Crunchyroll founders launch AniBiz to centralize fragmented global anime licensing

AniBiz addresses the 'Fragmentation Paradox' where global demand for Japanese IP outpaces the efficiency of traditional, relationship-based licensing. By digitizing rights management, Nakama lowers the barrier for non-endemic brands and regional streamers to enter the anime economy. Historically, licensing required navigating a maze of production committees; AniBiz centralizes this into a single interface. For the broader ecosystem, this signals a shift toward a more transparent, data-driven supply chain similar to mainstream Western film markets. Success here will be measured by whether mid-tier Japanese studios can use the platform to bypass major conglomerates and reach international distributors directly.

The launch of AniBiz comes as the global anime market hits record financial milestones while facing structural pressure inside Japan. Per the Association of Japanese Animations (AJA) in late 2025, the industry reached a record $25.1 billion in 2024, with overseas revenue accounting for 56% of total sales. However, despite this global surge, many Japanese production houses are struggling with costs. A May 2026 report from Tokyo's Official Gazette revealed that Crunchyroll's own Japanese subsidiary saw a 63.4% drop in net profit for 2025, highlighting a growing gap between massive subscriber growth and local production profitability.

To combat these margin pressures and labor shortages, major players are consolidating the supply chain. Per Nikkei Asia in October 2024, Kadokawa and Bandai Namco have aggressively acquired independent studios like Doga Kobo to secure talent and administrative efficiency. Sony has also deepened its integration, using Crunchyroll—which surpassed 21 million paid subscribers by May 2026 according to Sony's FY2025 earnings—as a core driver for its 'Creative Entertainment Vision.' This consolidation makes a neutral B2B marketplace like AniBiz critical for independent licensors who need to compete with the vertical integration of giants like Sony and Netflix.

Streaming now accounts for over 40% of global anime consumption, up from 22% just four years ago, according to February 2026 data from Variety. This shift has turned anime from a niche genre into high-value infrastructure for platforms. Netflix has committed to over 40 original anime titles to sustain its lead, while Sony is leveraging its Hayate production label to feed Crunchyroll’s pipeline. As the industry targets a $130 billion valuation by 2033 under Japan’s 'New Cool Japan Strategy,' the focus is shifting from simple distribution to complex, bundled contracts covering theatrical, digital, and merchandising rights.