Aniplex, Inc. (株式会社アニプレックス, Kabushiki-gaisha Anipurekkusu) is a Japanese entertainment company founded in September 1995 by Sony Music Entertainment Japan, a subsidiary of the Sony Group. The company focuses on planning, producing, and distributing anime series, both its own and those based on licensed intellectual properties (IPs). It also engages in related multimedia initiatives. Aniplex's operations include the development and distribution of theatrical films, video games, and merchandise associated with its media franchises. It releases home media, produces original soundtracks, and organizes events such as musicals, stage performances, and live promotions. The company also manages copyrights and licensing agreements. Through Aniplex Online, its e-commerce platform, the company sells products directly to consumers. Aniplex operates globally but has two regional headquarters: Aniplex America based in Santa Monica, California, US, while Aniplex China is based in Shanghai. It co-owns Crunchyroll, LLC with its sister company, Sony Pictures, which operates a direct-to-consumer (DTC) anime streaming service with 120 million registered users as of 2022.

History

Having been established in September 1995 as a subsidiary of Sony Pictures Entertainment Japan under the name SPE Music Publishing, the company received capital investment from Sony Music Entertainment Japan in January 1997, changing its name to SPE Visual Works. After becoming a joint venture between SPEJ and SMEJ, it inherited Sony Music Group video productions, excluding SMEJ artists' music videos, in January 1998.

Aniplex Online Fest

Aniplex held their first Aniplex Online Fest on July 4–5, 2020, to celebrate its anime projects, panels with staff and cast members, and musical performances. Sally Amaki of 22/7 (Nanabun no Nijūni) served as emcee for the English version, streaming worldwide on YouTube. A Chinese podcast was available on Bilibili.

Anime productions

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

Published games