Aniplex and Crunchyroll have announced the establishment of HAYATE, a new anime production company formed through a joint investment by the two companies. HAYATE will focus on planning and producing anime content for Crunchyroll’s global streaming platform. The company will be staffed by employees from both Aniplex and Crunchyroll.
Masanori Miyake will serve as Chairman & CEO, with Reo Watanabe as President & COO. The two are both executives from Aniplex.
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Industry Expansion and Strategic Goals
The anime industry has seen major international growth, driven in part by the expansion of streaming services. HAYATE aims to contribute to this by combining Aniplex’s expertise in anime production and industry partnerships with Crunchyroll’s experience in global streaming, marketing, and audience engagement.
According to the companies, the new venture will work closely with various creators and studios to develop high-quality anime content for audiences worldwide.
About Aniplex
Aniplex Inc. is a Japan-based entertainment company specializing in anime production, music, and games. The company operates globally, producing and distributing anime content, developing video games, and managing merchandise, events, and theatrical releases. Aniplex also oversees subsidiaries such as A-1 Pictures, CloverWorks, Lasengle, and Aniplex of America.
About Crunchyroll
Crunchyroll, LLC is a global anime streaming service operating in over 200 countries and regions. The platform offers free and premium subscription-based streaming, as well as anime-related merchandise, manga, events, and theatrical releases. Crunchyroll is a joint venture between Sony Pictures Entertainment and Aniplex. A new Crunchyroll manga app is also in development.
Sony owns both of the companies involved with HATAYATE. Sony acquired Crunchyroll in 2021 and later merged it with Funimation. In May 2024, the company announced a plan to establish an academy with Aniplex and Crunchyroll to train anime creators.
Source: Press Release via Sony Music Group Official Website
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