Top Deals in Japanese Animation
Every edition, we bring you trends on content demand trends within our industry. Vitrina tracks transactions across IP-Development, Production, Distribution, Acquisition and Collaborations from 60+ markets. This gives us the best global scan and understanding of what contents hot and what’s not.
In this edition, besides our usual fare of latest Production Financing, Distribution and Acquisition trends, we have an additional attraction –JAPANESE ANIMATION!
At 82, Japanese animation icon Hayao Miyazaki secured his first Golden Globe Award for “The Boy and the Heron.” This win is a milestone as it’s the first time a non-English animated feature has clinched a Golden Globe. The film, touted as Miyazaki’s farewell project, faced tough competition from Disney productions like “Wish” and “Elemental” in the animated feature category. After coming out of retirement, Miyazaki dedicated seven years to directing and crafting the screenplay for this memorable film.
Japanese animations have been making waves in recent times, captivating global audiences with their unique storytelling and visually stunning artistry. The industry has witnessed a surge in diverse themes, pushing boundaries beyond traditional genres. Studio Ghibli, led by visionary creators like Hayao Miyazaki, continues to set high standards with enchanting tales that resonate across cultures.
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Japanese Animation Special
WEBINAR: Animation Content Acquisition Strategies
Join us for a live session on tracking global production, distribution and acquisition deals in Animation. Get to know strategies employed by acquisition execs to license some of the best animation content from around the world.
Japanese Animation Special
Studio Ghibli, renowned for its exceptional storytelling and artistic brilliance, has crafted a diverse array of Japanese animation content that appeals to a broad and varied audience. The studio’s impressive portfolio encompasses a spectrum of genres, showcasing their versatility and ability to resonate with viewers from different walks of life.
From enchanting fantasy worlds like Oscar winning “Spirited Away” and “Howl’s Moving Castle” to poignant tales like “Grave of the Fireflies” that tug at the heartstrings, Studio Ghibli seamlessly navigates through various genres. Whether it’s the whimsical adventures of “My Neighbor Totoro” or the introspective narratives found in “Princess Mononoke,” the studio has demonstrated a remarkable ability to create captivating stories that transcend age, cultural backgrounds, and preferences.
Japanese Animation Special

Animated Feature Film
The Boy and the Heron (Book Adaptation – Scripted)
Movie | 2023 | 2h 4m
Japanese Animation adventure drama
Country of origin:Japan
Also known as: 君たちはどう生きるか
While the Second World War rages, the teenage Mahito, haunted by his mother’s tragic death, is relocated from Tokyo to the serene rural home of his new stepmother Natsuko, a woman who bears a striking resemblance to the boy’s mother. As he tries to adjust, this strange new world grows even stranger following the appearance of a persistent gray heron, who perplexes and bedevils Mahito, dubbing him the ‘long-awaited one.’
Japanese Animation Special
Acquisition teams, aiming to secure licensing rights for ‘The Boy and The Heron,’ here are global distribution rights holders for specific territories. Navigate your acquisition process seamlessly by gaining insights and strategic support from Avails Helpdesk at Vitrina. Our professional team can assist you in securing rights for your markets.
Japanese Animation Special
Which Japanese animation titles have been popular with streamers and broadcasters? Click on the link to see the full list
Worldwide Reach – 38 Platforms
(Platforms including Netflix, Prime Video, Hulu and more)
Worldwide Reach – 31 Platforms
(Platforms including Netflix, Prime Video, ABC and more)
Worldwide Reach – 27 Platforms
(Platforms including Tubi, Hulu, Netflix and more)
Japanese Animation Special
Every year, many animation titles get licensed, and some companies stand out in this field. Vitrina keeps an eye on these deals as they happen. This way, you can connect with the best in the business to get new animation titles. If you specialise in Japanese animations, it’s important to know about these companies.
Japanese Animation Special
Who are the largest producers for Japanese animations? From our daily monitoring of content production deals, we are able to create lists of the largest buyers for every genre, language and country.
Japanese Animation Special
Let’s take a look at some of the most notable titles in Japanese animations being acquired globally.
Japanese Animation Special
The Demon Sword Master of Excalibur Academy
TV Series | 2023 | TV-14 | 1 Season
Japanese – Animation · Comedy · Action & Adventure – Scripted
Country of origin: Japan
Awakening from magical stasis after a thousand years, the Dark Lord Leonis suddenly finds himself in the body of a ten-year-old boy! He quickly meets Riselia, a girl confronting the Voids, creatures that have nearly exterminated humanity. Determined to uncover the mysteries of this strange new era, Leonis enrolls in Excalibur Academy, a school that trains students to fight back against these enigmatic monsters. Could the Voids hold some connection to Leonis’s past?
A Sign of Affection
TV Series | 2024 | 1 Seasons
Japanese Animation · Comedy · Drama
Returning Series – Scripted
Country of origin: Japan
Yuki Itose is just a typical student dealing with the pressures of college. She is struggling one day on the train when an upperclassman named Itsuomi Nagi helps her out. As he gradually opens a new world to her, Yuki develops feelings for Itsuomi. A pure love story begins to grow.
SPY x FAMILY CODE: White
Movie | 2023 | 1h 50m
Japanese – Animation · Comedy · Adventure – Scripted
Country of origin: Japan
Also known as:
劇場版 SPY×FAMILY CODE: White
After receiving an order to be replaced in Operation Strix, Loid decides to help Anya win a cooking competition at Eden Academy by making the principal’s favorite meal in order to prevent his replacement. The Forgers decide to travel to the region where the meal originates, but accidentally set off a chain of events which could put the world’s peace at risk.
Japanese Animation Special
Origin (Graphic Novel Adaptation)
Kodansha signed a IP & Development deal with Majestic Limited for Origin
Gundam: Requiem for Vengeance for Global
Sand Land: The Series and Sand Land
Animation Special
WEBINAR: Animation Content Acquisition Strategies
Join us for a live session on tracking global production, distribution and acquisition deals in Animation. Get to know strategies employed by acquisition execs to license some of the best animation content from around the world.
Our weekly global scan of new Productions getting greenlit/ financed as well as high-demand content and IP being acquired from around the world.
Our “High-Demand Content” lists are based on following dealmakers – thousands of leaders in Content Acquisition for every major and minor streamer, broadcaster and distributor. We follow their actions individually as well as cumulatively to understand global demand. We call this approach “Collective Wisdom of Content Curators“. Read more about our methodology.
Captains of the World
Netflix signed a production deal with Fulwell 73 for Captains of the World