Sony Group announced on Thursday that it aims to use cutting-edge technology to strengthen its anime business and make it a major source of revenue after games, music and movies.
Sony Group President Kenichiro Yoshida spoke about the company’s strategic direction at a briefing held in Tokyo on the 23rd. (Kyodo News) ==Kyodo News
The electronics and entertainment conglomerate said it will introduce newly developed animation creation software and use artificial intelligence to improve production efficiency and improve the quality of its titles.
The Tokyo-based company said it would also seek to improve working conditions for creators. As anime continues to grow in popularity around the world thanks to hit works such as “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba,” produced by Sony subsidiary Aniplex, the anime industry is facing a serious labor shortage.
“Animation has grown from a once niche genre into world-class entertainment,” CEO Kenichiro Yoshida said at a news conference in Tokyo. “We want to contribute to the industry.”
Sony will use Aniplex and U.S.-based anime distribution company Crunchyroll LLC to expand its anime business. It was acquired by Sony in 2021 while developing new technologies such as 3D content.
Yoshida said, “I want to deliver more Japanese anime overseas.”
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