IP platform company COMISMA Inc. (headquartered in Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Koki Sato; hereinafter “COMISMA”) hereby announces that it has entered into an agreement with Azuki Labs (headquartered in Los Angeles, United States; hereinafter “Azuki”) and Xenotoon Inc. (headquartered in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Koichi Kawase; hereinafter “Xenotoon”) to establish Studio Azuki, an animation studio that will be based in the United States. The studio will plan, develop, and produce new original IP and anime versions of existing IP using innovative production methods, and expand its business globally.
Background of establishment of US-based anime studio “Studio Azuki”
COMISMA’s business is centered on IP development, content creation, and platform operation, with a focus on manga and anime.
In the anime domain, Qzil.la, a digital animation studio, has a production system focusing on high-end works, and is also responsible for the production of Azuki’s anime anthology series “Enter The Garden”.
Meanwhile, the expansion of the anime viewing environment to digital platforms and their diverse accessibility have increased new growth opportunities in the Japanese anime industry.
Against this background, COMISMA has agreed to establish a new animation studio, “Studio Azuki”, which aims to serve as a bridge between Japan and overseas markets in order to create a number of hit products that will spread globally.
Our partner company Azuki has a vision of “Anime 2.0”, and in addition to producing new anime, has launched Anime.com, an anime community platform for international audiences, as well as the anime support token “Animecoin”, and its foundation, the “Anime Foundation”. Xenotoon has established a creator-first studio network represented by Gensho Yasuda, in addition to 2D and 3D animation production lines.
Studio Azuki will launch several projects including not only “Azuki” IP but also “GANMA!” works as well as other IP, and start producing them sequentially. COMISMA, in collaboration with its partners, will produce excellent anime works loved by fans around the world through Studio Azuki.
Strategic Partnership with Westbrook Inc.
In conjunction with the studio’s formation, Studio Azuki has entered into a strategic partnership with Westbrook Inc., the global media company founded by Jada Pinkett Smith, Will Smith, Miguel Melendez, and Ko Yada, focused on empowering artists to tell stories that connect the world.. By combining Studio Azuki’s production capabilities with Westbrook’s deep Hollywood network and expertise in global entertainment, the partnership aims to bring next-generation anime content to audiences worldwide.
“At Westbrook, our mission has always been to tell stories that connect, inspire, and transcend borders. Partnering with Studio Azuki is a powerful step in that direction. Their creative vision and cultural insight align seamlessly with our global strategy. Together, we’re excited to identify and develop projects that resonate deeply with audiences around the world, blending authentic storytelling with boundary-pushing innovation.”
Ko Yada, CEO of Westbrook Inc.
Partner Comments
■Koki Sato, CEO of COMISMA Inc.
I’m truly excited to be part of the launch of Studio Azuki. At COMISMA, we have long been guided by our mission to make ‘manga artist’ a dream profession for children. Through trust in creators and strong engagement with fans, we have delivered many successful IPs to the world. With our anime studio Qzil.la focused on high-end anime, we aim to create globally beloved anime titles. I look forward to driving the industry’s growth through Studio Azuki.
■Feb Tea, head of content at Azuki
Producing IP with a “global-first, creator-centric, social media-native approach” is a big step for us toward maximizing the power of creators and building the next generation of anime that directly connects creators and fans. By partnering with COMISMA and Xenotoon, we are combining our quality anime production team and know-how with a new global perspective and technology. This will redefine the way anime is developed, financed, and experienced around the world, and will create new original anime works, stories, and creators for years to come.
■Koichi Kawase, CEO of Xenotoon Inc.
We are thrilled to announce the formation of Studio Azuki alongside such strong partners as Azuki and COMISMA. Our studio has experience across everything from social media-first short-form anime to feature-length theatrical works. From the beginning, our three companies shared a strong vision for the future of anime and entertainment. I believe it was inevitable that we would create a groundbreaking global studio together. This also marks a turning point in realizing our long-held vision to democratize the anime production, funding, and distribution pipeline. We look forward to creating a new chapter in anime history and co-creating titles that will captivate the world.
[For inquiries regarding this matter]
Public Relations, COMISMA Inc.
E-mail：pr@comicsmart.co.jp
