Sony, Mitsui form anime alliance

Sony Pictures Entertainment has teamed with Japanese conglomerate Mitsui, and the pair will jointly run the Animax and Kids Station nets in Japan.

Animax is Sony’s anime channel, and Kids Station is Mitsui’s Japanese net dedicated to the genre with shows including Pokémon and Yo-Kai Watch.

The duo has established AK Holdings to oversee the two-channel JV, with Sony Pictures Entertainment Japan (SPEJ) exec Masao Takiyama overseeing the operation.

SPEJ will be the majority partner.

“Combining the strengths of Sony’s Animax with Mitsui’s Kids Station will allow us to increase our production capacity and reach fans of all ages in Japan and around the world,” said Takiyama.

As well as running the TV channels, AK will stage animation-themed events and operate themed restaurants.

“We are delighted to form this partnership with SPEJ to further accelerate the growth of the both companies,” said Nobuaki Kitamori, from Mitsui’s IT and communication business unit.

“Leveraging the collective capabilities of SPEJ and Mitsui, we will strive to build and grow new businesses around the globe to make continuous contribution to Japanese creative industry.”