Aniplex

**Aniplex Inc.** (株 (かぶ) 式 (しき) 会 (かい) 社 (しゃ) アニプレックス, *Kabushiki-gaisha Anipurekkusu*?) is a Japanese anime and music production company owned by Sony Music Entertainment Japan.

Established in September 1995, Aniplex has been involved in the planning, production and distribution of several anime series, including Shadows House, animated in one of Aniplex studios, Cloverworks.

Additionally, Aniplex produces and distributes music and soundtrack records, including the original soundtracks for all of Sony Interactive Entertainment's computer and video games. It is also involved in retail merchandising, producing toys, games, stationery, food and other items featuring popular characters. In addition, Aniplex puts together events to promote their anime franchises. Aniplex is a full member of The Association of Japanese Animations and an associated member of Japan Video Software Association.

## History

Originally known as Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) Visual Works Inc., it was established in September 1995 as a joint-venture between Sony Pictures Entertainment Japan and Sony Music Entertainment Japan, and changed its name in January 2001 to Sony Music Entertainment (SME) Visual Works Inc. after becoming a subsidiary completely owned by Sony Music Entertainment Japan. In April 2003, it changed its name to Aniplex Inc.

In March 2005, the company established its Santa Monica, California-based subsidiary Aniplex of America to reinforce its licensing business in the North American market, and later that same year in May 2005, it established its own animation studio called A-1 Pictures.

In March 2015, Aniplex announced that it had formed a joint venture with German anime distributor Peppermint Anime, forming Peppermint Anime GmbH. The joint venture allows for Aniplex to begin their expansion in the European market. In April 2015, Aniplex announced that it had invested in French anime streaming service Wakanim, becoming the majority shareholder for the company, allowing Aniplex to enter the French market, and strengthening their European presence.

On February 17, 2018, it was revealed that Aniplex had become a minority shareholder in the Australian-based company Madman Anime Group, and was issued an undisclosed number of shares in the company on November 15, 2017. Aniplex later acquired Madman Anime Group from Madman Media Group for A$35 million in February 2019.

On October 1, 2018, Aniplex established Rialto Entertainment, a subsidiary responsible for independent video production, and licensing of produced video content. The subsidiary appointed Aniplex deputy president Tadashi Ishibashi as the subsidiary's representative director, and Aniplex producer Eiichi Kamagata as the subsidiary's president. Was also in this day that it established its second animation studio called Cloverworks.

In April 2019, Aniplex announced that it established a Chinese subsidiary, Aniplex (Shanghai), in order to produce and release Chinese animation within the region, as well as establishing a storefront for Chinese consumers. On September 24, 2019, Aniplex announced that it would be consolidating Madman Anime Group and Wakanim with Sony Pictures Television's Funimation, under a joint-venture between the two Sony businesses.

On December 26, 2019, Aniplex announced it would be launching a novel game brand named ANIPLEX.EXE, with *ATRI: My Dear Moments* and *Adabana Odd Tales* (徒花異譚, *Adabana Itan*) being the first titles being released under the brand. ANIPLEX.EXE will also release titles in English territories through Aniplex of America. On April 1, 2020, Aniplex established Boundary, a subsidiary focusing on 3D CG, with Aniplex producer Akira Shimizu becoming the company's president.