Anime for All

Funimation has long had a passion for bringing anime to the masses. Thanks to its merger with Crunchyroll, the company is closer than ever to its goal.

McKenna Morgan

June 2, 2022

"Dragon Ball Super" shoeFunimation

For years, Funimation has been part of a group of anime-providing powerhouses aimed at bestowing the general public with the Japanese medium of entertainment. Funimation has joined a merger that has brought the biggest players in anime under one umbrella. Funimation, which serves anime fans in more than 50 countries and 10 languages, is unifying under the Crunchyroll brand. This move will include Funimation’s subsidiary, Wakanim, as well as

Crunchyroll

’s VRV, to create one sub-scription service for anime fans worldwide.

“Our brands have both been working in the anime space for so long, it was a natural fi t to be able to put fans first, to join forces and build the anime community together,” says Anna Songco Adamian, vice president, licensing and merchandise, Crunchyroll. “For our fans, the merger means being part of a larger community of like-minded friends and fellow super-fans with more anime content in one place. Combining forces allows us to deliver more of what fans love – subs,

dubs, simulcasts, music, movies, manga and consumer products.”

Sony Pictures Entertainment AT&T announced in December 2020 that SPE had completed its acquisition of AT&T’s Crunchy-roll anime business through Funimation Global Group. Now the group is officially adopting the Crunchyroll branding while keeping the essence of Funimation – its properties. “Anime is a rapidly growing medium that enthralls and inspires emotion among audiences around the globe,” says Kenichiro Yoshida, chairman, president and chief executive officer, Sony Group Corporation. “The alignment of Crunchyroll and

Funimation

will enable us to get even closer to the creators and fans who are the heart of the anime community. We look forward to delivering even more outstanding entertain-ment that fi lls the world with emotion through anime.”

Now, anime properties from these platforms are all on one platform. Shows and movies from Funi-mation and Wakanim have arrived on Crunchyroll. “Tokyo Ghoul,” “Yu Yu Hakusho” and “Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation” are all part of the subscription.

Learn more by checking out the May issue of License Global, out now!