Japanese Content Firm Aligns with Dubai Merchandising Outfit

TOKYO, October 12: Japan’s d-rights, a producer of animated and
live-action content, is teaming with Dubai-based NewBoy FZCO, which specializes
in toys and other merchandise, for a new animated series.

Owned by Mitsubishi Corporation and headquartered in Tokyo,
d-rights’ credits include Beyblade and Battle
B-Daman. NewBoy FZCO, meanwhile, is engaged
in the development, marketing and distribution of various toys, food, textile
and stationery products. The company acquires and represents licenses for
various third-party brands in the region and has its own portfolio of brands,
including Fulla (the number one fashion doll in the Middle East), Fun to Learn,
Baby Habibi, Arabian Friends, Baby’s In 2 Fun and Play Time.

The two companies will be co-producing a 52×30-minute series
targeting boys 4 to 12, based on a new toy concept. Further details on the new
brand will be unveiled in due course.

“We are very excited by this project and honored to partner
with NewBoy, the leader in the Middle East toy industry,” said Daizo Suzuki,
the COO of d-rights. “NewBoy’s toy production team is known for its talent and
by integrating our animation team’s skill and experience, we are confident that
this project will be a worldwide success.”

“This is our first official venture in the international
market,” stated Manar Tarabichi, the CEO of NewBoy FZCO. “We have created a new
product concept, partnered with one of the leading Japanese companies in the
industry and are capitalizing on our credibility with all major toy
distributors. This has enticed the interest of many international companies
with whom negotiations have already started to be part of this venture. This is
a strategic project for us and we are confident of its success.”

—By Mansha Daswani