Sony Pictures Entertainment & Mitsui Launch Anime Joint Venture

TOKYO: Sony Pictures Entertainment (Japan) and Mitsui & Co. are establishing AK Holdings, a joint venture that will operate Japanese anime networks Kids Station and Animax.

In addition to operating the networks, AK Holdings will produce and distribute animated content, stage animation events around the world and operate themed restaurants. AK Holdings will begin operations on March 31.

As a majority owner of AK Holdings, Sony Pictures Entertainment (Japan) will appoint Masao Takiyama, the managing director of Sony Pictures Entertainment (Japan) Television Network, to serve as representative director of both Kids Station and Animax.

“In addition to a treasured form of Japanese art and culture, anime has grown to become a major cultural export with massive commercial appeal around the world,” said Takiyama. “Combining the strengths of Sony’s Animax with Mitsui’s Kids Station will allow us to increase our production capacity and reach fans of all ages in Japan and around the world.”

“Kids Station and Animax have long delivered attractive anime programs to the fans,” commented Nobuaki Kitamori, the executive managing officer and COO of IT and communication business unit at Mitsui & Co. “We are delighted to form this partnership with SPEJ to further accelerate the growth of both companies. Leveraging the collective capabilities of SPEJ and Mitsui, we will strive to build and grow new businesses around the globe to make a continuous contribution to Japanese creative industry.”

George Chien, the executive VP of networks in Asia Pacific at Sony Pictures Television, added, “Sony’s Animax channels have a presence in 28 countries and our networks also have a strong and growing footprint in the kids’ space. By teaming our flagship Animax channel with Kids Station, we can leverage the popularity of their combined IP to accelerate growth in both our animated and kids’ businesses globally.”