Sony Group is strengthening its anime business through deeper collaboration between its entertainment subsidiaries. Japanese anime production company Aniplex and U.S.-based anime streaming platform Crunchyroll have established a joint venture called HAYATE to develop new content specifically tailored for global distribution.
The Tokyo-based company will be led by Aniplex’s Masanori Miyake as Chairman and CEO, who previously produced hit series including “Demon Slayer” and “Solo Leveling.” Reo Watanabe will serve as President and COO.
This strategic partnership represents a significant consolidation within Sony’s global anime operations. While Aniplex, a Sony Music Entertainment Japan subsidiary, brings extensive production expertise through its animation studios A-1 Pictures and CloverWorks, Crunchyroll contributes its platform reaching over 15 million global subscribers.
The alliance bridges a complex corporate relationship between Sony Pictures Entertainment, which owns Crunchyroll, and Sony Music Japan, which controls Aniplex. Despite being under the same parent company, these divisions have historically operated independently.
Industry analysts note this venture signals Sony’s ambition to streamline its anime business internationally as the medium continues gaining popularity beyond Japan.
