SPE, Mitsui launch anime JV

Dinopaws airs on Kids Station

Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) in Japan has partnered with local conglomerate Mitsui to launch a joint venture that will house each company’s anime networks.

AK Holdings will jointly operate the TV channels Kids Station and Animax, in addition to producing and distributing animated content. The new firm will also stage animation events around the world and operate themed restaurants.

As the majority stakeholder, SPE Japan has named Masao Takiyama as MD of both Kids Station and Animax. The new joint venture will begin operations on March 31 this year.

“In addition to being 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.”

SPE Japan’s 24-hour anime network Animax is available in 28 countries and features titles such as Anpanman, Pokémon, Yo-Kai Watch and Gintama.

Cable and satellite channel Kids Station, meanwhile, airs a variety of animated programmes for children and their parents, including acquired programming such as Hey Duggee, Dinopaws and Wibbly Pig.