Investment in REMOW Co., Ltd., a Global Distributor of Japanese Media Content- Expand global distribution of anime content and other IP-driven initiatives including merchandise and events -

Sumitomo Corporation (Head Office: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director, President and Chief Executive Officer: Shingo Ueno) has invested in REMOW Co., Ltd., a company affiliated with Shueisha Inc. (Head Office: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President and Representative Director: Shinichi Hirono), that specializes in the global distribution of Japanese media content, particularly anime. Shueisha has also made an additional investment in REMOW.
Through their joint management of REMOW, the two companies aim to expand and enhance the global distribution network for Japanese media content. They will also develop a variety of related businesses targeting the expanded fanbase built through the video works, aiming to maximize the value of Japanese content across multiple platforms that go beyond just video distribution.

The global market for Japanese anime continues to grow rapidly with recent widespread use of video streaming services. In 2022, the market reached a record high of ¥2.9 trillion, doubling from ten years prior. The overseas market accounts for approximately ¥1.5 trillion, nearly half of the total market, and has grown 6-fold.*

However, a major challenge for the Japanese anime industry lies in the lack of a sufficient distribution network to deliver video content to local streaming services around the world. Additionally, the business model for delivering non-video content, such as character merchandise and entertainment facilities outside Japan, is not fully developed, leaving room for further market expansion.

Shueisha has released a wide variety of works throughout its nearly century-long publishing history. Recently, the company has expanded beyond traditional licensing of translations by foreign publishers to global manga distribution. These expertise will be applied to REMOW's global operations, with the aim of further increasing the global popularity of Japanese content.

Sumitomo Corporation has been involved in the film, anime production and distribution business for over 30 years. It also has established networks with many businesses across a wide range of domestic and global sectors, including media, telecommunications and real estate. By using this business infrastructure and its investment in REMOW, Sumitomo Corporation aims to develop a global economic ecosystem encompassing the entire value chain, including content development, production, distribution and licensing such as merchandise and entertainment facilities.

Through expanding the reach of entertainment that resonates deeply with people across the globe, the two companies aim to enrich lifestyles and contribute to the development of the Japanese anime industry.

* Source : Anime Industry Report 2023

REMOW Company Overview