Business News

Major piracy site HiAnime abruptly shuts down… temporarily?

One of the world's largest anime streaming pirating sites goes under, but the reasons behind HiAnime's sudden disappearance is unclear.

Kalai Chik - March 16, 2026

Taking Tappytoon into a New World with Ernest Woo

As Tappytoon celebrates its tenth year since its founding, co-founder Ernest Woo talks to K-Comics Beat about the future of webtoons.

Kalai Chik - March 9, 2026

Japanese entertainment companies open 2027 job applications

Japanese animation studios, music labels, and game developers alike have opened their 2027 job recruitment applications for fresh graduates.

March 6, 2026

Yongsoo Kim promoted to President of WEBTOON Entertainment

Newly appointed President Yongsoo Kim, previously the CSO and Head of Global of WEBTOON, joins the company's Board of Directors.

March 5, 2026

Sharp Corporation announces voice actor service

Sharp launches a new monthly subscription service to allow consumers to choose from fifteen customized voices for its home appliances.

March 4, 2026

KADOKAWA and Aniplex Establish Film Distribution Joint Venture Animec Inc.

Kalai Chik - March 2, 2026

Two of Japan's largest anime companies, KADOKAWA and Aniplex, have announced a joint venture distribution company called Animec. The name is a combination of the words anime and cinema.

KPOP DEMON HUNTERS to enter the Criterion Collection

D. Morris - February 24, 2026

Netflix and Sony Animation's KPop Demon Hunters will be added to the Criterion Collection, further establishing itself in the world of film.

KINOKUNIYA USA will no longer carry Chinese-language books, but English-translated books are unaffected

Kalai Chik - February 4, 2026

The Japanese bookstore chain announced that they will no longer be carrying Chinese-language books online or in Seattle after May 1st, 2026.

New details on BOOK☆WALKER Global’s new platform launching in February

Kalai Chik - January 27, 2026

The digital manga and light novel service will now have a brand-new reading experience, enhanced content protection, and a streamlined interface designed specifically for international readers.

WEBTOON rolls out changes to its monetization features

Justin Guerrero - January 13, 2026

The New Year has arrived here on K-Comics beat, and we welcome 2026 with some updates and news. This time about a previous article...

What Webtoon’s 2026 program changes could mean for creators

Justin Guerrero - December 15, 2025

Webtoon has announced a new suite of programs and opportunities to empower creators on the platform in 2026. Here's a breakdown.