Anime Producers Build In-House Film Distribution Systems
Anime production companies are moving away from relying on legacy theatrical distributors like Toho, Shochiku, and Toei, instead forming their own domestic film distribution systems to retain a larger share of box office earnings. This week, Sony-owned Aniplex and publishing giant Kadokawa announced a joint venture called Animec for anime film distribution and promotion. The following day, Bandai Namco Filmworks established a new film distribution division, building on early success with the short film "Milky Subway: The Galactic Limited Express," which opened in fourth place at the Japanese box office last month despite screening in only 73 theaters and has earned over ¥400 million (US$2.5 million) domestically. Bandai Namco Filmworks also plans to use its distribution expertise to redistribute older films in its catalog. The shift comes as anime's fourteen highest-grossing films in 2025 earned a cumulative ¥90.1 billion (US$573 million) at the Japanese box office, with at least half of that going to distributors.