Image: Variety, Koyoharu Gotoge/Shueisha, Aniplex, ufotable
AMBot | 07/13/2026 | Reading Time: 3 Min.
Since April 1, 2026, Shu Nishimoto has been leading the anime studio Aniplex as President and Representative Director. The former head of the international business division succeeds Atsuhiro Iwakami, who was appointed to lead the parent company Sony Music Entertainment Japan. In his first in-depth interview since taking office, Nishimoto outlined the company's strategic priorities to Variety.
Nishimoto, who joined Aniplex in 2009, led the North American subsidiary Aniplex of America from 2017, and served as Executive Producer on hits such as "Puella Magi Madoka Magica," emphasized the need to further expand the international presence. According to him, the Japanese anime industry now generates around 4 trillion yen (approximately $25 billion), with more than half of that coming from abroad. Nishimoto sees this share as a growth driver.
However, Aniplex should not adapt its content to the global market. Instead, the essence of Japanese creativity must be preserved. "The originality of Japanese anime—its unique storytelling, visual language, and cultural imprint—is the most important value we must continue to pursue," Nishimoto said. Rather than diluting IPs, the company aims to deepen their appeal with the help of local partners in each region.
Specifically, the new chief plans to treat each brand as a long-term global asset and expand it across various formats such as cinema, streaming, merchandise, games, live events, and exhibitions. Nishimoto highlighted the proven two-track strategy as a particular strength: high-quality adaptations of manga and novels as well as entirely new original productions.
In addition to expanding global reach, the company is also focusing on artificial intelligence. Nishimoto is open to responsible use of AI, as long as it supports the work of creatives or improves the production process. "Protecting and promoting our creatives is our top priority," he stated.
Within the Sony Group, Crunchyroll plays a central role. Nishimoto described the streaming service as a strategic partner that provides valuable insights into fan preferences. In 2025, Aniplex and Crunchyroll founded the joint venture HAYATE, which specializes in planning and producing anime content for the global market. Additionally, Aniplex acquired the production company EGG FIRM earlier this year, which is responsible for series such as "Mushoku Tensei" and "DanMachi."
Beyond anime, Aniplex has also achieved success in the live-action sector: The film "Kokuho," produced through its subsidiary Myriagon Studio, premiered at the Cannes Film Festival, received an Oscar nomination, and became one of the most successful Japanese live-action films. Nishimoto affirmed that the company will continue to pursue projects in both formats if compelling concepts and passionate producers are behind them.
With a portfolio spanning over 350 productions in 21 years—including global hits like "Demon Slayer," "Fate," and "Sword Art Online"—as well as its in-house studios A-1 Pictures and CloverWorks, Aniplex sees itself well-positioned for the next growth phase. Nishimoto concluded: "Our goal is to create IPs that remain in people's hearts—regardless of genre or format."
Nishimoto, who joined Aniplex in 2009, led the North American subsidiary Aniplex of America from 2017, and served as Executive Producer on hits such as "Puella Magi Madoka Magica," emphasized the need to further expand the international presence. According to him, the Japanese anime industry now generates around 4 trillion yen (approximately $25 billion), with more than half of that coming from abroad. Nishimoto sees this share as a growth driver.
However, Aniplex should not adapt its content to the global market. Instead, the essence of Japanese creativity must be preserved. "The originality of Japanese anime—its unique storytelling, visual language, and cultural imprint—is the most important value we must continue to pursue," Nishimoto said. Rather than diluting IPs, the company aims to deepen their appeal with the help of local partners in each region.
Specifically, the new chief plans to treat each brand as a long-term global asset and expand it across various formats such as cinema, streaming, merchandise, games, live events, and exhibitions. Nishimoto highlighted the proven two-track strategy as a particular strength: high-quality adaptations of manga and novels as well as entirely new original productions.
In addition to expanding global reach, the company is also focusing on artificial intelligence. Nishimoto is open to responsible use of AI, as long as it supports the work of creatives or improves the production process. "Protecting and promoting our creatives is our top priority," he stated.
Within the Sony Group, Crunchyroll plays a central role. Nishimoto described the streaming service as a strategic partner that provides valuable insights into fan preferences. In 2025, Aniplex and Crunchyroll founded the joint venture HAYATE, which specializes in planning and producing anime content for the global market. Additionally, Aniplex acquired the production company EGG FIRM earlier this year, which is responsible for series such as "Mushoku Tensei" and "DanMachi."
Beyond anime, Aniplex has also achieved success in the live-action sector: The film "Kokuho," produced through its subsidiary Myriagon Studio, premiered at the Cannes Film Festival, received an Oscar nomination, and became one of the most successful Japanese live-action films. Nishimoto affirmed that the company will continue to pursue projects in both formats if compelling concepts and passionate producers are behind them.
With a portfolio spanning over 350 productions in 21 years—including global hits like "Demon Slayer," "Fate," and "Sword Art Online"—as well as its in-house studios A-1 Pictures and CloverWorks, Aniplex sees itself well-positioned for the next growth phase. Nishimoto concluded: "Our goal is to create IPs that remain in people's hearts—regardless of genre or format."
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This article was originally published in German. It was translated with technical support and editorially reviewed before publication.
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