The Japanese media groups KADOKAWA and Aniplex, a subsidiary of Sony Music, have joined forces to distribute and promote anime films and have founded a new joint venture with Animec.
Focus on anime films
The company name “Animec” is a combination of the two words “Anime” and “Cinema”. At the same time, it takes up the title of a popular anime magazine that was published in Japan until the 1980s.
The aim is to increase the attractiveness of anime films together with fans, rights holders, cinema operators and those involved in the creative process. To achieve this, the company relies on “optimal release strategies” – from nationwide cinema releases to special screenings of TV anime series.
Thanks to the collaboration with the Sony Group and the KADOKAWA Group, anime films could be made available to an even wider audience in the future.
Sony became KADOKAWA’s largest shareholder in January 2025 with a 10% stake. In this context, it was also announced that the two companies would discuss concrete cooperation initiatives. The founding of “Animec” is likely to be a first step in this context.
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Via KADOKAWA
© KADOKAWA / Aniplex