Broadcaster TV Tokyo invests in Vietnam’s Pops Worldwide to boost anime offering

Japanese broadcaster TV Tokyo has invested an undisclosed amount in South-east Asian digital entertainment company Pops Worldwide.

Yukio Kawasaki

TV Tokyo is the lead investor in Pops’ Series D round of funding. The financial details were not disclosed but last year the Vietnam-based firm said it was aiming to raise US$50m in the round.

The broadcaster said the agreement will help it to bring Japanese animation to anime fans in South-east Asia via Pops Worldwide, which said the investment will help grow its anime line-up.

The two companies started their partnership in 2020 by bringing dubbed Japanese anime to fans across the region, with titles such as Naruto, Sergeant Keroro and My Guardian Characters, while also tackling digital piracy.

Pops Worldwide was established in 2008 and operates via YouTube, Facebook and TikTok plus OTT services across South-east Asia, featuring a mix of originals and local and international content.

Esther Nguyen, the outfit’s founder and CEO, said: “This investment will make Pops one of the most compelling and diverse line-ups of anime content in the industry and respond to the increasing demands of the dynamic Gen Z population in South-east Asia.”

Yukio Kawasaki, senior MD at TV Tokyo, added: “We have been striving to bring Japanese animation to anime fans around the world as quickly as possible and with the best possible quality. We have been looking for a business that can expand our business in South-east Asia, and now we have found a great partner.”