Aniplex is a major name in Japan’s entertainment and anime industry. If you’ve ever wondered who owns Aniplex, you’re not alone. With blockbuster hits and global influence, understanding its ownership offers insights into the anime industry’s structure and power players.
Aniplex Company Profile
Aniplex Inc. is a leading Japanese entertainment company specializing in anime production, music, mobile gaming, and distribution. It is a fully owned subsidiary of Sony Music Entertainment Japan, which itself is under Sony Group Corporation. Aniplex has grown into a central figure in Japan’s anime industry, not just producing series but also managing global distribution, organizing fan events, and developing games.
As of 2025, Aniplex continues to be a dominant force in both traditional media and digital entertainment. Its revenue is heavily driven by its top-performing mobile game Fate/Grand Order, licensing for Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, and its streaming partnerships across Asia, North America, and Europe.
Company Details
- Name: Aniplex Inc. (株式会社アニプレックス)
- Founded: September 1995
- Headquarters: Chiyoda, Tokyo, Japan
- Parent Company: Sony Music Entertainment (Japan) Inc.
- Ultimate Owner: Sony Group Corporation
- President/CEO (2025): Atsuhiro Iwakami
- Subsidiaries: A-1 Pictures, CloverWorks, Aniplex of America, Aniplex Shanghai, Lasengle Inc., Aniplex.EXE
- Employees: Approx. 800 (2025 estimate, including subsidiaries)
- Core Divisions: Anime production, music publishing, game development, merchandise, and international licensing.
Founders
Aniplex was not founded by a single entrepreneur but was originally established as Sony Music Entertainment Japan’s Visual Works division. The company transitioned into a separate business entity in 1995 under the guidance of SMEJ leadership to focus on anime production and distribution.
While no specific “founder” is credited like in startups, Atsushi Fukuda and other early Sony executives played key roles in shaping the early business model. Later, producers like Atsuhiro Iwakami would become prominent creative forces within the company.
Major Milestones
- 1995: Aniplex was established as a division within SMEJ to focus on anime and video content.
- 2001: Reorganized as Aniplex Inc., with independent operations under Sony Music Japan.
- 2005: Founded Aniplex of America to enter the U.S. anime market.
- 2006–2012: Produced hit series like Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, Durarara!!, and Blue Exorcist.
- 2014: Launched Fate/Grand Order in Japan — became one of the most profitable mobile games worldwide.
- 2017: Produced Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, which became a global hit.
- 2020: Demon Slayer: Mugen Train became the highest-grossing anime film ever, earning over $500 million worldwide.
- 2021: Separated CloverWorks from A-1 Pictures as a distinct animation brand.
- 2022: Acquired DelightWorks’ game development division and rebranded it as Lasengle Inc. to strengthen mobile game development.
- 2023: Demon Slayer continued as a cultural phenomenon with Season 3, boosting Aniplex’s global streaming presence.
- 2024–2025: Expanded Fate and Demon Slayer into stage plays, international exhibitions, and cross-platform games. Increased focus on generative AI for animation workflows and localization.
In 2025, Aniplex remains one of the top three anime production powerhouses in Japan, alongside Toei Animation and Bandai Namco Filmworks (formerly Sunrise). Its ability to balance creative storytelling with corporate scalability continues to be a model in the entertainment world.
Who Owns Aniplex?
Aniplex Inc. is wholly owned by Sony Music Entertainment (Japan) Inc., commonly known as SMEJ. SMEJ is a major subsidiary of Sony Group Corporation, which means Aniplex is ultimately under Sony’s corporate umbrella. It operates as a private, non-listed entity within Sony’s extensive global entertainment portfolio.
Aniplex does not have any external or minority shareholders. Its entire shareholding remains with SMEJ, ensuring that all major decisions, budgets, and strategic initiatives align with Sony’s broader entertainment strategy.
Parent Company: Sony Music Entertainment Japan
Sony Music Entertainment Japan is the direct parent company of Aniplex. It was formed in 1968 and became a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony Corporation (now Sony Group Corporation). SMEJ manages Sony’s domestic music, video, and anime-related businesses in Japan.
Under SMEJ, Aniplex enjoys operational freedom while still being guided by Sony’s strategic and financial goals. SMEJ also provides cross-promotion opportunities with music artists and film distribution pipelines. For example, many anime produced by Aniplex feature soundtracks and theme songs from Sony-signed artists, enhancing cross-business synergy.
Ultimate Owner: Sony Group Corporation
Sony Group Corporation is the ultimate owner of Aniplex, through its full ownership of SMEJ. Sony is one of Japan’s largest and most influential multinational corporations, publicly listed on both the Tokyo Stock Exchange and the New York Stock Exchange.
Sony’s ownership of Aniplex is part of its larger vision to dominate global entertainment — from anime and music to gaming and electronics. Through Aniplex, Sony has created a robust pipeline of anime IPs that span streaming, merchandise, live events, and interactive games.
Ownership Details
- No external investment: Aniplex is not funded by venture capital, private equity, or institutional investors outside of Sony.
- Global subsidiaries: Aniplex owns localized entities in the U.S. (Aniplex of America) and China (Aniplex Shanghai), both of which are also fully controlled by the main company.
- No public listing: Aniplex is not traded on any stock exchange. All revenue and profit figures are reported within SMEJ or Sony Group Corporation’s financial statements.
Aniplex’s ownership model allows for deep vertical integration — from anime production and music to gaming and licensing — all under Sony’s expansive media ecosystem.
Acquisition Insights and History
Aniplex has made strategic acquisitions and restructurings over the years to strengthen its business:
Acquisition of DelightWorks Game Division (2022)
In early 2022, Aniplex acquired the game development division of DelightWorks Inc., the original developer of Fate/Grand Order. This acquisition was critical because Fate/Grand Order was generating billions in revenue but was not fully under Aniplex’s development control.
After the acquisition, Aniplex rebranded the division as Lasengle Inc., making it a wholly owned subsidiary. This move allowed Aniplex to directly oversee game development, data analytics, and content updates — increasing profit margins and IP control.
Formation of CloverWorks (2018)
Although not an acquisition, another significant structural shift occurred when CloverWorks was spun off from A-1 Pictures in 2018. Both studios are owned by Aniplex, but this change allowed CloverWorks to develop its own visual style and creative identity while remaining under the Aniplex brand.
This internal reorganization helped Aniplex diversify its content, foster creative talent, and strengthen production reliability across multiple studios.
Who is the CEO of Aniplex?
Atsuhiro Iwakami serves as President, Representative Director & CEO of Aniplex Inc. He leads both creative and business strategy. He also acts as a key liaison with Sony Music Entertainment (Japan). His official title and responsibilities reflect full executive control over Aniplex’s operations.
Background and Career of Atsuhiro Iwakami
Iwakami has held multiple leadership roles within Sony’s entertainment businesses. He sits on the board of Sony Music Entertainment Japan as a Director and Executive Officer. His long tenure reflects deep knowledge of the anime, music, and game industries.
Before becoming CEO, he gained recognition as a creative producer at Aniplex, involved in major anime series such as Madoka Magica and Fate/stay night. His creative insight now guides corporate decisions.
Decision‑Making Structure
As CEO, Iwakami oversees major investments, studio projects, international expansions, and gaming initiatives. He reports to SMEJ’s board and aligns Aniplex’s strategy with Sony’s broader entertainment vision.
Day‑to‑day creative decisions—such as green‑lighting anime titles or partnerships—are managed in collaboration with content producers and studio heads, while high‑level financial and strategic direction flows through the Sony corporate governance.
Key Projects and Collaborations in 2025
Under Iwakami’s leadership, Aniplex co‑founded Hayate Inc., a joint venture with Crunchyroll, launched in March 2025. The new studio is led by Aniplex executives Masanori Miyake (Chairman & CEO) and Leo Watanabe (President & COO), and focuses on producing original anime content for global streaming.
Also in mid‑2025, Aniplex announced development of Resident Evil Survival Unit, a mobile strategy game co‑developed with JOYCITY. Iwakami’s role as president framed the collaboration that extends Aniplex’s game portfolio into global licensed IP.
Past Leadership Figures at Aniplex
While Iwakami is the current chief leader, the role of CEO or president has historically been held by other notable producers and executives:
- Producers like Gen Fukunaga played key roles in establishing Aniplex of America, shaping its presence in North America.
- Executive leadership before Iwakami emphasized expansion into licensing, music tie‑ins, and international branding.
These predecessors laid the groundwork for Aniplex’s current creative autonomy and business diversity.
Leadership Style and Vision
Iwakami blends artistic sensibility with corporate strategy. He values franchise-building (like Fate/Grand Order and Demon Slayer) and emphasizes cross‑media integration—from streaming to stage to games.
He regularly appears at major Sony events such as CES 2025, symbolizing Aniplex’s role in converging anime with emerging technologies like generative AI or character-centric digital experiences.
Aniplex Annual Revenue and Net Worth
Aniplex posts annual revenue is around $800 million, underpinned by Fate/Grand Order, anime licensing, music, and merchandise. Its estimated net worth stands north of $1.8 billion as of July 2025, based on strong IP valuation and its integrated subsidiary structure.
Annual Revenue (2025)
Aniplex contributes to Sony Music Entertainment Japan’s revenue within the Entertainment segment of Sony Group Corporation, which reported approximately ¥12 trillion (about $85 billion USD) in consolidated revenue for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2025.
Aniplex, as a production and gaming powerhouse, is estimated to generate annual revenue in the range of ¥100 billion to ¥120 billion (roughly $700 million to $800 million ), reflecting strong earnings from its mobile game Fate/Grand Order, anime licensing, music publishing, and home video sales.
The mobile game Fate/Grand Order remains the core profit center, bringing in billions in lifetime revenue, while licensing and merchandise from hit anime such as Demon Slayer and Sword Art Online continue to strengthen Aniplex’s financial profile. Streaming partnerships and global distribution deals further support its top‑line growth, drawing in revenue beyond the Japanese domestic market.
Net Worth (2025)
Aniplex’s net worth reflects its valuable intellectual property portfolio, subsidiary operations, and market-leading franchises. Analysts estimate its net worth to exceed $1.8 billion as of July 2025, considering its gaming and anime IP holdings, subsidiary valuations, and long‑term licensing contracts.
This estimate factors in the valuation of Lasengle Inc. (Aniplex’s game development subsidiary), A‑1 Pictures, CloverWorks, and Aniplex’s share of joint ventures such as the newly formed Hayate Inc. with Crunchyroll. In particular, the ability to monetize franchises across media—games, music, physical media, events—supports a robust asset base and ongoing value creation.
Here is an overview of Aniplex’s estimated historical revenue and net worth over the last 10 years (2015–2025):
| Year | Estimated Revenue (USD) | Estimated Net Worth (USD) | Key Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | $250 million | $600 million | Growth driven by Sword Art Online and Fate/stay night series. |
| 2016 | $320 million | $750 million | Rise in mobile gaming revenue with Fate/Grand Order launch. |
| 2017 | $400 million | $900 million | Continued game growth and licensing deals abroad. |
| 2018 | $460 million | $1 billion | Launch of CloverWorks and expanded U.S. distribution. |
| 2019 | $500 million | $1.1 billion | Strong merchandise and Blu-ray sales from Demon Slayer Season 1. |
| 2020 | $650 million | $1.4 billion | Demon Slayer: Mugen Train becomes Japan’s highest-grossing film. |
| 2021 | $700 million | $1.5 billion | Global streaming expansion, strong home video and music sales. |
| 2022 | $730 million | $1.55 billion | Acquisition of DelightWorks Game Studio (Lasengle). |
| 2023 | $750 million | $1.6 billion | New Fate content, international game publishing increases. |
| 2024 | $770 million | $1.7 billion | Investment in global co-productions and mobile gaming. |
| 2025 | $800 million | $1.8 billion | Launch of Hayate Inc., more global IP collaborations and licensing. |
Revenue Streams Breakdown
Revenue is diversified across multiple lines. First, mobile gaming (primarily Fate/Grand Order) leads by generating recurring, high-margin income. Then come anime production and licensing revenues, including broadcast rights, DVD/Blu‑ray sales, and international streaming deals. Music publishing—theme songs and soundtracks tied to Aniplex‑produced series—leverages Sony’s music infrastructure. Merchandise sales and large events such as Aniplex Online Fest also add meaningful revenue contributions.
Financial Outlook and Trends
In fiscal 2025, Aniplex saw revenue growth from expanding international game releases and recent anime franchises. The release of new seasons of Demon Slayer and fresh Fate spin‑offs helped sustain licensing income. At the same time, evolving digital consumption models and increased focus on streaming exclusives via Crunchyroll and other platforms drove growth in overseas licensing.
Investment into content creation, such as the joint venture Hayate Inc., and continued support from Sony’s capital allocation, provide growth levers. These moves also position Aniplex to reach a higher valuation in the coming years, as original contents gain traction across regions.
Brands Owned by Aniplex
Here is a list of the major companies and brands owned by Aniplex Inc. as of 2025:
| Name | Type | Founded/Acquired | Headquarters | Key Functions and Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A-1 Pictures | Animation Studio | 2005 (Founded) | Tokyo, Japan | Produces anime series and films like Sword Art Online, Kaguya-sama, and Lycoris Recoil. Core animation unit. |
| CloverWorks | Animation Studio | 2018 (Spun off) | Tokyo, Japan | Creative animation label behind Spy x Family, Horimiya, and My Dress-Up Darling. Operates independently. |
| Aniplex of America | Distribution Subsidiary | 2005 (Founded) | Los Angeles, USA | Handles licensing, dubbing, merchandising, and events for North America. |
| Aniplex Shanghai | Regional Subsidiary | c. 2016 (Founded) | Shanghai, China | Oversees Chinese market licensing, streaming partnerships, and regulatory approvals. |
| Lasengle Inc. | Game Development Studio | 2022 (Acquired) | Tokyo, Japan | Develops Fate/Grand Order and new mobile RPGs. Formed after acquiring DelightWorks’ game division. |
| Aniplex.EXE | Game/Visual Novel Label | 2019 (Founded) | Tokyo, Japan | Publishes visual novels and narrative-driven games. Focused on fan-centric digital storytelling. |
| Hayate Inc. | Joint Venture Studio | 2025 (Founded) | Tokyo, Japan | Co-owned with Crunchyroll. Produces original anime for global distribution. Operated by Aniplex leadership. |
| Aniplex Online Fest | Event Brand/Platform | 2020 (Launched) | Tokyo, Japan (Online) | Hosts global virtual anime events, premieres, and concerts. Now a full-scale fan engagement platform. |
| Aniplex Music Division | Internal Business Unit | Ongoing | Tokyo, Japan | Produces and distributes anime soundtracks and theme songs, often in collaboration with Sony Music. |
| Aniplex Licensing Unit | Internal Business Unit | Ongoing | Tokyo, Japan | Manages global licensing of anime IP for streaming, games, and merchandise. |
| Live & Stage Production Teams | Internal Division | Ongoing | Tokyo, Japan | Produces live-action stage plays, tours, and exhibitions for IPs like Fate and Demon Slayer. |
A-1 Pictures
A-1 Pictures is a wholly owned animation studio under Aniplex. It was founded in 2005 to produce high-quality anime in-house. The studio is known for major series like Sword Art Online, Your Lie in April, Kaguya-sama: Love is War, and Lycoris Recoil. As of 2025, A-1 Pictures remains one of the busiest anime studios in Japan, contributing heavily to Aniplex’s annual release slate. It specializes in both television series and theatrical films and is frequently involved in collaborative anime production committees.
CloverWorks
CloverWorks was spun off from A-1 Pictures in 2018 to operate as a distinct animation label, although it remains under Aniplex’s full ownership. The studio is known for its visually unique and emotionally driven projects like The Promised Neverland, Horimiya, Spy x Family, and My Dress-Up Darling. In 2025, CloverWorks continues to produce premium-quality anime and operates with creative independence under Aniplex’s corporate framework. It has positioned itself as a top-tier studio in terms of both artistic output and international fan engagement.
Aniplex of America
Based in Los Angeles, Aniplex of America handles licensing, localization, physical and digital distribution, event management, and marketing of Aniplex content in the U.S. and Canada. Founded in 2005, the company manages English dubs, Blu-ray/DVD releases, streaming deals, and convention presences across North America. It also organizes major fan events and oversees merchandise operations for Western markets. In 2025, it continues to work closely with Crunchyroll and other streaming platforms.
Aniplex Shanghai
Aniplex Shanghai is the company’s Chinese branch, established to oversee distribution, licensing, and strategic partnerships across mainland China. It plays a vital role in managing regulatory approvals, co-production negotiations, and localized marketing in the Chinese market. As of 2025, the Shanghai office has helped launch Chinese versions of major mobile games and facilitated the distribution of popular anime titles like Demon Slayer and Fate series to Chinese streaming platforms and cinema networks.
Lasengle Inc.
Lasengle Inc. is Aniplex’s wholly owned game development company. It was established in early 2022 after Aniplex acquired the game division of DelightWorks, the original developers of Fate/Grand Order. Lasengle is now responsible for the ongoing development, content updates, and global expansion of Fate/Grand Order, which remains one of Aniplex’s largest revenue sources. The studio is also developing new titles as of 2025, some based on existing anime IP and others as original mobile or console games.
Aniplex.EXE
Aniplex.EXE is a visual novel and game publishing brand launched to experiment with storytelling in interactive formats. It focuses on smaller, narrative-driven titles released on PC and mobile platforms. Notable releases include ATRI: My Dear Moments and Adabana Odd Tales. As of 2025, the label is slowly expanding into original titles that blend anime-style art, branching narratives, and emotional depth. It operates under Aniplex but with a niche, fan-focused branding strategy.
Hayate Inc.
Formed in 2025, Hayate Inc. is a new joint venture between Aniplex and Crunchyroll aimed at producing original anime titles for global audiences. The company is led by Aniplex executives, including Masanori Miyake and Leo Watanabe, and is fully integrated into Aniplex’s production and creative ecosystem. While Crunchyroll co-finances the venture, Aniplex holds operational leadership and creative direction. Hayate Inc. is expected to become a significant force in high-budget global anime content by 2026 and beyond.
Aniplex Online Fest
Though technically an event brand, Aniplex Online Fest has evolved into a full-scale digital platform and IP engagement tool. It was launched during the pandemic as a virtual convention but has grown into a globally streamed multi-day anime event featuring previews, voice actor panels, concerts, and merch drops. The event is fully organized and monetized by Aniplex, serving as both a promotional arm and a revenue-generating entity.
Licensing and Event Divisions (Internal Units)
Aniplex also operates dedicated internal business units for licensing, merchandising, music publishing, and event production. These include:
- Aniplex Music Division, which handles the production and distribution of anime-related soundtracks and theme songs, often involving Sony-signed artists.
- Aniplex Licensing Unit, managing IP agreements across games, merchandise, and streaming.
- Live and Stage Production Teams, organizing live-action adaptations, stage plays, and touring exhibitions for anime franchises like Demon Slayer and Fate.
These units are not standalone companies but operate as essential parts of Aniplex’s vertically integrated model.
Final Thoughts
Aniplex is more than just an anime production house. It’s a powerhouse owned by Sony, with a tightly integrated structure that gives it the flexibility to innovate and expand globally. Through strategic subsidiaries and partnerships, Aniplex has grown into a central figure in the anime industry. Knowing who owns Aniplex helps understand how anime is financed, distributed, and monetized across the world.
FAQs
Is Aniplex owned by Sony?
Yes, Aniplex is owned by Sony. It is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony Music Entertainment Japan, which is part of the Sony Group Corporation. Sony has owned and operated Aniplex since its founding in 1995.
What animes did Aniplex make?
Aniplex has produced or co-produced many popular and critically acclaimed anime titles. Some of its most famous works include:
- Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba
- Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works
- Fate/Zero
- Sword Art Online
- Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
- Blue Exorcist
- Puella Magi Madoka Magica
- Your Lie in April
- Kaguya-sama: Love is War
- The Promised Neverland
- Lycoris Recoil
- Horimiya
- Erased (Boku Dake ga Inai Machi)
Aniplex typically works with studios like A-1 Pictures, CloverWorks, and Ufotable to produce its anime.
Is Aniplex a Japanese company?
Yes, Aniplex is a Japanese company. It was founded in Tokyo, Japan, and continues to be headquartered there. It primarily focuses on Japanese anime, music, and mobile gaming, although it operates internationally as well.
Where is Aniplex based?
Aniplex is based in Chiyoda, Tokyo, Japan. It also has major subsidiaries abroad, including Aniplex of America in Los Angeles and Aniplex Shanghai in China.
What companies does Aniplex own?
As of 2025, Aniplex owns and operates several subsidiaries and brands, including:
- A-1 Pictures (animation studio)
- CloverWorks (animation studio)
- Lasengle Inc. (game development, Fate/Grand Order)
- Aniplex of America (U.S. distribution arm)
- Aniplex Shanghai (China operations)
- Aniplex.EXE (visual novel game label)
- Hayate Inc. (joint anime studio with Crunchyroll, operational leadership by Aniplex)
It also runs event and licensing divisions like Aniplex Online Fest and Aniplex Music.
Who owns Crunchyroll & Aniplex?
Both Crunchyroll and Aniplex are owned by Sony, but through different branches. Crunchyroll is owned by Sony Pictures Entertainment, while Aniplex is owned by Sony Music Entertainment Japan. Both fall under the broader Sony Group Corporation, but they operate as separate entities. They occasionally collaborate, such as through the joint venture Hayate Inc.
Does Disney own Aniplex?
No, Disney does not own Aniplex. Aniplex is entirely owned by Sony through Sony Music Entertainment Japan. Disney has no ownership stake in the company.
Is Aniplex a public company?
No, Aniplex is not a public company. It is a private company fully owned by Sony Music Entertainment Japan. It is not listed on any stock exchange, and its financials are reported within Sony’s broader entertainment business.
Did Sony buy Aniplex?
Sony did not acquire Aniplex from an external party. Aniplex was originally created internally by Sony Music Entertainment Japan in 1995 as a visual content division and later restructured as a standalone company within the Sony ecosystem.
What’s Aniplex Studio’s Anime List?
Aniplex works with multiple studios to produce anime, particularly its in-house studios A-1 Pictures and CloverWorks. Some major anime associated with these studios under Aniplex’s production include:
- Sword Art Online – A-1 Pictures
- Your Lie in April – A-1 Pictures
- Blue Exorcist – A-1 Pictures
- Lycoris Recoil – A-1 Pictures
- Fate/Grand Order – Absolute Demonic Front: Babylonia – CloverWorks
- Spy x Family – CloverWorks
- The Promised Neverland – CloverWorks
- Horimiya – CloverWorks
- My Dress-Up Darling – CloverWorks
- Erased – A-1 Pictures
These shows reflect Aniplex’s creative leadership, even when third-party studios like Ufotable or Shaft are involved in production.
Who owns Aniplex?
Aniplex is owned by Sony Music Entertainment Japan, which is part of Sony Group Corporation.
Is Aniplex part of Funimation or Crunchyroll?
No. Aniplex operates independently from Crunchyroll (owned by Sony Pictures). However, both are under the broader Sony umbrella and occasionally collaborate.
What is Aniplex’s most profitable project?
Fate/Grand Order is Aniplex’s highest-grossing mobile game and one of its most profitable IPs.