NYCC ‘26: Sony launches Crunchyroll Storyworks to expand anime’s reach

Sony Pictures Entertainment unveiled a new division of its anime subsidiary, Crunchyroll, called Crunchyroll Storyworks.

Crunchyroll Storyworks will operate within Crunchyroll's content group, with a two-part mandate: turn global stories into anime, and turn Japanese anime into live-action projects. The unit will also develop greenlight-ready projects for HAYATE, Crunchyroll's joint venture with Aniplex.

Leading Crunchyroll Storyworks is 25-year Sony Corp veteran, Tohru Iokibe, who most recently ran IP initiatives linking SPE and PlayStation Productions. He'll report to Asa Suehira, Crunchyroll Chief Content Officer, who pitched Storyworks as a creative bridge between Japan and storytellers worldwide.

The new division "will fuel and strengthen collaboration with Japan’s creative ecosystem," according to Sony's official press release, which goes on to describe exactly what Crunchyroll Storyworks is:

Crunchyroll Storyworks will adapt global stories into anime, and Japanese anime into live action, partnering closely with Japanese creators to preserve and center the original creative vision. The division will operate within Crunchyroll’s content group and expand the pipeline of high-quality, greenlight-ready projects for HAYATE, Crunchyroll’s joint venture with Aniplex. 

The launch caps a five-year Sony push on the medium. Sony Pictures closed its $1.2 billion acquisition of Crunchyroll in 2021, combining it with its Funimation anime outfit to create a dominant player in the burgeoning world of anime. Crunchyroll’s streaming service and its related suite of anime, merchandise, events, and manga have continued to grow, surpassing 21 million subscribers this year, per Deadline.

The news broke Wednesday at the Crunchyroll Anime Future Forum at North Javits Center in Manhattan, on the eve of New York Comic Con. SPE CEO Ravi Ahuja framed the creation of Storyworks as a social responsibility. He said that, as the anime industry grows, “we have a responsibility to protect and amplify what makes it special while always keeping creators’ visions at the center."

That pledge isn't throwaway. Storyworks will collaborate directly with Japanese creators, a notable promise. Iokibe drove home that point, saying the best adaptations start with respect for the source material.

“There is tremendous opportunity in bringing world-class stories, creators, and audiences together across cultures and formats,” said Iokibe. “The best adaptations begin with respect for the original work, and it’s a privilege to help these exceptional stories reach even more fans around the world.”

“Anime has captured the imagination of fans around the world because of the extraordinary creativity, originality, and boldness of Japanese storytellers,” added Suehira. “Storyworks will build a creative bridge between Japan and storytellers around the world – one that protects what makes these stories distinctive while creating new possibilities for creators and new ways for fans to experience the stories they love.”

Source: SPE PR, Deadline