Collaboration between Comicsmart, Azuki, and Zenotoon to Establish Studio Azuki in the U.S.

A New Era in Anime: The Launch of Studio Azuki

In a groundbreaking move for the anime industry, Comicsmart Inc., alongside Azuki Labs and Zenotoon, has announced plans to establish Studio Azuki, an anime studio based in the United States. This venture aims to leverage innovative production methods to develop and create both new original intellectual properties (IP) and adaptations of existing ones, thereby expanding its reach in the global market.

The Rationale Behind Studio Azuki's Establishment

Comicsmart, headquartered in Chiyoda, Tokyo, has long been focused on the development of IP related to manga and anime, as well as content creation and platform management. In terms of anime production, their digital studio, Qzil.la, specializes in high-end works and has been responsible for producing Azuki’s anime anthology series, Enter The Garden.

With the viewing environment for anime increasingly shifting toward digital platforms, new growth opportunities have emerged within Japan’s anime industry. Recognizing this trend, Comicsmart aims to bridge the Japanese and international markets with the creation of Studio Azuki, facilitating the birth of globally successful IP.

Partner company Azuki promotes a vision dubbed 'Anime 2.0', which encompasses new animation production strategies, the launch of the anime community platform Anime.com, and the introduction of an anime support token named Animecoin, along with its associated Anime Foundation. Zenotoon contributes to this collaboration with its strong studio network focused on creator-first initiatives in both 2D and 3D animation production.

Studio Azuki plans to initiate productions based not only on Azuki’s IP but also on works from GANMA! and several other IPs, making way for diverse and original projects. Comicsmart is committed to leveraging collaborations with its partners to deliver exceptional anime that resonates with fans around the globe.

Strategic Partnership with Westbrook

As part of their plans for Studio Azuki's establishment, Comicsmart has forged a strategic partnership with Westbrook, a global media company led by actor Will Smith. This collaboration aims to merge the producing capabilities of Studio Azuki with the vast Hollywood network and insights into the global entertainment sector that Westbrook possesses.

Kosaku Yada, CEO of Westbrook, expressed excitement about the partnership, stating, “Westbrook’s mission is to connect hearts and share stories that resonate across borders. Our collaboration with Studio Azuki is a significant step towards that goal.” He further noted the alignment of creative vision and strategic goals, expressing enthusiasm for the potential projects they could develop together.

Statements from the Companies Involved

Comicsmart President & CEO, Mitsuki Sato

Mitsuki Sato shared his excitement regarding the formation of Studio Azuki, emphasizing Comicsmart's mission to elevate the profession of manga artists as a source of aspiration for children. He stated, “With the establishment of Studio Qzil.la focusing on high-end anime production and through our work in Studio Azuki, we are dedicated to furthering the growth of the anime industry.”

Azuki Content Head, Feb Tea

Feb Tea described the venture as a significant step in maximizing the power of creators with a global-first and creator-centric approach. He believes that by joining forces with Comicsmart and Zenotoon, they can create a high-quality anime production team that integrates a fresh global perspective.

Zenotoon President, Yoshikazu Kawase

Yoshikazu Kawase expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, remarking, “The synergy between our three companies suggests the emergence of a new global anime studio was destined to happen. We aim to democratize the processes of production, funding, and distribution in anime, allowing creators worldwide to flourish in an inclusive environment.