Aniplex, Inc. (株式会社アニプレックス, Kabushiki-gaisha Anipurekkusu) is a Japanese entertainment company. It is part of the Sony Group, which is a division of Sony Music Entertainment Japan. The company plans, produces, and distributes anime series of its own and licensed intellectual properties (IPs), with a focus on multimedia deployment.[4]
The company is also involved in the production and distribution of theatrical films as well as the planning, development, and publishing of video games alongside producing and selling merchandise related to its media franchises, releasing home media and original soundtracks, producing musicals and stage performances, organizing live events to promote its series and managing copyright and licensing. It also operates Aniplex Online, an e-commerce store that provides the company products directly to consumers.
Established in September 1995 as a subsidiary of Sony Pictures Entertainment Japan under the name SPE Music Publishing,[2] the company received capital investment from Sony Music Entertainment Japan in January 1997, changing its name to SPE Visual Works.[2] After becoming a joint venture between SPEJ and SMEJ, it inherited Sony Music Group video productions, excluding SMEJ artists' music videos, in January 1998.[2]
On January 1, 2001, it became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sony Music Entertainment Japan and changed its name to SME Visual Works.[2] On April 1, 2003, it rebranded to its current name, Aniplex, which is coined from “a complex of rights business derived from animation.”[2][9]
In 2004, Aniplex launched the Sugi Label in collaboration with composer Koichi Sugiyama, who is known for their work on the Dragon Quest series soundtracks.[10] The label was sold to King Records in 2009.
In March 2005, Aniplex established Aniplex of America, a US-based subsidiary in Santa Monica, California, to expand its overseas licensing and distribution business in English-speaking regions and the North and South American markets.[2] On May 9, 2005, it founded A-1 Pictures, a wholly-owned animation studio.[2] Originally established to oversee the production of a few family-oriented series, the company has since expanded the range of its production work.
On March 20, 2015, Aniplex and German anime distributor Peppermint Enterprises announced the establishment of Peppermint Anime GmbH, a joint venture inheriting Peppermint’s anime operations to develop and strengthen the Japanese animation business in German-speaking countries.[11][12] The joint venture was part of Aniplex's efforts to expand its overseas footprint and marks the beginning of its European expansion. In April 2015, Aniplex announced that it had invested in Wakanim, a French anime streaming service operator, becoming its largest shareholder.[13][14] The companies aim to expand the platform availability beyond French-speaking countries to further develop the European anime market.[13]
On January 6, 2017, Sony Music Entertainment Japan announced the launch of SACRA MUSIC, a new label specializing in anison music. On April 1, 2017, 14 artists transferred to SACRA MUSIC from other Sony Music Group labels, including Aniplex-affiliated artists LiSA, Kana Hanazawa, and TrySail.[15][16] In collaboration with Aniplex, SACRA MUSIC aims to strengthen its overseas expansion efforts and promote its artists' activities on a global scale by participating in events and holding overseas concerts.[15][16]
On September 4, 2017, Aniplex announced a capital and business alliance with Revolve, which is involved in the planning, development, and production of figures, becoming its largest shareholder.[17][18] Through this investment, Aniplex intends to strengthen its ties with Revolve and expand its merchandising business. By enhancing the collaboration between its product planning division and Revolve, it aims to strengthen its figure product lineup and further speed up the process from planning to manufacturing and commercialization.[17][19]
On February 17, 2018, Madman co-founder & CEO Tim Anderson confirmed that on November 15, 2017, Aniplex had acquired a minority interest in Madman Anime Group for an undisclosed sum and was issued new shares.[20] On February 6, 2019, Aniplex acquired Madman Anime Group for A$35 million, making the Australian company a wholly-owned subsidiary.[21][22]
On March 28, 2018, Aniplex announced a business and capital alliance with Live2D, the developer of the popular software of the same name, acquiring a majority stake in the company.[23][24][25] Live 2D, which dynamically moves pictures drawn in 2D, is widely used in various applications, such as mobile games and VTubing.[24] Following the investment, the two companies intend to collaborate to produce feature-length animated films using Live2D's technology.[23][24][25]
On April 2, 2018, group company A-1 Pictures announced that it had renamed its Kōenji Studio to CloverWorks, giving it a unique brand identity distinguishable from its Asagaya Studio.[26][27] On October 1, 2018, CloverWorks was spun off into a separate independent company, making it a direct subsidiary of Aniplex. Aniplex producer Akira Shimizu was appointed president and representative director, while Yūichi Fukushima was appointed Corporate Officer.[28][29]
On November 1, 2018, Aniplex announced that it had established Rialto Entertainment, a wholly-owned subsidiary responsible for independent video production and license management, on October 1.[30][31] Aniplex's deputy president, Tadashi Ishibashi, was appointed representative director and chairman of the company, and veteran producer Eiichi Kamagata was named president. He served as president and representative director of Lucent Pictures Entertainment before assuming his new role at Rialto.[31]
On April 19, 2019, Aniplex announced the establishment of a Chinese subsidiary, Aniplex (Shanghai), with full-scale operations scheduled to begin on May 7.[32][33] Besides licensing its properties, the company intends to establish a storefront, develop local IP, and produce and release Chinese animation within the region.[33]
On September 24, 2019, as part of Sony's efforts to increase collaboration between its subsidiaries and strengthen its international anime distribution business,[34] Aniplex and Sony Pictures Television announced the consolidation of their anime streaming services Funimation, Wakanim, and Madman Anime Group under Funimation Global Group, LLC., a new joint venture led by Funimation's general manager, Colin Decker.[35][36] Aniplex held a 20% stake in Funimation Global Group.[37]
On December 26, 2019, Aniplex announced the launch of a new visual novel brand named ANIPLEX.EXE. ATRI: My Dear Moments, developed by Frontwing and Makura (枕), and Adabana Odd Tales (徒花異譚, Adabana Itan), developed by Liar-soft were the brand's first two revealed titles. Both games support English, Japanese, Simplified Chinese, and Traditional Chinese language options.[38][39] The two games were released on June 19, 2020, on PC via Steam worldwide and via DMM Games in Japan. Their cumulative sales have exceeded 100,000 copies as of June 19, 2021.[40]
On April 1, 2020, Aniplex established Boundary, a 3DCG animation production company. CloverWorks president Akira Shimizu was appointed the studio's president and representative director.[41][42] Since its inception, Boundary has been mainly involved in the CG production of CloverWorks projects.[43]
On December 15, 2021, Aniplex announced a share transfer agreement to acquire Delightworks' game development division for an undisclosed sum.[47][48][49] On December 28, 2021, a new company, Lasengle, was established through a corporate split and inherited the gaming business of Delightworks, including the Fate/Grand Order development team.[50] On February 1, 2022, Aniplex completed the acquisition per the share transfer agreement. Yoshinori Ono, previously president and chief operating officer of Delightworks, was appointed president and representative director of Lasengle. Aniplex’s CEO, Atsuhiro Iwakami, would serve as the company Chairman.[51][52] Yosuke Shiokawa, the creative producer behind Fate/Grand Order, left Delightworks and Lasengle at the end of January 2022, establishing his studio Fahrenheit 213 to work on a new original franchise.[53]
On May 30, 2022, Aniplex, its subsidiary, CloverWorks, WIT Studio, and Shueisha announced the establishment of JOEN, a joint venture in the production of animated TV series, feature films, and short clips. CloverWorks’ Corporate Officer Yūichi Fukushima and WIT Studio Director Tetsuya Nakatake, producers of the adaptation of Spy × Family, a collaboration between their respective studios, were appointed representative directors of JOEN.[54][55][56]
On February 10, 2023, Aniplex announced that its subsidiary Revolve will change its name to Claynel (株式会社クレーネル), effective April 1. Through rebranding, the company intends to expand beyond the planning and production of figures into the sales and distribution of its product line.[57]
On May 31, 2023, Aniplex announced the acquisition of Japanese talent management firm Origamix Partners for an undisclosed sum, renaming it to Myragion Studio on June 1. The company intends to expand the scope of its operations by developing and producing Live-action projects for worldwide audiences with creators as the core, in addition to its existing film directors and screenwriters’ management and IP development businesses.[58][59][60] Additionally, Myragion revealed a strategic partnership with South Korean production outfit Imaginus, established by Jinnie Choi, former CEO of Studio Dragon. Choi will serve as Executive Advisor to Myriagon Studio to jointly build a strong Asian premium production network.[58][60]
Aniplex Online Fest
Aniplex held its first Aniplex Online Fest in on July 4–5, 2020[61] to celebrate its anime projects, panels with staff and cast members, and musical performances. Sally Amaki of 22/7 (Nanabun no Nijūni) served as emcee for the English version, streaming worldwide on YouTube. A Chinese podcast was available on Bilibili.[62][63][64]
^"会員社｜一般社団法人日本映像ソフト協会" [Member Companies｜Japan Video Software Association]. Japan Video Software Association (JVA) (in Japanese). Archived from the original on September 2, 2023. Retrieved October 8, 2023.
^"子会社の商号変更について" [Change of Subsidiary's Trade Name] (PDF). Sony Music Entertainment (Japan) Inc. (in Japanese). March 6, 2003. Archived(PDF) from the original on April 25, 2023. Retrieved September 25, 2023.
^"「ドイツにおけるアニメ市場の拡大のために～独 peppermint 社との合弁会社設立のお知らせ」" [For the Expansion of the Animation Market in Germany: Establishment of a Joint Venture with peppermint]. Sony Music Entertainment (Japan) Inc. (in Japanese). March 20, 2015. Archived from the original on April 25, 2023. Retrieved September 25, 2023.
^ ab"「欧州：アニメ配信プラットフォームの事業基盤の強化～仏 Wakanim 社への出資について」" [Europe: Strengthening the Business Foundation of the Animation Distribution Platform - Investment in Wakanim of France] (PDF). Sony Music Entertainment (Japan) Inc. (in Japanese). April 24, 2015. Archived(PDF) from the original on September 25, 2023. Retrieved September 25, 2023.
^ ab"新レーベル『SACRA MUSIC』発足！" [New label "SACRA MUSIC" is established!]. Sony Music Entertainment (Japan) Inc. (in Japanese). January 6, 2017. Archived from the original on January 3, 2023. Retrieved September 25, 2023.
^ ab"株式会社リボルブとの資本提携及び業務提携のお知らせ" [Notice of Capital and Business Alliance with Revolve Co.]. Sony Music Entertainment (Japan) Inc. (in Japanese). September 4, 2017. Archived from the original on April 25, 2023. Retrieved September 25, 2023.
^"アニプレックス、フィギュアメーカー「リボルブ」との資本・業務提携を発表" [Aniplex announces capital and business alliance with figure manufacturer Revolve.] (in Japanese). AnimeAnime. September 5, 2017. Archived from the original on May 29, 2023. Retrieved September 25, 2023.
^Sudo, Tadashi (September 4, 2017). "アニプレックス フィギュア制作・販売のリボルブの筆頭株主に 資本業務提携を発表" [Aniplex Announces Capital and Business Alliance with Revolve, a PVC Figure Production and Sales Company, as its Largest Shareholder.] (in Japanese). Animation Business Journal. Archived from the original on June 9, 2023. Retrieved September 25, 2023.
^ ab"アニプレックスとLive2Dが業務資本提携 長編アニメーション映画制作を始動" [Aniplex and Live2D Form Business and Capital Alliance to Produce Animated Feature Film]. Sony Music Entertainment (Japan) Inc. (in Japanese). March 28, 2018. Archived from the original on June 27, 2023. Retrieved September 25, 2023.
^"株式会社A-1 Pictures高円寺スタジオのブランド化に伴うスタジオ名変更のお知らせ" [Notice of Studio Name Change due to Branding of A-1 Pictures Inc. Kōenji Studio]. Sony Music Entertainment (Japan) Inc. (in Japanese). April 2, 2018. Archived from the original on April 18, 2023. Retrieved October 7, 2023.
^"株式会社アニプレックス 会社分割による子会社設立に関するお知らせ" [Aniplex Corporation Announces the Establishment of a Subsidiary through a Company Split] (PDF). Sony Music Entertainment (Japan) Inc. (in Japanese). October 1, 2018. Archived(PDF) from the original on December 14, 2021. Retrieved October 7, 2023.
^"株式会社アニプレックス 子会社設立に関するお知らせ" [Aniplex Corporation Announces the Establishment of a Subsidiary]. Sony Music Entertainment (Japan) Inc. (in Japanese). November 1, 2018. Archived from the original on January 24, 2021. Retrieved October 7, 2023.
^"株式会社アニプレックスの新会社「安尼普（上海）文化艺术有限公司」業務開始のお知らせ" [Notice of the start of operations of Aniplex Corporation's new subsidiary, Aniplex (Shanghai)] (PDF). Sony Music Entertainment (Japan) Inc. (in Japanese). April 19, 2019. Archived(PDF) from the original on January 26, 2021. Retrieved October 7, 2023.
^@ANIPLEX_EXE (June 18, 2021). "【本日は1周年！】「#ATRI」「#徒花異譚」リリースから1年、多くの方に両作を楽しんでいただき、おかげさまで2作合算10万ダウンロードを突破いたしました！" [Today is the first anniversary! One year has passed since the release of #ATRI and #Adabana Itan, and thanks to the many people who have enjoyed both games, the total downloads of the two titles have exceeded 100,000!] (Tweet) (in Japanese). Archived from the original on February 27, 2022. Retrieved October 7, 2023 – via Twitter.
^"株式会社アニプレックス 子会社設立に関するお知らせ" [Aniplex Corporation Announces the Establishment of a Subsidiary] (PDF). Sony Music Entertainment (Japan) Inc. (in Japanese). April 1, 2020. Archived(PDF) from the original on November 9, 2022. Retrieved October 7, 2023.
^"株式会社f4samuraiとの資本提携のお知らせ" [Notice of capital tie-up with f4samurai Inc.]. Sony Music Entertainment (Japan) Inc. (in Japanese). February 1, 2021. Archived from the original on April 25, 2023. Retrieved October 7, 2023.
^"『Fate/Grand Order』を中心としたゲーム開発事業の子会社化に関するお知らせ" [Notice on the acquisition of the game development business centered on Fate/Grand Order as a subsidiary] (PDF). Sony Music Entertainment (Japan) Inc. (in Japanese). December 15, 2021. Archived(PDF) from the original on October 4, 2023. Retrieved October 7, 2023.
^"株式会社ラセングルの株式取得完了に関するお知らせ" [Notice Concerning the Completion of the Acquisition of Lasengle Shares] (PDF). Sony Music Entertainment (Japan) Inc. (in Japanese). February 1, 2022. Archived(PDF) from the original on March 7, 2023. Retrieved October 7, 2023.
^"CloverWorks・ウィットスタジオ・アニプレックス・集英社の4社による、制作スタジオが主体の企画・プロデュースを行う株式会社JOEN設立のお知らせ" [Notice of Establishment of JOEN Corporation by CloverWorks, WIT Studio, Aniplex, and Shueisha, a production studio driven planning and production company]. Sony Music Entertainment (Japan) Inc. (in Japanese). May 30, 2022. Archived from the original on May 15, 2023. Retrieved October 7, 2023.
^"株式会社リボルブ 商号変更に関するお知らせ" [Revolve Corporation - Notice of Change of Company Name]. Sony Music Entertainment (Japan) Inc. (in Japanese). February 10, 2023. Archived from the original on June 25, 2023. Retrieved October 7, 2023.
