Aniplex, Inc. is a Japanese entertainment company that is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony Music Entertainment Japan. Founded in September 1995, the company is responsible for the planning, production, and distribution of anime series, which includes original works and those based on licensed intellectual properties (IPs). It also engages in related multimedia initiatives. Its name is a possible portmanteau
of Anime and Complex.
Aniplex's operations encompass the development and distribution of theatrical films, video games, and merchandise associated with its media franchises. It also releases home media, produces original soundtracks, and organizes events such as musicals, stage performances, and promotional concerts. The company manages copyrights and licensing agreements, and operates an e-commerce platform, Aniplex Online, through which it sells products directly to consumers.
While Aniplex operates globally, it maintains two main regional branches: Aniplex of America, headquartered in Santa Monica, California, and Aniplex China, based in Shanghai. Together with its sister company Sony Pictures, Aniplex co-owns Crunchyroll, LLC, which operates an eponymous streaming service with 21 million paid subscribers.
Aniplex has produced numerous notable anime series such as Fullmetal Alchemist, Gurren Lagann, Monogatari Series, Puella Magi Madoka Magica, Fate Series, Sword Art Online and Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba. It also operates and publishes the mobile game Fate/Grand Order.
Aniplex is a member of Association of Japanese Animations (AJA), a regular member of the Computer Entertainment Supplier's Association (CESA), a supporting member of the Recording Industry Association of Japan (RIAJ), and a member of the Japan Video Software Association (JVA).
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History
Aniplex was established in September 1995 as a subsidiary of Sony Pictures Entertainment Japan under the name SPE Music Publishing. In January 1997, following an investment made by Sony Music Entertainment Japan, it was renamed SPE Visual Works. In January 1998, it became a joint venture between SPEJ and SMEJ, inheriting Sony Music Group video productions, with the exception of SMEJ artists' music videos.
On January 1, 2001, the company became a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony Music Entertainment Japan and adopted the name SME Visual Works. It rebranded as Aniplex on April 1, 2003, a name derived from the concept of "a complex of rights business derived from animation."
In 2004, Aniplex launched the Sugi Label in collaboration with composer Koichi Sugiyama, who is known for the Dragon Quest series soundtracks. The label was sold to King Records in 2009.
In March 2005, Aniplex established Aniplex of America, a subsidiary based in Santa Monica, California, to support licensing and distribution in English-speaking territories across North and South America. On May 9, 2005, the company founded A-1 Pictures, initially tasked with producing family-oriented series. A1 Pictures has since expanded to a broader range of animation projects.
On March 20, 2015, Aniplex and German distributor Peppermint Enterprises announced the establishment of Peppermint Anime GmbH, a joint venture aimed at expanding Japanese anime distribution in German-speaking countries. In April 2015, Aniplex also became the largest shareholder in French streaming service Wakanim, to strengthen its presence in Europe.
On January 6, 2017, Sony Music Entertainment Japan announced the launch of Sacra Music, a new label specializing in anison music. On April 1, 2017, 14 artists transferred to Sacra Music from other Sony Music Group labels, including Aniplex-affiliated artists LiSA, Kana Hanazawa, and TrySail. In collaboration with Aniplex, Sacra Music aims to strengthen its overseas expansion efforts and promote its artists' activities on a global scale by participating in events and holding overseas concerts.
Aniplex Online Fest
Aniplex held its first Aniplex Online Fest on July 4–5, 2020, to celebrate its anime projects, panels with staff and cast members, and musical performances. Sally Amaki of 22/7 (Nanabun no Nijūni) served as emcee for the English version, streaming worldwide on YouTube. A Chinese podcast was available on Bilibili.
After the inaugural event, which garnered over 800,000 global views, Aniplex announced the return of Aniplex Online Fest on July 3, 2021. The 2021 lineup included updates on Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, Sword Art Online Progressive: Aria of a Starless Night, and Fate/Grand Order with musical performances by Aimer, ClariS, LiSA, ReoNa, and SawanoHiroyuki[nZk]. Sally Amaki returned to host the show alongside Maxwell Powers.
On September 9, 2023, Aniplex announced the return of Aniplex Online Fest. The participating lineup included ATRI – My Dear Moments, Black Butler, UniteUp!, Solo Leveling, Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Swordsman Romantic Story, Mashle: Magic and Muscles with voice cast members Hikaru Akao, Kaito Ishikawa, Reiji Kawashima, Tomori Kusunoki, Yurika Kubo, Chiaki Kobayashi, and Soma Saito alongside MC&DJ Sally Amaki, Yoshida, and DJ Kazu.
Anime productions
Aniplex has been involved in the production and distribution of the following anime series.
Live-action productions
Aniplex entered the live-action field after acquiring Origamix Partners in 2023 and reorganizing it as Myriagon Studio. Their first launch, Kokuho (2025), became a notable success, becoming the highest-grossing live-action film in Japan.