Aniplex

Aniplex Inc.

Aniplex's logo since 2003
Native name	株式会社アニプレックス
Romanized name	Kabushiki-gaisha Anipurekkusu
Formerly called	Sony Pictures Entertainment Music Publishing Inc. Sony Pictures Entertainment Visual Works Inc. Sony Music Entertainment Visual Works Inc.
Type	Subsidiary
Industry	Anime and music production, video game publisher
Founded	September 1995 (1995-09)
Founder	Sony Group Corporation
Headquarters	4-5 Rokubancho, Chiyoda, Tokyo, Japan
Key people	Atsuhiro Iwakami (President) Toshihiro Konno (Chairman) Hideki "Henry" Goto (Head of International Business Development)
Products	Anime, Soundtracks, Motion pictures, Music, Merchandise, Toys, Video Games, Stationery.
Owner	Sony Group Corporation
Number of employees	150
Parent	Sony Music Entertainment (Japan)
Divisions	ANIPLEX.EXE
Subsidiaries	A-1 Pictures Aniplex of America Aniplex (Shanghai) (51%) Boundary CloverWorks Funimation (joint venture with Sony Pictures Television) Peppermint Anime GmbH (joint venture with Peppermint Anime) Quatro A Rialto Entertainment
Website	aniplex.co.jp

Aniplex Inc. (株式会社アニプレックス, 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, such as Fullmetal Alchemist, Sword Art Online, Puella Magi Madoka Magica, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, Fate, the Monogatari series, Angel Beats!, The Promised Neverland, Rurouni Kenshin, and more. Additionally, Aniplex produces and distributes music and soundtrack records, including the original soundtracks for all of Sony Interactive Entertainment's computer and video games.

Aniplex 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. For example, in 2005 Aniplex held the Fullmetal Alchemist Festival which began with the Fullmetal Alchemist Tour at Universal Studios Japan.

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 2004, Aniplex launched the Sugi Label, which releases the works of Koichi Sugiyama—the composer of the music for Dragon Quest, but since 2009 it was sold to King Records.

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.

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.

Aniplex held Aniplex Online Fest, a virtual anime convention, on July 4-5, 2020. The event featured the latest updates on anime adaptations produced by Aniplex, panels with staff and cast members, and musical performances. Sally Amaki of 22/7 (Nanabun no Nijūni) served as the emcee for the English version, streaming worldwide on YouTube. A Chinese podcast was available on Bilibili.

After the successful inaugural event, which garnered more than 800,000 viewers from around the globe, Aniplex announced the return of Aniplex Online Fest on July 3, 2021. The second edition lineup included updates on Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, Sword Art Online the Movie -Progressive- Aria of a Starless Night, and Fate/Grand Order with musical performances by Aimer, ClariS, LiSA, ReoNa, and SawanoHiroyuki[nZk]. Sally Amaki returned to host the show alongside Maxwell Powers.

On February 1, 2021, Aniplex announced it had entered in a capital tie-up with game developer f4samurai, allowing for Aniplex to further expand into gaming.

On December 15, 2021, Aniplex announced the acquisition of Delight Works' game development division for an undisclosed sum. Delight Works will transfer all of its game operations, including the development team of Fate/Grand Order, to a newly established company through a corporate split. Aniplex will acquire this company and turn it into a wholly-owned subsidiary to continue and handle the development of Fate/Grand Order. The process is expected to be concluded by Spring 2022.

Published games

Title	Developer(s)	Release Date	Platforms	Remarks
Fate/Grand Order	Delightworks	JP: July 30, 2015 (Android) JP: August 12, 2015 (iOS) NA: June 25, 2017	Android, iOS
Magia Record: Puella Magi Madoka Magica Side Story	f4samurai	JP: August 22, 2017 NA: June 25, 2019	Android, iOS
Fate/Grand Order VR feat. Mash Kyrielight	Delightworks	JP: December 6, 2017 NA: February 26, 2019	PlayStation VR
Kirara Fantasia	Drecom	JP: December 11, 2017	Android, iOS
Touhou Cannonball	Quatro A	JP: September 9, 2019	Android, iOS
Disney: Twisted-Wonderland	f4samurai	JP: March 18, 2020 NA: January 20, 2022	Android, iOS
22/7 Ongaku no Jikan	h.a.n.d.	JP: May 27, 2020	Android, iOS
Adabana Odd Tales	Liar-soft	WW: June 18, 2020	Microsoft Windows	Released under ANIPLEX.EXE brand.
		JP: December 16, 2021	Android, iOS Nintendo Switch	Ported and published by iMel.
ATRI: My Dear Moments	Frontwing, Makura	WW: June 18, 2020	Microsoft Windows	Released under ANIPLEX.EXE brand.
		JP: December 16, 2021	Android, iOS Nintendo Switch	Ported and published by iMel.
Fate/Grand Order: Waltz in the Moonlight/Lostroom	Delightworks	JP: August 13, 2020	Android, iOS
Everyday Today’s Menu for the Emiya Family	GRID	JP: April 28, 2021 NA: June 2, 2021	Nintendo Switch
Tsukihime -A piece of blue glass moon-	Type-Moon	JP: August 26, 2021	Nintendo Switch PlayStation 4
Melty Blood: Type Lumina	French Bread	WW: September 30, 2021	Microsoft Windows Nintendo Switch PlayStation 4 Xbox One	Co-produced with Type-Moon.
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Hinokami Chronicles	CyberConnect2	JP: October 14, 2021 WW: October 15, 2021	Microsoft Windows PlayStation 4 PlayStation 5 Xbox One Xbox Series X/S	Published by Sega outside of Japan.
Tarot Boys: 22 Apprentice Fortune Tellers	Aniplex	JP: November 2021	Android, iOS
Witch of the Holy Night	Type-Moon	JP: 2022	Nintendo Switch PlayStation 4
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Keppuu Kengeki Royale	Quatro A, Soleil	JP: TBA	Android, iOS
La Corda d’Oro: Starlight Orchestra	Koei Tecmo	JP: TBA	Android, iOS
RPG Time! The Legend of Wright	Desk Works	WW: TBA	Microsoft Windows Xbox One Xbox Series X/S
Tsukihime -The other side of red garden-	Type-Moon	TBA	TBA

Anime productions

Aniplex has been involved in the production and distribution with the following anime series.

• 009-1 (2006; Ishimori Productions)
• 22/7 (2020; A-1 Pictures)
• 86 (2021; A-1 Pictures)
• A-Channel (2011–12; Studio Gokumi)
• Ace Attorney (2016–19; A-1 Pictures (season 1) & CloverWorks (season 2))
• Angel Heart (2005–06; TMS Entertainment)
• After the Rain (2018; Wit Studio)
• Aldnoah.Zero (2014–15; A-1 Pictures & Troyca)
• Altair: A Record of Battles (current licensor: Amazon Prime Video via Animeism)
• Angel Beats! (2010–15; P.A.Works)
• Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day (2011–13; A-1 Pictures)
• Arata-naru Sekai (2012; Madhouse)
• Auto Boy - Carl from Mobile Land (2020; CloverWorks)
• Baccano! (2007–08; Brain's Base)
• Back Arrow (2021; Studio VOLN)
• Banana Fish (2018; MAPPA)
• Big Windup! (2007–10; A-1 Pictures)
• Birdy the Mighty: Decode (2008; A-1 Pictures)
  • Birdy the Mighty Decode: 02 (2009; A-1 Pictures)
• Black Butler (2008–17; A-1 Pictures)
• Black Rock Shooter (2010–12; Ordet & Sanzigen (series only))
• Blast of Tempest (2013; Bones)
• Bleach (2004–12; Pierrot)
• Blend S (2017; A-1 Pictures)
• Blood
  • Blood: The Last Vampire (2000; Production I.G.)
  • Blood+ (2005–06; Production I.G.)
  • Blood-C (2011–12; Production I.G.)
• Blue Exorcist (2011–12; A-1 Pictures)
  • Blue Exorcist: Kyoto Saga (2017; A-1 Pictures)
• The Case Study of Vanitas (2021–22; Bones)
• Cells at Work! (2018–21; David Production)
  • Cells at Work! Code Black (2021; Liden Films)
• Charlotte (2015–16; P.A.Works)
• City Hunter (1987-2019; Sunrise)
• D.Gray-man (2006–08; TMS Entertainment)
  • D.Gray-man Hallow (2016; TMS Entertainment & 8Pan)
• Darker than Black (2007–08; Bones)
  • Darker than Black: Gemini of the Meteor (2009–10; Bones)
• DARLING in the FranXX (2018; CloverWorks, Trigger, & A-1 Pictures)
• Darwin's Game (2020; Nexus)
• The Day I Became a God (2020; P.A.Works)
• Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba (2019–20; Ufotable)
• Devilman Crybaby (2018; Science Saru)
• Dinosaur Biyori (2021; Fanworks)
• Dog Days (2011–15; Seven Arcs)
• Dogtato (2004; Studio Egg)
• Do You Love Your Mom and Her Two-Hit Multi-Target Attacks? (2019–20; J.C.Staff)
• Dokkiri Doctor (1998–99; Pierrot)
• Durarara!! (2010–16; Brain's Base)
• Erased (2016; A-1 Pictures)
• Eromanga Sensei (2017; A-1 Pictures)
• Eureka Seven (2005–21; Bones & Kinema Citrus (Good Night, Sleep Tight, Young Lovers)
• Fair, then Partly Piggy* (1988–98; Oh! Production (movie) & Group TAC (series))
• Fate
  • Fate/Apocrypha (2017; A-1 Pictures)
  • Fate/Extra Last Encore (2018; Shaft)
  • Fate/Grand Order
    • Fate/Grand Order - Absolute Demonic Front: Babylonia (2019–20; CloverWorks)
    • Fate/Grand Order: Divine Realm of the Round Table: Camelot (2020–present; Signal.MD (Part 1) & Production I.G. (Part 2)
    • Fate/Grand Order: First Order (2016; Lay-duce)
    • Fate/Grand Order: Grand Temple of Time: Solomon (TBA; CloverWorks)
    • Fate/Grand Order: Moonlight/Lostroom (2017; Lay-duce)
    • Fate/Grand Order: Seven Most Powerful Great Figures Chapter (2017; Ufotable)
  • Fate/stay night: Heaven's Feel (2017–20; Ufotable)
  • Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works (2014–15; Ufotable)
  • Fate/Zero (2011; Ufotable)
    • The Case Files of Lord El-Melloi II (2018-19; Troyca)
• Flag (2006–07; The Answer Studio)
• Fullmetal Alchemist (2003–06; Bones)
  • Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (2009–11; Bones)
• Gakuen Alice (2004–05; Group TAC)
• Galilei Donna (2013; A-1 Pictures)
• Gallery Fake (2005; TMS Entertainment (episodes 1-25) & Tokyo Kids)
• The Garden of Sinners (2007–13; Ufotable)
• Ghost Slayers Ayashi (2006–07; Bones)
• Ghost Stories (2000–01; Pierrot)
• Gintama (2006–10; Sunrise)
  • Gintama' (2011–13; Sunrise)
  • Gintama° (2015–16; Bandai Namco Pictures)
  • Gintama. (2017–18; Bandai Namco Pictures)
  • Gintama The Final (2021; Bandai Namco Pictures)
• Ginban Kaleidoscope (2005; Karaku)
• Gravitation (1999-2001; Plum (OVA) & Studio Deen (series))
• Great Teacher Onizuka (1999-2000; Pierrot)
• Guardian Ninja Mamoru! (2006; Group TAC)
• Guilty Crown (2011–12; Production I.G.)
• Guin Saga (2009; Satelight)
• Gurren Lagann (2007–09; Gainax)
• The Gymnastics Samurai (2020; MAPPA)
• Hell Girl (2005–06; Studio Deen)
  • Hell Girl: Two Mirrors (2006–07; Studio Deen)
  • Hell Girl: Three Vessels (2008–09; Studio Deen)
  • Hell Girl: The Fourth Twilight (2017; Studio Deen)
• Hidamari Sketch (2007–13; Shaft)
• Honey and Clover (2005–06; J.C.Staff)
• Horimiya (2021; CloverWorks)
• Hortensia Saga (2021; Liden Films)
• Hotarubi no Mori e (2011; Brain's Base)
• Hula Fulla Dance (2021; BN Pictures)
• Hypnosis Mic: Division Rap Battle: Rhyme Anima (2020; A-1 Pictures)
• I Want to Eat Your Pancreas (2018; Studio VOLN)
• I'll CKBC (2002–03; M.S.C.)
• Idaten Jump (2005–06; Trans Arts)
• The Idolmaster (2011–14; A-1 Pictures)
  • The Idolmaster: Cinderella Girls (2015-16; A-1 Pictures)
  • The Idolmaster SideM (2017-18; A-1 Pictures)
• Inu x Boku SS (2012; David Production)
• Inuyasha: The Final Act (2009–10; Sunrise)
• Inuyashiki (2017; MAPPA)
• The Irregular at Magic High School (2014–present; Madhouse (season 1) & Eight Bit (future works))
  • The Honor Student at Magic High School (2021; Connect)
• Jing: King of Bandits (2002–04; Studio Deen)
• Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress (2016–17; Wit Studio)
• Kaguya-sama: Love is War (2019–20; A-1 Pictures)
• Kamichu! (2005; Brain's Base)
• Kannagi: Crazy Shrine Maidens (2008–09; A-1 Pictures & Ordet)
• Katanagatari (2010; White Fox)
• Kiba (2005–06; Madhouse)
• Kikaider-01 - The Animation - Guitar wo Motta Shōnen (2000–02; Radix & Studio OX)
• Kill la Kill (2013–14; Trigger)
• Kimi to Boku (2011–12; J.C.Staff)
• Kyorochan (1999-2001; Group TAC)
• La Corda D'Oro - Primo Passo (2006–07; Yumeta Company)
  • La Corda D'Oro - Secondo Passo (2009; Yumeta Company)
• Le Portrait de Petit Cossette (2004; Daume)
• Level E (2011; Pierrot & David Production)
• Love Lab (2013; Doga Kobo)
• Love Me, Love Me Not (2021; A-1 Pictures)
• Lovely Complex (2007; Toei Animation)
• Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic (2012–14; A-1 Pictures)
  • Magi: Adventure of Sinbad (2014–16; Lay-duce)
• Magic Kaito 1412 (2014–15; A-1 Pictures)
• Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha the Movie 1st (2010; Seven Arcs)
  • Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha the Movie 2nd A's (2012; Seven Arcs)
• March Comes in Like a Lion (2016–18; Shaft)
• Meow Meow Japanese History (2016–20; Joker Films)
• Mirage of Blaze: Rebels of the River Edge (2002–04; Madhouse)
• Misaki no Mayoiga (2021; David Production)
• The Misfit of Demon King Academy (2020; Silver Link)
• Mitsudomoe (2010–11; Bridge)
• Monogatari (2009–19; Shaft)
  • Bakemonogatari (2009–10; Shaft)
  • Nisemonogatari (2012; Shaft)
  • Nekomonogatari (2012; Shaft)
  • Monogatari Series: Second Season (2013–14; Shaft)
  • Tsukimonogatari (2014; Shaft)
  • Owarimonogatari (2015 & 17; Shaft)
  • Kizumonogatari (2016–17; Shaft)
  • Koyomimonogatari (2016; Shaft)
  • Zokuowarimonogatari (2019; Shaft)
• Mushi-Shi -Next Passage- (2014–15; Artland)
• Naruto (2002–17; Pierrot)
  • Boruto: Naruto Next Generations (2017–present; Pierrot)
• Natsume's Book of Friends (2008–18; Studio Deen (seasons 1-4) & Shuka (seasons 5 & 6 & movie)
• Nerima Daikon Brothers (2006; Studio Hibari)
• Night Raid 1931 (2010; A-1 Pictures)
• Nisekoi (2014–15; Shaft)
• No. 6 (2011; Bones)
• Occult Academy(2010; A-1 Pictures)
• Occultic;Nine (2016; A-1 Pictures)
• Oreimo (2010–13; AIC Build (season 1) & A-1 Pictures (season 2))
• Oreshura (2013; A-1 Pictures)
• Oresuki (2019; Connect)
• Paradise Kiss (2005; Madhouse)
• PaRappa the Rapper (2001–02; J.C.Staff & Production I.G.)
• Plastic Memories (2015; Doga Kobo)
• Persona
  • Persona: Trinity Soul (2008; A-1 Pictures)
  • Persona 3 The Movies (2013–16; AIC ASTA (movie 1) & A-1 Pictures (movies 2, 3, & 4))
  • Persona 4: The Animation (2011–12; AIC ASTA)
    • Persona 4: The Golden Animation (2014; A-1 Pictures)
  • Persona 5: The Animation (2016–19; A-1 Pictures)
• Ping Pong the Animation (2014; Tatsunoko Production)
• Popolocrois Monogatari (1998–99; Bee Train & Production I.G.)
• Powerpuff Girls Z (2006–07; Toei Animation)
• Pretty Boy Detective Club (2021; Shaft)
• The Promised Neverland (2019–21; CloverWorks)
• Puella Magi Madoka Magica (2011–13; Shaft)
  • Magia Record (2020–present; Shaft)
• Punch Line (2015; MAPPA)
• Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai (2018–19; CloverWorks)
• Read or Die (2001–02; Studio Deen)
  • R.O.D the TV (2003–04; J.C.Staff)
• Record of Grancrest War (2018; A-1 Pictures)
• Rewrite (2016–17; Eight Bit)
• Robotics;Notes (2012–13; Production I.G.)
• Roujin Z (1991; A.P.P.P.)
• Rurouni Kenshin (1996–2012; Gallop (series episodes 1–66) & Studio Deen (future works)))
• Saekano: How to Raise a Boring Girlfriend (2015; A-1 Pictures)
  • Saekano: How to Raise a Boring Girlfriend ♭ (2017; A-1 Pictures)
  • Saekano the Movie: Finale (2019; A-1 Pictures)
• Sekirei (2008–10; Seven Arcs)
• The Seven Deadly Sins (2014–15; A-1 Pictures)
  • The Seven Deadly Sins: Signs of Holy War (2016; A-1 Pictures)
  • The Seven Deadly Sins: Revival of The Commandments (2018; A-1 Pictures)
• Shadows House (2021; CloverWorks)
• Shiki (2010; Daume)
• Silver Spoon (2013–14; A-1 Pictures)
• SK8 the Infinity (2021; Bones)
• Soul Eater (2008–09; Bones)
• Sound of the Sky (2010; A-1 Pictures)
• Space Brothers (2012–14; A-1 Pictures)
• Spiral: The Bonds of Reasoning (2002–03; J.C.Staff)
• Star Driver (2010–11; Bones)
• Submarine 707R (2003; Group TAC)
• Super HxEros (2020; Project No.9)
• Sword Art Online (2012-2020; A-1 Pictures)
• Tekkonkinkreet (2006; Studio 4°C)
• Terror in Resonance (2014; MAPPA)
• Togainu no Chi (2010; A-1 Pictures)
• Toward the Terra (2007; Tokyo Kids & Minamimachi Bugyōsho)
• Tsuritama (2012; A-1 Pictures)
• Uchitama?! Have you seen my Tama? (2020; MAPPA & Lapin Track)
• Ultimate Otaku Teacher (2015; A-1 Pictures)
• Valkyria Chronicles (2009–11; A-1 Pictures)
• Valvrave the Liberator (2013; Sunrise)
• Vampire Knight (2008; Studio Deen)
  • Vampire Knight Guilty (2008; Studio Deen)
• Vivy: Fluorite Eye's Song (2021; Wit Studio)
• Wandering Son (2011; AIC Classic)
• Warlords of Sigrdrifa (2020; A-1 Pictures)
• We Never Learn (2019; Silver & Arvo Animation)
• Welcome to the Space Show (2010; A-1 Pictures)
• Wonder Bevil-kun (2003–04; Radix)
• Wonder Egg Priority (2021; CloverWorks)
• Working!! (2010–16; A-1 Pictures)
• Wotakoi: Love is Hard for Otaku (2018; A-1 Pictures)
• Xam'd: Lost Memories (2008–09; Bones)
• Yakitate!! Japan (2004–06; Sunrise)
• Yashahime: Princess Half-Demon (2020–21; Sunrise)
• Your Lie in April (2014–15; A-1 Pictures)
• Yuuna and the Haunted Hot Springs (2018; Xebec)

External links

• Aniplex official website
• Aniplex Corporate Profile - English - Official Website
• Aniplex at Anime News Network's encyclopedia