In the anime sector, each season brings with it a wide variety of new series, and one genre that is never lacking is “isekai”. This genre, which involves stories of characters who are transported to alternate worlds, has gained steady popularity and remains a safe bet for producers. From the classic “reincarnation” narratives that begin with “one day, suddenly, an accident happened” to the more recent and popular “villain” stories, isekai is present in many of the new series premiering this summer.

A notable characteristic of isekai is that many of these stories originate from online novel publishing sites such as “Shousetsuka ni Narou,” which has earned them the name “narou-kei.” An important player in this phenomenon is the publisher AlphaPolis.

AlphaPolis, founded in 2000 and listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange's growth market, specializes in publishing popular works that have emerged on the Internet. The company operates a web platform where any user can publish and register their novels or manga. This strategy has allowed AlphaPolis to become a reference in the publishing of online bestsellers.

Currently, three of its franchises, “Tsukimichi: Moonlight Fantasy (Tsuki ga Michibiku Isekai Douchuu)”, “THE NEW GATE” and “Re:Monster“are streaming their anime adaptations, demonstrating the publisher’s ability to bring works from digital format to the mainstream.

In its 2023 financial report, AlphaPolis announced revenue growth for the seventh consecutive year and surpassed 10 billion yen in sales for the first time. Although operating profit decreased due to higher production costs and changes in royalty rates, sales exceeded expectations with an increase of 11.3%. This growth is attributed to an increase in the number of publications, expansion strategies, and the effects of adapting its works into anime.

When breaking down revenue by media type, digital books accounted for approximately 80% of sales, far outpacing print media. For example, the “Tsukimichi: Moonlit Fantasy” franchise has sold a total of 4.4 million copies, with a first print run of 97,000 copies.

AlphaPolis plans to significantly increase its investment in anime production with the goal of increasing profits in this sector twentyfold by 2030. Currently, six of his series are scheduled to be adapted into anime. Among them are “Isekai Yururi Kikou: Raising Children and Being an Adventurer“, which will premiere in July on TV Tokyo, and “Goodbye, Dragon Life (Sayounara Ryuusei, Konnichiwa Jinsei)”, to be broadcast in October on TBS.

With these efforts, AlphaPolis aims to consolidate its position as a comprehensive publisher.discovering and producing hits that capture the attention of a global audience.

Source: Otaku Souken