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Aniplex of America

From Alfawiki
Aniplex of America
Company typeSubsidiary
IndustryAnime distribution, Entertainment
FoundedMarch 2005; 21 years ago (2005-03)
Headquarters
Santa Monica, California
,
United States
Area served
North America
Key people
Yosuke Kodaka (President)
ProductsAnime distribution, Home video, Streaming licensing, Online store (Aniplex+)
OwnerSony Music Entertainment Japan (via Aniplex)
ParentAniplex
Websitewww.aniplexusa.com

Aniplex of America, also known as Aniplex USA, functions as the American distribution division of Aniplex, a subsidiary under Sony Music Entertainment Japan, and is based in Santa Monica, California. The company’s approach centers on enhancing its parent company’s licensing footprint throughout North America. It manages the English-language Aniplex+ online store and formerly operated the Aniplex Channel streaming platform from 2013 until 2017. While its primary focus is on releasing content within the Americas, certain titles have been distributed internationally via partners such as Anime Limited, MVM Films, Siren Visual, and affiliated entities like Crunchyroll UK and Ireland and Crunchyroll Store Australia.

In North America, home video distribution is managed by its sister company Crunchyroll Store. Streaming rights are commonly licensed to services including Crunchyroll, Disney+, Hulu, and Hidive, with occasional licensing agreements involving Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Max. Previously, their content was available on platforms like Anime Strike, Daisuki, and Funimation prior to those services ceasing operations.

2005–2012: Formation and independent distribution

Founded in March 2005, Aniplex of America initially licensed titles from its Japanese parent through third-party distributors such as Funimation, Bandai Visual, Geneon, ADV Films, NIS America, and Media Blasters. Starting in 2010, the company began releasing titles directly, including the Gurren Lagann films and Durarara!!, with the latter marking its inaugural collaboration with Bang Zoom! Entertainment for English dubbing—a partnership that became standard for future dubbing projects. Additionally, it re-released titles like Read or Die (OVA) and R.O.D the TV, which had previously been licensed by other companies.

The company’s home video products were initially sold through Right Stuf Anime, which eventually became its exclusive distributor for North American home video releases. Streaming efforts commenced with titles such as Oreimo on Anime News Network in 2010, followed by Blue Exorcist on Hulu and Viz Anime's Neon Alley in 2011. That same year witnessed broadcasts on Cartoon Network’s Adult Swim block beginning with Durarara!!, alongside streaming availability on Crackle with Star Driver. In 2012, Aniplex of America broadened its offerings to include non-anime content by releasing Hatsune Miku's concert event Mikunopolis.

2013–present: Growth in streaming and leadership changes

In 2013, Aniplex introduced streaming via their own platform, Aniplex Channel. The English-language version of Aniplex+ was launched in April 2014, followed shortly by streaming availability on Netflix starting with Blue Exorcist. By 2015, the company had expanded streaming partnerships to include Daisuki and Funimation; in 2017, they extended to Anime Strike with titles such as Eromanga Sensei. June 2017 marked their entry into mobile gaming with the English release of the mobile game Fate/Grand Order.

Shu Nishimoto assumed the role of president in August 2017, while former president Hideki "Henry" Goto transitioned to focus on international business development. That same month saw the discontinuation of Aniplex Channel. Later in 2017, exclusive streaming agreements were secured with Verizon's go90 service for series including Anohana and God Eater. Beginning January 2019, Aniplex started streaming content on HIDIVE, debuting with The Promised Neverland.

Key strategic collaborations include a 2019 partnership with Funimation Films to distribute Rascal Does Not Dream of a Dreaming Girl theatrically across North America, followed by a similar theatrical release for Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Mugen Train. In January 2020, Funimation took over dubbing responsibilities for Darwin’s Game, marking a departure from Bang Zoom’s involvement. By May 2020, Funimation collaborated with Aniplex on a standard Blu-ray release of Demon Slayer, while Aniplex titles also began appearing on HBO Max. December 2020 brought a merchandising and licensing agreement with Lucky Helmet Agency for the U.S. launch of Demon Slayer: Mugen Train.

As of August 2021, Yosuke Kodaka holds the presidency at Aniplex of America, steering the company’s continued global expansion and strategic initiatives within the anime sector.

Criticism

During the fifth episode of season two of Kaguya-sama: Love Is War, Aniplex of America amended a subtitle line that mentioned the COVID-19 pandemic following audience input. The original phrase "What's the deal with the social distancing?" was revised to "Why are you so far away from me?"

Catalog

Note: Titles of anime that have received English dubbing from any entity, including Aniplex of America, are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Anime

... [Subsequent entries follow a similar format emphasizing titles, broadcast periods, studios, and relevant licensing or production details]

Video games

Music artists

  • LiSA
  • Mikunopolis in Los Angeles

See also

External links

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