New Licensees On Board for Yo-Kai Watch

PARIS: ARAIT Multimedia has been appointed as the licensing agent for Yo-Kai Watch in Spain, while Plus Licens signed on to rep the Japanese animated property in the Nordics and CEE.

Yo-Kai Watch is a top-rating show on TV Tokyo for children between the ages of 4 and 12. The story follows the adventures of a young boy who has a special watch that enables him to discover a species of troublemaking creatures called Yo-Kai. Following its premiere on Disney XD in the U.S., the program will begin airing on a number of European broadcasters next year. In addition to the Yo-Kai Watch television series, there is a Nintendo 3DS video game as well as books, games and music. Yo-Kai Watch-branded toys from global master toy licensee Hasbro are slated for release in 2016.

"We are thrilled to have been appointed by VIZ Media Europe for Yo-Kai Watch," said Eva Brännström, the executive VP of Plus Licens. "After a long period of U.S. property domination, it's now perfect timing for a new Japanese property to enter the scene. The intriguing story and scope of characters is bound to attract children worldwide."

Aadil Tayouga, licensing manager at VIZ Media Europe, noted: "We are delighted to team up with Plus Licens and to work with their professional and experienced teams in Nordic and CEE."

Brännstrom added: "The Nordic market is keen to pick up on international trends including Japanese phenomenon such as Dragonball and Hello Kitty. Already surrounded by great buzz and interest in our markets, we're convinced Yo-Kai Watch will be hugely successful."