Early Monday, powerhouses KADOKAWA and Aniplex publicly announced a combined joint venture company, Animec. Described as a combination of “anime and cinema,” the name embodies the companies’ “philosophy of delivering the charm of anime films to fans and contributing to the further development of the industry.”
Former Former Representative Director, Executive Officer and Chief Anime Officer of KADOKAWA CORPORATION, Mr. Shinichiro Inoue, also served as Vice Editor-in-Chief Animec, an anime magazine published until the 1980s.
This comes as Aniplex and Crunchyroll (both owned by Sony Group Corporation) announced a Tokyo-based anime production joint venture, HAYATE. Also, as of last year, Sony is KADOKAWA’s largest shareholder. As its subsidiary Aniplex works with KADOKAWA on this new venture, Sony deepens its ties into the anime production and distribution arm internationally.
Animec will specialize in the distribution and promotion of anime films, aiming to co-create value with fans, content holders, theater operators, and all other stakeholders involved in the creative process. From nationwide theatrical releases to special screenings of TV anime series, Animec will maximize the value and appeal of each work through optimal release strategies. Working alongside the KADOKAWA Group and the Sony Group, Animec is committed to delivering even more captivating anime film experiences to an even broader audience of fans.
Source: Press Release
