Aniplex

Aniplex is a Japanese entertainment company and brand wholly owned by Sony Music Entertainment Japan. Established in 1995, it operates across the anime value chain, combining content planning, production investment, rights management, distribution, music publishing, home video, games, merchandise, live events, and international licensing. It is best understood as a content and intellectual-property business rather than as a conventional animation studio: Aniplex may originate or help finance a project, participate in a production committee, commission work from animation studios, distribute finished programs, manage music and licensing rights, and develop additional products around a franchise. The company’s portfolio includes original anime and adaptations of manga, novels, games, and other licensed properties. Projects associated with Aniplex include Fullmetal Alchemist, Gurren Lagann, the Monogatari series, Puella Magi Madoka Magica, the Fate franchise, Sword Art Online, and Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba. Its gaming operations include publishing and operating Fate/Grand Order, while investments and partnerships have expanded its involvement in mobile games, visual novels, 3DCG production, and interactive entertainment. The company also works with studios and creators through subsidiaries, joint ventures, capital alliances, and production partnerships. Aniplex’s commercial activities extend beyond screen content. It releases soundtracks, theme songs, character music, Blu-ray and DVD products, and other home-media packages; organizes concerts, musicals, stage productions, promotional events, and online showcases; sells goods through Aniplex Online; and develops figures and other character merchandise. Its cross-media model allows one property to be monetized through theatrical exhibition, television and streaming, music, physical media, games, live events, retail products, and overseas rights. The company maintains an international presence through Aniplex of America in Santa Monica and Aniplex China in Shanghai, as well as licensing relationships and investments in overseas distributors and streaming businesses. It has participated in Sony’s broader international anime strategy, including relationships involving Funimation, Wakanim, Madman Anime Group, and Crunchyroll. Aniplex therefore occupies a distinctive position within Sony’s entertainment portfolio: it connects Japanese animation production and rights ownership with music, games, merchandising, theatrical projects, and global distribution. Its business scope has also broadened into live-action development and creator management through Myriagon Studio, formerly Origamix Partners.

Aniplex was established in September 1995 as SPE Music Publishing, a subsidiary of Sony Pictures Entertainment Japan. Its early business centered on music and video connected with Japanese animation. Following investment by Sony Music Entertainment Japan, the company became SPE Visual Works in 1997. In 1998 it was reorganized as a joint venture between Sony Pictures Entertainment Japan and Sony Music Entertainment Japan, inheriting Sony Music Group video activities apart from music-video work associated with Sony Music artists. On January 1, 2001, the company became wholly owned by Sony Music Entertainment Japan and adopted the name SME Visual Works. On April 1, 2003, it was renamed Aniplex. The name expressed the company’s intended role as a complex of rights and businesses derived from animation. During this period Aniplex expanded beyond releasing anime-related music and video products into production-committee participation, project planning, rights administration, theatrical distribution, events, and merchandise. The company continued to diversify its music and content businesses. In 2004 it launched the Sugi Label with composer Koichi Sugiyama, although that label was later sold to King Records in 2009. In 2005 Aniplex created Aniplex of America and founded A-1 Pictures. The American subsidiary supported licensing and distribution in the Americas, while A-1 Pictures became a major animation production company working across a broad range of television and film projects. During the 2010s Aniplex accelerated its international and cross-media strategy. It formed Peppermint Anime in Germany with Peppermint Enterprises, invested in the European streaming service Wakanim, and later acquired Madman Anime Group in Australia. It also invested in merchandising through Revolve, established or supported music initiatives such as SACRA MUSIC, and entered technology and interactive-entertainment partnerships. Aniplex’s involvement in properties such as the Monogatari series, Puella Magi Madoka Magica, Fate, Sword Art Online, and Demon Slayer helped make its name prominent among anime consumers in Japan and overseas. Aniplex’s studio network also evolved. A-1 Pictures’ Kōenji Studio was rebranded CloverWorks in 2018, and CloverWorks became a separate direct subsidiary of Aniplex later that year. In the same period Aniplex created Rialto Entertainment for independent video production and licensing management and established Aniplex Shanghai to develop local licensing, retail, and production activities in China. In 2019 it introduced ANIPLEX.EXE for visual novels and participated with Sony Pictures Television in the consolidation of several international anime-streaming operations under Funimation Global Group. Sony’s anime expansion subsequently included the acquisition of Crunchyroll through the Sony Pictures and Aniplex structure. The company expanded its technical and game capabilities in the 2020s. Boundary was established in 2020 as a 3DCG animation production company. Aniplex also entered a capital relationship with f4samurai and acquired Delightworks’ game business, which was reorganized as Lasengle in 2021–2022. Lasengle inherited the Fate/Grand Order development operation, making Aniplex’s game publishing and live-service capabilities more closely integrated with its anime and intellectual-property businesses. In 2022 Aniplex joined CloverWorks, Wit Studio, and Shueisha in establishing JOEN, a production venture intended to develop animated television, film, and short-form projects. In 2023 its figure subsidiary Revolve became Claynel, and Aniplex acquired Origamix Partners, renaming it Myriagon Studio. That transaction broadened the group’s ambitions into live-action production, creator management, and international premium content. Aniplex has also used online events, including Aniplex Online Fest, to present new projects, stage performances, music, and cast programming to a global audience. Its present model remains centered on anime, but its commercial scope encompasses music, games, merchandise, events, streaming relationships, animation technology, live action, and worldwide rights exploitation.

1. 2023Claynel and Myriagon Studio created through reorganizations

   Revolve was renamed Claynel, while Origamix Partners was acquired and renamed Myriagon Studio for live-action and creator-led development.

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2. 2022Lasengle game business acquired and JOEN founded

   Aniplex completed the acquisition of Delightworks’ game division and joined partners in establishing the JOEN animation-production venture.

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3. 2020Boundary established

   Aniplex founded a 3DCG animation company connected with production work for CloverWorks projects.

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4. 2019Aniplex Shanghai established

   The company created a Chinese subsidiary to pursue licensing, local retail, intellectual-property development, and Chinese animation.

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5. 2018CloverWorks becomes a direct subsidiary

   A-1 Pictures’ Kōenji Studio was rebranded CloverWorks, which was later spun off as an independent direct subsidiary of Aniplex.

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6. 2015European distribution expansion

   Aniplex formed Peppermint Anime and increased its ownership in Wakanim to reinforce European anime distribution.

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7. 2005Aniplex of America and A-1 Pictures founded

   The company established its American licensing arm and founded A-1 Pictures as an animation production subsidiary.

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8. 2003Aniplex name adopted

   SME Visual Works was rebranded Aniplex on April 1 as the company expanded its animation-derived rights business.

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9. 2001Becomes wholly owned by Sony Music Entertainment Japan

   The company adopted the SME Visual Works name after becoming a wholly owned Sony Music Entertainment Japan subsidiary.

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10. 1998Becomes a Sony Pictures–Sony Music joint venture

    The company inherited Sony Music Group video production activities, with specified exceptions for artists’ music videos.

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11. 1997Renamed SPE Visual Works

    Following investment by Sony Music Entertainment Japan, the company adopted the SPE Visual Works name.

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12. 1995Company established as SPE Music Publishing

    Sony Pictures Entertainment Japan established the company in September 1995 for music and video activities related to entertainment content.

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A Sony-backed Japanese anime and cross-media entertainment platform that links content investment, rights management, music, games, merchandising, live events, and global distribution.

• Anime contentAnimation production and distribution

  Aniplex plans, finances, produces, distributes, and licenses television anime, animated films, OVAs, and online animation. Its involvement varies by project and can include production-committee investment, rights administration, commissioning work from studios, theatrical release, home-video distribution, and international licensing. Associated properties include the Fate franchise, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, Sword Art Online, the Monogatari series, Puella Magi Madoka Magica, Fullmetal Alchemist, and Gurren Lagann.

• Anime musicMusic publishing and distribution

  This line includes theme songs, scores, original soundtracks, character songs, and other recordings connected with anime and games. Aniplex works within Sony’s music ecosystem to commercialize releases through physical products, digital services, concerts, and artist promotion. The business also supports cross-media franchises by connecting recordings and performers with television series, films, games, and live events.

• Fate/Grand OrderMobile game2015

  Fate/Grand Order is a mobile role-playing game published and operated through Aniplex’s game business. Its continuing service model combines story updates, character collection, events, music, merchandise, and other franchise activities. The title’s development operation moved into Lasengle after Aniplex acquired Delightworks’ game division.

• Home videoPhysical media

  Aniplex releases anime and related programs on Blu-ray, DVD, and other home-media formats. These products often include premium packaging, supplemental materials, music, and event or collector benefits. Physical releases remain part of the company’s broader rights and franchise-commercialization model even as streaming has become an important distribution channel.

• ANIPLEX.EXEVisual novels2019

  ANIPLEX.EXE is a visual-novel label launched for interactive narrative games. Its first announced titles were ATRI: My Dear Moments and Adabana Odd Tales, released for PC in 2020 with Japanese, English, and Chinese language support. The label extends Aniplex’s content strategy beyond animation into internationally distributed interactive fiction.

• Merchandise and figuresCharacter goods

  Aniplex develops and sells character merchandise, collectibles, and figures associated with its anime and game properties. Its investment in Revolve, later renamed Claynel, was intended to improve coordination between product planning, manufacturing, sales, and distribution. Products are sold through retail channels and Aniplex Online, the company’s direct-to-consumer commerce platform.

• Live events and stage productionsEvents and live entertainment

  The company organizes promotional concerts, anime music performances, musicals, stage adaptations, cast events, and online showcases. These activities deepen audience engagement and provide additional commercial and promotional outlets for anime properties and music artists. Aniplex Online Fest is a notable global-facing example of this event strategy.

• 2023Aniplex Online Fest 2023

  Worldwide

  The 2023 edition promoted projects including ATRI – My Dear Moments, Black Butler, UniteUp!, Solo Leveling, Rurouni Kenshin, and Mashle, with voice-cast appearances and music-oriented hosting.

  Outcome. Continued Aniplex’s global digital marketing and fan-engagement program.

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• 2021Aniplex Online Fest 2021

  Worldwide

  The second festival featured updates on Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, Sword Art Online Progressive, and Fate/Grand Order, together with performances by artists including Aimer, ClariS, LiSA, ReoNa, and SawanoHiroyuki[nZk].

  Outcome. Extended the online event format and promoted major anime and music franchises internationally.

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• 2020Aniplex Online Fest

  Worldwide

  Aniplex held its first online festival on July 4–5, 2020, presenting anime panels, cast and staff appearances, music performances, and project information through YouTube, with Chinese programming available through Bilibili. The event reportedly attracted more than 800,000 global views.

  Outcome. Established a recurring digital showcase for Aniplex properties and music.

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• 2023Acquire Origamix Partners and create Myriagon StudioM&A

  Aniplex wanted to expand from animation into creator-led live-action development and international premium production.

  What changed. The company acquired Origamix Partners and renamed it Myriagon Studio on June 1, 2023.

  Aftermath. Myriagon retained talent-management and intellectual-property development activities while adding worldwide live-action ambitions and a partnership with Imaginus.

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• 2022Acquire Delightworks’ game development divisionM&A

  Aniplex sought to strengthen its internal game capabilities and secure the team responsible for Fate/Grand Order.

  What changed. Aniplex acquired the game division through a share transfer after it was separated into the new company Lasengle.

  Aftermath. Lasengle inherited the development business, with Yoshinori Ono appointed president and Aniplex CEO Atsuhiro Iwakami serving as chairman.

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• 2019Acquire Madman Anime GroupM&A

  Aniplex had held a minority interest in the Australian anime business since 2017 and sought greater control over regional distribution.

  What changed. Aniplex acquired the company entirely in February 2019 for A$35 million.

  Aftermath. The transaction strengthened Aniplex’s direct position in Australian and wider regional anime distribution.

  Acquisition price. A$35 million (February 2019)

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• 2003Adopt the Aniplex corporate brandStrategy

  The former SME Visual Works business was broadening from music and video releases into a wider animation-derived rights and entertainment operation.

  What changed. The company changed its name to Aniplex on April 1, 2003.

  Aftermath. The new identity became associated with animation planning, production investment, distribution, and cross-media commercialization.

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• 2023Revolve is renamed Claynel

  Aniplex rebranded its figure-manufacturing subsidiary as Claynel while broadening its intended role to include sales and distribution.

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• 2023Aniplex acquires Origamix Partners

  The talent-management and production firm was acquired and renamed Myriagon Studio, expanding Aniplex into live-action development, creator management, and Asian production partnerships.

  M&A
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• 2022Aniplex acquires Delightworks game division

  Aniplex completed the acquisition of Delightworks’ game development business, which was transferred into the newly formed company Lasengle and included the Fate/Grand Order development team.

  M&A
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• 2022Aniplex and partners establish JOEN

  Aniplex, CloverWorks, Wit Studio, and Shueisha formed JOEN to produce animated series, feature films, and short-form projects.

  M&A
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• 2021Aniplex invests in f4samurai

  A capital tie-up with the game developer strengthened Aniplex’s relationship with the studio behind Magia Record and Disney Twisted-Wonderland.

  M&A
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• 2020Aniplex establishes Boundary

  Aniplex created a 3DCG animation production company that has mainly contributed CG work to CloverWorks projects.

  Product launch
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• 2019Aniplex acquires Madman Anime Group

  After taking a minority interest in 2017, Aniplex acquired Madman Anime Group entirely in 2019 for A$35 million.

  M&A
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• 2019Aniplex and Sony Pictures consolidate anime streaming operations

  Aniplex and Sony Pictures Television announced the consolidation of Funimation, Wakanim, and Madman Anime Group under Funimation Global Group.

  M&A
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• 2019Aniplex launches ANIPLEX.EXE

  The company introduced a visual-novel label whose first announced titles were ATRI: My Dear Moments and Adabana Odd Tales.

  Product launch
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• 2017Sony launches SACRA MUSIC

  Sony Music Entertainment Japan launched an anison-focused label with cooperation from Aniplex to promote affiliated artists and anime music internationally.

  Product launch
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• 2017Aniplex invests in Revolve

  Aniplex acquired a majority stake in figure maker Revolve to strengthen product planning, manufacturing, and character-merchandising capabilities.

  M&A
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• 2015Aniplex expands European anime investments

  Aniplex formed a joint venture with Peppermint Enterprises and became the largest shareholder in Wakanim to strengthen German-speaking and wider European distribution.

  M&A
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• 2005Aniplex establishes Aniplex of America

  The company created a Santa Monica-based subsidiary to support licensing and distribution in North and South America.

  Other
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• 2005Aniplex establishes A-1 Pictures

  Aniplex founded A-1 Pictures as an animation production subsidiary, initially with an emphasis on family-oriented works.

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1. Aniplex
2. Aniplex official website