Against Buta Productions Co-Founder FAR
X/Twitter user Maryco previously made allegations against FAR, which led to Let Me Fix You anime's delay
― A user on X (formerly Twitter) named Maryco (@Maryco02_), who had previously posted a now-deleted message on Saturday to accuse the co-founder and co-producer of Europe-based animation studio Buta Productions Federico Antonio Russo (also known as FAR) of allegedly grooming her, made a new post o...
Tokyopop Launches New Tokyopop Kids Imprint
Imprint aims to publish titles for children under 12
― Tokyopop announced on Tuesday that it is launching a children's publishing imprint Tokyopop Kids. The imprint will publish its first titles in fall 2026. The label will focus on publishing manga, graphic novels, picture books, chapter books, middle-grade novels, and Spanish-language titles, for children 12 and under. The website's catalog lists t...
Let Me Fix You Anime Delayed After Grooming Allegations Against Buta Productions Co-Founder FAR (Updated)
Short anime's account posted that staff did not know of Federico Antonio Russo's alleged behavior
― A user on X (formerly Twitter) named Maryco (@Maryco02_) posted on Saturday to accuse Federico Antonio Russo (also known as FAR), the co-founder and co-producer of Europe-based animation studio Buta Productions, of allegedly grooming her. The now 19-year-old user Maryco claimed that FAR had begun groom...
Cygames Acquires 3DCG/VFX Studio Griot Groove
Company aims to strengthen video quality, production efficiency with acquisition
― Cygames announced on its Japanese website on Friday that it has acquired all shares of 3DCG animation and visual effects production house Griot Groove. The company aims to improve its current video production and quality with the acquisition. Griot Groove was founded in in 1996 and produces CG animation and motion capt...
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...
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 ...
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...
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...
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
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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...
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 ...
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...
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...
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