Sony Group to expand anime business as primary source of revenue

Sony Group Corp. announced on Thursday its plans to enhance its animation business by leveraging its cutting-edge technologies, with the goal of making it a major revenue source alongside its gaming, music, and movie divisions. The company’s CEO, Kenichiro Yoshida, presented this strategic direction during a briefing in Tokyo on May 23, 2024.

The conglomerate shared that it will be implementing newly-developed animation creation software and utilizing artificial intelligence to increase production efficiency and improve the quality of its titles. Sony also aims to address the labor shortage in the industry by focusing on improving working conditions for creators, especially in light of the global popularity of animations like “Demon Slayer,” produced by Sony’s Aniplex Inc. unit.

During a press conference in Tokyo, CEO Kenichiro Yoshida emphasized how animation has evolved from a niche genre to a world-class form of entertainment, and Sony’s commitment to contributing to the industry. Sony plans to expand its animation business by leveraging Aniplex and Crunchyroll LLC, a U.S.-based animation distributor acquired by Sony in 2021, as well as developing new technologies like 3D content to deliver more Japanese animations to international audiences.

Overall, Sony Group Corp. is dedicated to growing its animation business and solidifying its presence in the global entertainment market, in line with its overarching strategic goals and company vision.