Japanese publisher Shogakukan and leading trading company Marubeni have announced the creation of a new joint venture, MAG.NET Corporation, to expand the global reach of Japanese manga and anime.

The new venture aims to leverage the growing global popularity of manga and anime to create new sales channels and combat the proliferation of pirated content.

The formation of MAG.NET comes in response to the rapid growth of the manga and anime industry and the growing global demand for these Japanese cultural exports.

Despite its popularity, the industry faces significant challenges in establishing robust sales channels and distribution networks outside Japan.

“Japanese content is loved beyond borders. While digital sales channels have expanded in recent years, the desires of fans around the world to get the real thing immediately and see, touch, and own it in person remain unmet. That's why we're working with the Japanese content industry to deliver manga, anime, and merchandise to fans in Japan and abroad seamlessly, maintaining trust and making shopping fun. We believe this is the role and mission that MAG.NET aims to achieve.“

According to Shogakukan and Marubeni, the lack of direct overseas sales outlets and distribution networks led to lost opportunities and fueled the spread of pirated products.

MAG.NET's core business will focus on selling manga, anime, and related products. The company aims to establish a system for delivering legitimate products, thereby increasing sales and profits while also addressing the issue of pirated goods.

In addition, the company will also pursue business in areas such as digital content, utilizing the latest technology.

Shogakukan will play a key role in attracting other companies in the publishing and anime industries. Additionally, MAG.NET will collaborate with Tokyo Otaku Mode, a Shogakukan group company, to streamline product distribution.

Marubeni and its subsidiary, Marubeni Forest Linx, will develop domestic and international retail outlets and distribution networks, laying the foundation for the infrastructure needed to distribute Japanese content globally.

Source: Animation business