Direct Distribution of Anime Films Widens in North America
Japanese companies are moving from licensing to direct distribution of anime films in North America to capture a larger share of box office revenue, as the region's market for anime grows.
Reporting from 1 sources: Animenomics.
Japanese film distributor Gaga will directly distribute the Umamusume: Pretty Derby - Beginning of A New Era film in North America starting in February through its Los Angeles office, following a similar move by Toho in 2024. The film, based on Cygames' mobile game franchise, earned ¥1.4 billion (US$8.9 million) in Japan and arrives two years after its domestic debut, as the English-language mobile game gained popularity after winning Best Mobile Game at the Game Awards in December. Gaga aims to replicate the success of its own direct distribution of a concert film by singer Ado across over 300 theaters last year. Meanwhile, MAPPA entered a strategic partnership with Netflix for exclusive distribution of multiple self-produced anime titles, as reported by Nikkei. Edia is ramping up anime production for its own light novel properties, developing at least five new titles for broadcast in 2028 and beyond, up from three in the prior period. The company, which owns publisher Hifumishobo, previously invested small amounts in production committees for Drugstore in Another World and The Aristocrat's Otherworldly Adventure.
Gaga's direct distribution of the Umamusume film follows Toho's 2024 move to distribute Godzilla Minus One directly in North America, after which Toho acquired GKIDS for local distribution expertise. Anime industry journalist Tadashi Sudo noted in Animation Business Journal that large-scale releases require local know-how, posing a high hurdle for Japanese companies. Gaga's parent company Genda plans to promote the film at its 12,000 gaming corners across North America. Separately, MAPPA's partnership with Netflix for exclusive distribution of self-produced titles deepens the studio's studio-led model. Sony Pictures and Netflix also announced a global exclusive first streaming window deal for Sony's feature films, excluding anime distributed by Crunchyroll but potentially including Mamoru Hosoda's Scarlet. Edia's ramp-up in anime production leverages its ownership of light novel publisher Hifumishobo, allowing it to originate properties and invest as a production committee organizer for a greater share of licensing profits.
Synthesized by Yomimono from the 1 cited source below, including Japanese-language reporting where cited, then editorially reviewed before publishing.