Aniplex

Aniplex Inc. (株式会社アニプレックス, Kabushiki-gaisha Anipurekkusu) is a diversified Japanese entertainment company specializing in anime production, music publishing, and related media, founded in September 1995 as a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony Music Entertainment (Japan) Inc.^[1][2] Headquartered in Tokyo with approximately 300 employees as of 2025, Aniplex focuses on intellectual property (IP) planning and production, particularly in the anime sector, while also handling video game development, merchandise, e-commerce via its ANIPLEX+ platform, theatrical films, TV licensing, and live events.^[1] The company owns key subsidiaries such as the animation studios A-1 Pictures Inc. and CloverWorks Inc., as well as Lasengle Inc., which develops titles like Fate/Grand Order.^[1] Aniplex maintains a strong global presence through affiliates including Aniplex of America Inc., Aniplex (Shanghai) Ltd., and partnerships with platforms like Crunchyroll for international distribution and streaming.^[1][3] It has produced and distributed numerous acclaimed anime series and films, including Sword Art Online, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, Puella Magi Madoka Magica, the Fate franchise, and Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, contributing significantly to the worldwide popularity of Japanese animation.^[4][5]

Overview

Founding and corporate affiliation

Aniplex Inc. was founded in September 1995, in Tokyo, Japan, as a subsidiary focused on anime and music-related ventures within the Sony ecosystem.^[1] Initially established to leverage Sony's expertise in entertainment distribution, the company originated from efforts by Sony Pictures Entertainment (Japan) in anime handling before transitioning to more autonomous operations.^[2] This foundational setup positioned Aniplex to integrate music publishing and visual media production under Sony's broader umbrella. Over time, Aniplex evolved into a key player in Sony's entertainment portfolio, becoming a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sony Music Entertainment Japan Inc. (SMEJ), which provides full capital ownership.^[1] As part of the Sony Group Corporation, it operates independently while benefiting from synergies in content creation and global reach.^[6] The company's current leadership includes Atsuhiro Iwakami as President and Representative Director, guiding its strategic direction in multimedia entertainment.^[1] Aniplex maintains its headquarters at 4-5 Rokubancho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-8353, Japan, in close proximity to SMEJ's facilities.^[1] As of the latest available data, it employs approximately 300 people, supporting its operations in planning, production, and distribution.^[1] This structure underscores Aniplex's integral role in Sony's diversified entertainment strategy, emphasizing anime intellectual property and related media.^[2]

Core business areas

Aniplex's primary operational domain centers on the planning, production, and global distribution of anime, serving as the foundational pillar of its entertainment portfolio. This includes licensing agreements, co-productions with studios, and international distribution strategies to reach audiences worldwide, leveraging its position within the Sony ecosystem for broad market penetration.^[7][8] In music production, Aniplex manages artist collaborations, particularly for anime soundtracks and J-pop releases, operating through dedicated labels that integrate audio content with visual media. This segment emphasizes creating synergistic soundscapes that enhance anime experiences and extend into live performances and digital releases.^[3][9] The company also engages in game publishing and development partnerships, focusing on adapting anime intellectual properties into interactive formats and collaborating with developers for cross-media expansions. These efforts capitalize on shared Sony resources to bridge gaming and animation ecosystems.^[7][10] Additional ventures encompass merchandise production and sales via platforms like Aniplex Online, organization of live events such as festivals and concerts, and digital content distribution through streaming and online storefronts. These operations support fan engagement and ancillary revenue streams tied to core IPs.^[11][12] Aniplex's revenue model revolves around intellectual property creation and exploitation, with vertical integration within Sony enabling synergies across PlayStation gaming, music labels, and streaming services like Crunchyroll for comprehensive monetization. This structure has facilitated steady growth in diversified entertainment sectors over the past two decades.^[13][14]

History

Establishment and early development (1995–2005)

Aniplex was established in September 1995 as SPE Music Publishing, a subsidiary of Sony Pictures Entertainment Japan, amid Sony's strategic expansion into the anime sector through music publishing and distribution.^[15] Initially focused on handling music rights and distribution for anime soundtracks, the company supported Sony's broader push into content creation, capitalizing on the growing popularity of anime series in Japan during the mid-1990s.^[2] This foundational role positioned Aniplex as a key player in bridging music and animation, with early efforts centered on licensing and promoting soundtracks tied to major productions.^[16] In January 1997, following a capital investment from Sony Music Entertainment Japan, SPE Music Publishing was restructured and renamed SPE Visual Works to expand into anime production and visual content development.^[17] The company's early anime involvements included co-productions such as Arc the Lad (1999) and the theatrical film Blood: The Last Vampire (2000), which marked its entry into original animation projects and helped establish a reputation for high-quality, innovative storytelling.^[17] By 2001, SPE Visual Works underwent a significant reorganization, becoming a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony Music Entertainment Japan and adopting the name SME Visual Works, which streamlined operations under Sony Music's umbrella and facilitated deeper integration of music and anime production.^[18] This shift led to initial successes like the TV series Kiddy Grade (2002), an original sci-fi adventure that showcased the company's growing production capabilities.^[18] The early 2000s brought challenges for Aniplex amid a broader downturn in the Japanese anime industry around 2003, characterized by chronic labor shortages, stagnant domestic viewership, and financial pressures on production committees despite global interest in anime.^[19] In response, SME Visual Works pivoted toward developing more original content to differentiate from adaptation-heavy competitors, emphasizing self-financed projects that aligned with Sony's multimedia ecosystem.^[20] In April 2003, the company rebranded as Aniplex Inc., solidifying its identity as a dedicated anime and music entity.^[18] Key milestones in this period included the 2004 launch of the Sugi Label, a specialized imprint in collaboration with composer Koichi Sugiyama for releasing Dragon Quest soundtracks and related music, enhancing Aniplex's music portfolio.^[21] In 2005, Aniplex established A-1 Pictures as its in-house animation studio to bolster production capacity.^[22] Concurrently, Aniplex began pursuing initial international licensing deals, culminating in the establishment of Aniplex of America in March 2005 to handle North American distribution and rights management for its growing catalog.^[5] These steps laid the groundwork for Aniplex's transition from a domestic music-focused operation to a global anime powerhouse.

Growth and diversification (2006–present)

Following the foundational years, Aniplex entered a phase of rapid expansion from 2006 to 2010, marked by high-profile anime productions that bolstered its reputation and revenue streams. The 2009 launch of Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, a faithful adaptation of Hiromu Arakawa's manga produced in collaboration with studio Bones, achieved widespread acclaim and commercial success, airing 64 episodes and ranking among the top anime series of the decade for its narrative depth and animation quality.^[23] This period also saw Aniplex forging key distribution partnerships, including a 2009 licensing agreement with Funimation Entertainment for North American streaming, home video, and merchandising rights to Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, which facilitated simulcast availability and broadened its global audience. Complementing these efforts, Aniplex of America, established in March 2005 as a U.S. subsidiary, ramped up independent title releases starting in 2010, enabling direct oversight of international licensing and distribution to capitalize on growing overseas demand.^[3] The 2010s represented a strategic pivot toward global diversification, with Aniplex leveraging its Sony affiliation to penetrate international markets more aggressively. The 2010 activation of Aniplex of America's distribution arm introduced flagship titles like the 2012 isekai phenomenon Sword Art Online, produced with A-1 Pictures, which spawned a multimedia franchise including sequels, films, and games, generating substantial revenue from related merchandise by mid-decade.^[24] This momentum peaked in 2019 with Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, another A-1 Pictures collaboration that shattered viewership records on platforms like AbemaTV and became one of Japan's highest-grossing media franchises, underscoring Aniplex's prowess in adapting popular manga into blockbuster anime. To support this growth, Aniplex pursued targeted investments, such as its 2018 acquisition of a majority stake in Live2D Inc., integrating the 2D animation software into production pipelines for enhanced efficiency in character animation and interactive media.^[25] Concurrently, music operations expanded through the 2017 launch of SACRA MUSIC, a Sony Music label in partnership with Aniplex focused on anime soundtracks and artist development, aiming to amplify global reach for performers like LiSA and Kalafina with English-subtitled content and international tours.^[26] Post-2020, Aniplex adapted to digital acceleration and pandemic disruptions by emphasizing theatrical innovations and synergistic alliances within the Sony ecosystem. The 2020 release of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Mugen Train, distributed by Aniplex and Toho, pioneered widespread IMAX screenings in Japan and internationally upon its 2021 North American rollout, becoming the highest-grossing film worldwide at over $507 million and demonstrating anime's viability in premium formats. Collaborations intensified with Crunchyroll—acquired by Sony in 2021—and Sony Pictures Entertainment, enabling seamless streaming integrations and co-productions that mitigated event cancellations, such as shifting Aniplex Online Fest to virtual formats during 2020-2021 lockdowns. By 2025, recovery was evident in hybrid event resumptions and milestone celebrations, including Aniplex of America's 20th anniversary festivities at Anime Expo 2025, featuring industry panels and artist performances to honor two decades of U.S. expansion.^[27] That year also saw announcements of ambitious projects, such as the January reveal of a Ghost of Tsushima anime adaptation, co-produced with Crunchyroll and set for a 2027 premiere, adapting Sucker Punch Productions' game into an original series directed by Takanobu Mizuno at Kamikaze Douga.^[28] These initiatives reflect Aniplex's ongoing evolution amid streaming dominance and cross-media synergies.

Corporate structure

Domestic divisions

Aniplex's domestic operations in Japan are organized into specialized areas that oversee key aspects of anime-related content creation, distribution, and management, all headquartered at the company's main office in 4-5 Rokubancho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo.^[29] These areas enable integrated production pipelines within the Japanese market, leveraging Aniplex's position as a subsidiary of Sony Music Entertainment Japan.^[2] Anime production is handled through subsidiaries such as A-1 Pictures Inc., established in 2005 as a dedicated animation studio, and CloverWorks Inc., which focuses on high-quality visual production.^[2] These entities allow Aniplex to maintain creative control over domestic anime output, from concept development to final animation. Operations collaborate closely with domestic broadcasters like Fuji TV for television scheduling and promotion.^[30] Music production for anime properties, including original soundtracks, theme songs, and artist collaborations, is managed using in-house facilities for recording and production. It operates under labels such as Aniplex and the sublabel Hacla, which specializes in instrumental collections.^[31] This ensures synchronized music integration for domestic releases, supporting Aniplex's multimedia ecosystem without external dependencies for core sound design. Sales and distribution oversee the physical and retail aspects of content dissemination within Japan. It manages Blu-ray and DVD releases for anime titles, coordinates merchandise production and sales through the Aniplex Online shop, and facilitates tie-ins with Sony-affiliated stores for broader accessibility.^[32] This structure optimizes domestic market penetration, handling logistics from manufacturing to consumer delivery. Intellectual property management, online platforms, and cross-media strategies tailored to the Japanese audience are focused on through digital planning efforts. These develop digital distribution channels, plan IP expansions into related formats like games via subsidiaries such as Lasengle Inc., and coordinate strategic initiatives for sustained domestic engagement.^[2] Key facilities, including production studios in Tokyo, support these efforts, ensuring seamless integration across Aniplex's Japanese operations.

International subsidiaries

Aniplex of America, established in March 2005 as a subsidiary of Aniplex Inc. in Santa Monica, California, primarily manages licensing, dubbing, home video distribution, and streaming partnerships for anime titles in North America.^[3] The division has been instrumental in localizing major series for English-speaking audiences, including overseeing dubbing efforts and negotiating deals with platforms like Hulu and Funimation.^[33] In 2025, Aniplex of America marked its 20th anniversary with special panels and guest appearances at Anime Expo, highlighting two decades of bringing titles such as Sword Art Online and Fate/stay night to the region.^[27] Aniplex (Shanghai) Ltd., established in 2019, handles licensing, distribution, and localization of anime content in China.^[1] Aniplex expanded into European and Oceanic markets during the 2010s through targeted operations and acquisitions. For the United Kingdom and Ireland, Aniplex leverages partnerships for theatrical releases, merchandise distribution, and localization, often coordinating with local entities like Anime Limited to adapt content for regional preferences.^[34] In Australia and New Zealand, Aniplex established a stronger foothold in 2019 by acquiring Madman Anime Group, which had dominated the local market since 1996, enabling enhanced theatrical distributions and merchandise sales tailored to Oceanic audiences.^[35] These subsidiaries focus on cultural adaptations, such as subtitle timing adjustments and merchandise localization, to align with market-specific consumer habits. Aniplex's international efforts are bolstered by synergies within the Sony ecosystem, notably the 2021 acquisition of Crunchyroll by Sony Pictures Entertainment, forming a joint venture with Aniplex for global streaming and production.^[36] This partnership facilitates worldwide simulcasts and dubbing, as seen in the global rollout of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, where Aniplex coordinated licensing across North America, Europe, Australia, and beyond, contributing to over ¥100 billion in global box office earnings as of November 2025.^[37] In June 2025, Aniplex announced the English-language release of the mobile game Alterna Vvelt -Blue Exorcist Another Story-, a 3D action RPG developed in collaboration with the Blue Exorcist franchise, launching simultaneously on iOS and Android to expand interactive media reach.^[38] Despite these successes, Aniplex's international subsidiaries face ongoing challenges, including rampant piracy that undermines revenue—estimated to cost the Japanese anime industry billions annually—and regional censorship requirements that necessitate content edits for compliance in markets like China and the Middle East.^[39] Aniplex has actively combated these issues through legal actions, such as joint operations with Toho to target leakers of Demon Slayer episodes, while domestic operations in Japan provide production support to streamline global adaptations.^[40]

Productions and media

Anime series and films

Aniplex has played a pivotal role in the production and distribution of several landmark anime series, often serving as the lead producer or financier. The Sword Art Online franchise, which debuted in 2012 and continues through multiple seasons and spin-offs, exemplifies Aniplex's involvement as the primary producer, adapting Reki Kawahara's light novels into a globally influential series that blends virtual reality and action elements.^[4] Similarly, Aniplex co-produced Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba with studio Ufotable starting in 2019, bringing Koyoharu Gotouge's manga to life through high-fidelity animation that has garnered widespread acclaim for its fluid combat sequences and emotional depth.^[41] The Fate/stay night adaptations, including Unlimited Blade Works (2014) and Heaven's Feel films (2017–2020), further highlight Aniplex's production oversight, expanding the visual novel's multiverse narrative across television and theatrical formats in collaboration with Ufotable.^[4] In the realm of anime films, Aniplex has contributed through distribution and licensing, notably handling international rights for select titles. For instance, the company managed North American distribution for Makoto Shinkai's Your Name. (2016), which achieved significant box office success and helped elevate anime's mainstream appeal in Western markets. Aniplex's production model typically positions it as a financier and coordinator, leveraging subsidiaries like A-1 Pictures for animation execution on projects such as Sword Art Online and Fate series entries, enabling a streamlined pipeline from planning to release.^[5] This approach has supported Aniplex's output of numerous series, contributing to the company's expansive portfolio in the anime industry.^[42] Aniplex's contributions have notably impacted genre popularization, with Sword Art Online credited as a catalyst for the isekai boom by introducing immersive "trapped in a game" tropes that influenced subsequent adaptations and fan interest worldwide. The company's involvement in shonen titles like Demon Slayer has amplified the genre's global reach, particularly through the 2020 film Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Mugen Train, co-produced with Ufotable and distributed alongside Toho, which at the time became the highest-grossing anime film ever with over $500 million in worldwide earnings, surpassing previous records and boosting theatrical anime viability.^[43] This success was further extended with the 2025 Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle trilogy's first film, co-produced with Ufotable and premiered in September 2025, which grossed over $730 million worldwide as of November 2025 to become the new highest-grossing anime film.^[44] Looking to 2025, Aniplex acquired rights to the TV anime mono, a slice-of-life series about photography club adventures produced by Soigne Studio, set for an April premiere and streaming on platforms like Crunchyroll. Additionally, the Blue Exorcist franchise expanded with the mobile game spin-off AlternaVvelt: Blue Exorcist Another Story, a 3D action RPG released on June 25, 2025, featuring an original story by creator Kazue Kato, separate from the anime's Blue Night Saga season that aired from January to March 2025, continuing Aniplex's commitment to long-running supernatural narratives.^[45][46][47]

Music labels and soundtracks

Aniplex operates a robust music division that integrates closely with its anime productions, releasing original soundtracks (OSTs) and theme songs under its primary imprint while collaborating with affiliated labels for artist development. The company's main music label, Aniplex, specializes in anime OSTs and compilations, producing high-quality scores that enhance narrative immersion in series like Sword Art Online, where composer Yuki Kajiura's works, including tracks such as "Swordland," have been compiled into multi-disc collections exceeding 130 tracks across seasons.^[48][49] These releases often feature orchestral arrangements, with Aniplex supporting live performances like the Sword Art Online symphonic concerts that bring the scores to global audiences. A key affiliated label is SACRA MUSIC, established by Sony Music Entertainment Japan in 2017 as a sub-label dedicated to anisong (anime song) artists, many of whom contribute to Aniplex projects. SACRA MUSIC manages talents such as LiSA and Aimer, who have become synonymous with blockbuster anime themes; for instance, LiSA's "Gurenge" served as the opening for Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba in 2019, achieving over 1 million digital downloads and significant physical sales that propelled it to top positions on Oricon charts.^[50][51] Aimer has similarly provided evocative tracks for Aniplex titles, including contributions to the Fate series, underscoring the label's role in bridging J-pop artistry with anime visuals.^[52] Through artist management and promotions, Aniplex and SACRA MUSIC foster synergies that drive substantial music sales linked to anime releases, often exceeding millions of units annually across physical, digital, and streaming formats. Notable signings like LiSA, who rose to prominence with Aniplex-affiliated works starting from Sword Art Online's "crossing field" in 2012, exemplify this ecosystem, where promotional tie-ins with anime episodes amplify commercial success—Gurenge alone certified multi-platinum status in Japan.^[53][54] These efforts include strategic artist promotions during Aniplex events, ensuring soundtracks not only complement storytelling but also achieve global chart dominance.^[55] Aniplex extends its music initiatives through live events that celebrate anime soundtracks, including orchestral concerts and artist tours. Productions like the Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Orchestra Concert by the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra feature full symphonic renditions of series scores, drawing large audiences to venues worldwide and available via streaming platforms.^[56] Similarly, the Anisong World Matsuri tours showcase SACRA MUSIC artists performing theme songs in international settings, such as Anime Expo events, blending live vocals with visual media clips to engage fans.^[57] These concerts, often produced in partnership with Sony facilities, highlight Aniplex's commitment to experiential audio entertainment.^[58] In 2025, Aniplex continued expanding its music portfolio with new releases tied to ongoing series and deepened collaborations with Sony Music globally. Highlights include theme songs by Aimer and LiSA for the Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle arc, reinforcing the franchise's musical legacy with orchestral elements.^[59] Additionally, the joint Aniplex-Sony Music project SI-VIS: The Sound of Heroes, an original anime debuting in October, features custom soundtracks emphasizing "MUSIC×HERO" themes, alongside global partnerships like the Ghost of Tsushima: Legends adaptation with Crunchyroll and PlayStation Productions.^[60][61] These developments underscore Aniplex's strategy to integrate innovative audio production with international distribution.^[62]

Video games and interactive media

Aniplex has ventured into video games and interactive media primarily through the publication and licensing of titles based on its anime intellectual properties, enabling fans to engage with familiar characters in dynamic, player-driven environments. This expansion allows the company to diversify revenue streams beyond traditional animation, incorporating elements like gameplay mechanics that extend narrative experiences into interactive formats.^[63] A prominent example is Fate/Grand Order, a free-to-play mobile RPG launched in 2015 and co-developed by Aniplex with Delightworks (later rebranded as Lasengle). The game features turn-based card battles where players summon historical and fictional heroes as "Servants" to combat threats in a multiverse-spanning story, achieving massive global success with over 5 million downloads in its first year and ongoing updates that drive in-app purchases for character enhancements and story progression.^[64] In the mobile gaming space, Aniplex licensed the Sword Art Online intellectual property to Bandai Namco Entertainment for Sword Art Online: Integral Factor, a 2017 MMORPG that immerses players in the virtual world of Aincrad as original characters alongside series protagonists, emphasizing cooperative raids and skill-based combat. This partnership exemplifies Aniplex's business model of granting IP rights to established developers, generating revenue through licensing fees, in-app purchases for equipment and expansions, and bundled merchandise sales tied to game events. For console adaptations, Aniplex partnered with CyberConnect2 to publish Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Hinokami Chronicles in Japan, a 2021 action-fighting game available on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch platforms internationally via SEGA. The title recreates key anime battles with fluid combo systems and story modes following Tanjiro Kamado's journey, expanding the franchise's reach to home console audiences while integrating anime cutscenes for narrative fidelity.^[65] Aniplex has also explored interactive media beyond traditional games, including VR experiences like the Fate/Grand Order VR Experience debuted at Anime Expo in 2018, which allowed participants to step into the game's universe for immersive combat simulations and dubbed voice acting. Additionally, the company supports mobile apps tied to anime IPs, such as card-based digital collectibles and battles in titles like Fate/Grand Order.^[66] As of 2025, Aniplex continues to bridge gaming and media through collaborations, including the announced anime adaptation of Ghost of Tsushima: Legends in production with PlayStation Productions, which draws from the game's multiplayer mode to create interactive storytelling extensions premiering on Crunchyroll in 2027. This project highlights Aniplex's role in adapting console game IPs into hybrid formats that encourage cross-media engagement.^[67]

Events and initiatives

Aniplex Online Fest

Aniplex Online Fest was launched in 2020 as a virtual convention in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to the cancellation of major in-person anime events like Anime Expo.^[68] The inaugural two-day event, held on July 4-5, 2020, featured live streams of panels, announcements, and performances, streamed for free on YouTube and Bilibili in both Japanese and English to ensure global accessibility.^[69] It attracted over 800,000 viewers worldwide, marking a significant shift toward digital fan engagement for Aniplex.^[70] The event quickly evolved into an annual online festival, with subsequent editions building on its format of live streams, voice actor panels, and exclusive content reveals. For instance, the 2023 edition took place on September 9, spanning several hours from 8:00 PM PDT, and included trailers for upcoming anime, interactive segments hosted by voice actress Sally Amaki, and musical performances by artists such as KANA-BOON and Shoko Nakagawa.^[71] Key highlights across editions have included world premieres, such as announcements for new seasons of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, which often feature exclusive trailers and cast comments to heighten anticipation among fans. Fan interactions are facilitated through real-time chats on YouTube and the official event website, fostering a sense of community despite the virtual nature. Post-pandemic, the festival incorporated hybrid elements starting around 2023, combining in-person gatherings in Tokyo with simultaneous online broadcasts to blend physical and digital experiences.^[72] Viewership has grown substantially, reaching into the millions across editions by drawing international audiences through multilingual support and time-zone-friendly scheduling. The 2025 edition, held on September 13, tied into Aniplex of America's 20th anniversary celebrations, featuring over 20 anime titles—including Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle—and more than 40 special guests for announcements and performances.^[63][73] Overall, Aniplex Online Fest has boosted digital engagement by providing a platform for timely updates on productions and artist collaborations, serving as a model for other virtual anime events in sustaining global fan communities amid changing event landscapes.^[74]

Industry collaborations and anniversaries

Aniplex has forged significant partnerships with animation studios to enhance its production capabilities. A prominent collaboration is with Ufotable, which has co-produced the Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba anime series and films since 2019, including the 2025 theatrical release of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Infinity Castle, where Aniplex served as a key producer alongside Toho.^[75][76] Similarly, Aniplex maintains a longstanding alliance with Type-Moon for the Fate franchise, including the development of Fate/Grand Order, where Aniplex acquired the game's development unit from Delightworks in 2021 to deepen integration and expand the IP across media.^[77][78] In 2018, Aniplex acquired a majority stake in Live2D Inc., enabling the use of its 2D animation software in feature-length projects to innovate visual expression in anime.^[25][79] Cross-company ventures have expanded Aniplex's reach into global streaming and gaming adaptations. In January 2025, Aniplex partnered with Crunchyroll, Sony Music Entertainment, and PlayStation Productions to produce an anime series based on Ghost of Tsushima: Legends, set for a 2027 premiere on Crunchyroll, adapting the cooperative multiplayer mode from Sucker Punch Productions' award-winning game.^[61][28] Earlier, Aniplex established streaming ties with Netflix in 2014, beginning with titles like Blue Exorcist to broaden international access to its catalog. In March 2025, Aniplex and Crunchyroll formed the joint venture Hayate Inc. in Tokyo, focused on planning and producing original anime for global distribution, with Aniplex handling production and Crunchyroll managing marketing.^[80][81] Aniplex marked its corporate milestones through dedicated commemorative events. In 2015, the company celebrated its 20th anniversary with the "ANIPLEX 20th Anniversary Event -THANX-" at Tokyo Garden Theater, featuring performances and retrospectives of its music and anime contributions.^[82] Aniplex of America observed its own 20th anniversary in 2025, highlighted by a major presence at Anime Expo from July 3–6, including an industry panel on July 3 in Petree Hall that reflected on two decades of titles like Sword Art Online and Fate/Grand Order, alongside special guests and merchandise launches.^[83][84][85] Beyond core operations, Aniplex has engaged in philanthropic efforts tied to industry crises. In terms of production initiatives, Aniplex continues IP expansions, including Hollywood-adjacent adaptations like the Ghost of Tsushima anime co-produced with U.S.-based PlayStation Productions.^[61][86]