 CyberAgent has launched a new animation studio called Studio Kurm, marking another step in the company's growing commitment to anime production. Led by veteran producer Maiko Okada—known for her work on titled such as Koutetsujou no Kabaneri (Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress) and Ousama Ranking (Ranking of Kings)—the Tokyo-based studio will handle both original projects and adaptations, further strengthening CyberAgent's presence in Japan's fast-expanding animation industry. The establishment of Studio Kurm comes as part of CyberAgent's broader push into anime, a field that has become increasingly competitive as global demand continues to rise. By bringing production resources in-house, the company aims to gain greater control over scheduling, creative output, and the long-term development of intellectual property. This approach mirrors a wider industry trend in which major Japanese companies are investing directly in animation studios to counter persistent bottlenecks in production capacity. Okada emphasized that the studio's mission is to "maximize the value of creators," offering younger talent greater opportunities and fairer returns while exploring new forms of animation expression. She also noted growing concerns over worsening production conditions across the industry, underscoring the need for systemic change to ensure anime can continue to be produced at scale. As part of this creator-focused strategy, Studio Kurm will welcome acclaimed animator Yoshimichi Kameda, best known for his work on Mob Psycho 100, as creative lead in January 2026. By combining top creative talent with CyberAgent's technical and business resources, the company intends to establish new production methods while expanding its global reach. This move follows the launch of another studio earlier in 2025: CA Soa, founded in January under the leadership of Masakazu Ogawa, a veteran producer formerly with Bandai Namco Filmworks (formerly Sunrise). Based in Tokyo's Nerima ward, a hub for animation studios, CA Soa is focused on anime planning and production. The appointment of Ogawa, known for spearheading projects such as Kidou Senshi Gundam AGE (Mobile Suit Gundam AGE) and Kidou Senshi Gundam: Tekketsu no Orphans (Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans), underscores the company's strategy of anchoring its expansion with proven creative leaders. CyberAgent's investment in Studio Kurm builds on nearly a decade of involvement in the anime industry, beginning with the CA-Cygames Anime Fund in 2017 and the creation of its Animation & IP Division in February 2024, which consolidated the company's efforts in IP development, anime production, merchandising, and global expansion. With the anime market experiencing unprecedented growth worldwide, CyberAgent stated that the new studio aims to both address production challenges and establish a sustainable environment for creators. Already operating CygamesPictures within its group, CyberAgent sees Studio Kurm as a further reinforcement of its anime business strategy. The company views the launch not only as an investment in artistic innovation but also as a long-term commitment to the industry's future growth. Studio official site: https://studiokurm.com/ Studio official X: @StudioKurm Source: Branc, Otaku Souken |
VindstotOct 4, 9:29 AM
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| It's great seeing new animation companies being formed, unlike here in the US. ;_; |
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| Also, I'm not sure if it was posted before, but CyberAgent America started a partnership with MyAnimeList this year, using its data for anime marketing and promotion, as well as monitoring indicators like score trends as feedback. https://www.cyberagent.co.jp/news/detail/id%3D31490 |
| Looks like CyberAgent will be next big anime Production company besides Aniplex, Kadokawa & Toho Animation. |
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Temperanced said: Don't think they are quite there yet.Looks like CyberAgent will be next big anime Production company besides Aniplex, Kadokawa & Toho Animation. There's still Bandai Namco |
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Reply to MadanielFL
Temperanced said:
Looks like CyberAgent will be next big anime Production company besides Aniplex, Kadokawa & Toho Animation.
Don't think they are quite there yet.Looks like CyberAgent will be next big anime Production company besides Aniplex, Kadokawa & Toho Animation.
There's still Bandai Namco
| @MadanielFL Yeah kinda forgot about Bandai, But with how many IPs Bandai has destroyed with mismanagement/bad scheduling(OPM, Blue Lock S2, TOG S2) I think they should not be given chance to be a lead producer in any popular IPs |
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Temperanced said: The Gundam franchise is still going strong, that's enough to keep them as one of the top.I think they should not be given chance to be a lead producer in any popular IPs |
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| I'm glad that this will give Cygames Pictures much needed support when it comes to anime production. |
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