Aniplex is also involved in retail merchandising, producing toys, games, stationery, food and other items featuring popular characters. In addition, Aniplex puts together events to promote the anime franchises. For example, in 2005 Aniplex held the Fullmetal Alchemist Festival which began with the Fullmetal Alchemist Tour at Universal Studios Japan.
Originally known as Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) Visual Works Inc., it was established in September 1995 as a joint-venture between Sony Pictures Entertainment Japan and Sony Music Entertainment Japan, and changed its name in January 2001[1] to Sony Music Entertainment (SME) Visual Works Inc. after becoming a subsidiary completely owned by Sony Music Entertainment Japan. In April 2003, it changed its name to Aniplex Inc.[1]
In 2004, Aniplex launched the Sugi Label, which releases the works of Koichi Sugiyama—the composer of the music for Dragon Quest,[5] but since 2009 it was sold to King Records.
In March 2005, the company established its Santa Monica, California-based subsidiary Aniplex of America to reinforce its licensing business in the North American market,[1] and later that same year in May 2005, it established its own animation studio called A-1 Pictures.[1]
In March 2015, Aniplex announced it had formed a joint venture with German anime distributor Peppermint Anime, forming Peppermint Anime GmbH. The joint venture allows for Aniplex to begin their expansion in the European market.[6] In April 2015, Aniplex announced that it had invested in French anime streaming service Wakanim, becoming the majority shareholder for the company, allowing Aniplex to enter the French market, and strengthening their European presence.[7]
On February 17, 2018, it was revealed that Aniplex had become a minority shareholder in the Australian-based company Madman Anime Group, and was issued an undisclosed number of shares in the company on November 15, 2017.[8] Aniplex later acquired Madman Anime Group from Madman Media Group for A$35 million in February 2019.[9][10]
On October 1, 2018, Aniplex established Rialto Entertainment, a subsidiary responsible for independent video production, and licensing of produced video content. The subsidiary appointed Aniplex deputy president Tadashi Ishibashi as the subsidiary's representative director, and Aniplex producer Eiichi Kamagata as the subsidiary's president.[11]
In April 2019, Aniplex announced that it established a Chinese subsidiary, Aniplex (Shanghai), in order to produce and release Chinese animation within the region, as well as establishing a storefront for Chinese consumers.[12]
On September 24, 2019, Aniplex announced that it would be consolidating Madman Anime Group and Wakanim with Sony Pictures Television's Funimation, under a joint-venture between the two Sony businesses.[13]
On December 26, 2019, Aniplex announced it would be launching a novel game brand named ANIPLEX.EXE, with ATRI: My Dear Moments and Adabana Odd Tales (徒花異譚, Adabana Itan) being the first titles being released under the brand.[14] ANIPLEX.EXE will also release titles in English territories through Aniplex of America.[15]
On April 1, 2020, Aniplex established Boundary, a subsidiary focusing on 3D CG, with Aniplex producer Akira Shimizu becoming the company's president.[16]
Aniplex held Aniplex Online Fest,[17] a virtual anime convention, on July 4–5, 2020. The event featured the latest updates on anime adaptations produced by Aniplex, panels with staff and cast members, and musical performances. Sally Amaki of 22/7 (Nanabun no Nijūni) served as the emcee for the English version, streaming worldwide on YouTube. A Chinese podcast was available on Bilibili.[18][19][20]
On February 1, 2021, Aniplex announced it had entered to a capital tie-up with game developer f4samurai, allowing for Aniplex to further expand into gaming.[26]
On December 15, 2021, Aniplex announced the acquisition of Delight Works' game development division for an undisclosed sum. Delight Works will transfer all of its game operations, including the development team of Fate/Grand Order, to a newly established company through a corporate split. Aniplex will acquire this company and turn it into a wholly-owned subsidiary to continue and handle the development of Fate/Grand Order. The process is expected to be concluded by Spring 2022.[27][28]
On February 1, 2022, Aniplex had completed the acquisition of Lasengle from Delight Works. Yoshinori Ono, the President and chief operating officer of Delightworks, will serve as President and Representative Director of Lasengle.[29][30] Yosuke Shiokawa, the creative producer behind Fate/Grand Order, left Delight Works and Lasengle at the end of January, establishing his studio Fahrenheit 213 to work on a new original franchise.[31][32]
^"Full Membership | 日本動画協会". The Association of Japanese Animations (in Japanese). Archived from the original on October 5, 2021. Retrieved October 6, 2021.
