Azuki, COMISMA, and Xenotoon have launched a new anime studio called Studio Azuki, based in the United States. The studio aims to develop, produce, and distribute original anime titles and adaptations worldwide. Its goal is also to combine Japanese anime expertise with international creators and fans.
Azuki began as an NFT project and has worked to combine anime, blockchain, and social media. The new studio is a joint venture with COMISMA Inc. (CEO: Koki Sato), known for operating the manga app GANMA! and its animation studio Qzil.la, and Xenotoon Inc. (CEO: Koichi Kawase), which has a 2D/3D production pipeline and a network of independent creators.
Studio Azuki is meant to build on Azuki’s past initiatives such as:
- Enter The Garden (an anthology series)
- Anime.com
- Contributions to the Animecoin Foundation
The studio plans to explore how blockchain can affect anime financing, production, and distribution.
Statements from Founders
Feb Tea, Head of Content at Azuki Labs, said:
“With a global-first, creator-centric, and social-native approach, Studio Azuki is our bold step toward building the next generation of anime, one that empowers creators and connects directly with fans. By joining forces with COMISMA and Xenotoon, we’re combining deep, authentic anime production expertise with fresh creative energy and global perspective. Together, we can redefine how anime is developed, financed, and experienced around the world, with new original anime titles, stories, and creators for years to come.”
Koki Sato, CEO of COMISMA Inc., said:
“I’m truly excited to be part of the launch of Studio Azuki. At COMISMA, we have long been guided by our mission to make ‘manga artist’ a dream profession for children. Through trust in creators and strong engagement with fans, we have delivered many successful IPs to the world. With our anime studio Qzil.la focused on high-end anime, we aim to create globally beloved anime titles. I look forward to driving the industry’s growth through Studio Azuki.”
Koichi Kawase, CEO of Xenotoon Inc., said:
“We are thrilled to announce the formation of Studio Azuki alongside such strong partners as Azuki and COMISMA. Our studio has experience across everything from social media-first short-form anime to feature-length theatrical works. From the beginning, our three companies shared a strong vision for the future of anime and entertainment. I believe it was inevitable that we would create a groundbreaking global studio together. This also marks a turning point in realizing our long-held vision to democratize the anime production, funding, and distribution pipeline. We look forward to creating a new chapter in anime history and co-creating titles that will captivate the world.”
Partnership with Westbrook Inc.
Studio Azuki has also entered a strategic partnership with Westbrook Inc., a U.S.-based media company founded by Jada Pinkett Smith, Will Smith, Miguel Melendez, and Ko Yada. The partnership will combine Studio Azuki’s anime production capabilities with Westbrook’s experience in global entertainment.
Ko Yada, CEO of Westbrook Inc., said:
“At Westbrook, our mission has always been to tell stories that connect, inspire, and transcend borders. Partnering with Studio Azuki is a powerful step in that direction. Their creative vision and cultural insight align seamlessly with our global strategy. Together, we’re excited to identify and develop projects that resonate deeply with audiences around the world, blending authentic storytelling with boundary-pushing innovation.”
Source: Press Release, Official Website
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