Sony Launches Crunchyroll Storyworks Division to Develop Anime, Live-Action Adaptations in Collaboration With Japanese Creators

Sony‘s anime service Crunchyroll has launched new division Crunchyroll Storyworks, which will be focused on anime and live-action adaptations made in collaboration with Japan’s creative ecosystem.

Led by Sony’s Tohru Iokibe, who most recently oversaw IP acceleration initiatives connecting Sony Pictures and PlayStation Productions, Crunchyroll Storyworks is set to bring together creative partners across Crunchyroll, Aniplex, Japan’s creative community and “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” studio Sony Pictures to develop anime stories for audiences around the world.

Crunchyroll Storyworks was announced by Sony Pictures Entertainment chairman and CEO Ravi Ahuja Wednesday at Sony’s inaugural Crunchyroll Anime Future Forum.

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, per Sony. 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.

Crunchyroll Storyworks boss Iokibe will report to Crunchyroll’s chief content officer Asa Suehira.

“Anime has become a global cultural force because it has been shaped over decades by the creators, studios and publishers who have nurtured and developed its distinctive storytelling and unforgettable characters,” Ahuja said. “As anime grows, we have a responsibility to protect and amplify what makes it special while always keeping creators’ visions at the center. That’s the goal of Storyworks.”

“Anime has captured the imagination of fans around the world because of the extraordinary creativity, originality and boldness of Japanese storytellers,” Suehira added. “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.”

“There is tremendous opportunity in bringing world-class stories, creators and audiences together across cultures and formats,” Iokibe said. “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.”

(Pictured above: Sony Pictures’ “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba Infinity Castle”)