The Licensing Letter

anime licensing

‘One Piece’ Returns to Light Up Las Vegas During Licensing Expo 2025

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The popular anime franchise One Piece will once again illuminate the Las Vegas skyline this month as part of a special activation timed with Licensing Expo 2025. Toei Animation just announced that a custom animation celebrating One Piece will be displayed on the Exosphere—the massive LED-covered exterior of the Sphere in Las Vegas—from May … [Read more...] about ‘One Piece’ Returns to Light Up Las Vegas During Licensing Expo 2025

Who’s News: VIZ Media Announces Major Leadership Transition

By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter VIZ Media has shifted Ken Sasaki to the role of chairman and executive advisor and Brad Woods to the role of president and CEO. Previously serving as the company's CEO, Sasaki led VIZ Media's expansion from a specialty publisher into one of the largest distributors of Japanese pop culture content in the West. Under his leadership, VIZ … [Read more...] about Who’s News: VIZ Media Announces Major Leadership Transition

Konami Launches Yu-Gi-Oh Collections in Anime Hotspot France

By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Konami Cross Media has announced several new licensing agreements for the Yu-Gi-Oh! franchise across France and continental Europe. The effort, led by Francoise Bouvet of MJA Licensing, serving as the sub-agent for Yu-Gi-Oh! in France, is headlined by deals with the leading French manufacturer Plastoys, and Paris-based Kettei Art, which … [Read more...] about Konami Launches Yu-Gi-Oh Collections in Anime Hotspot France

Konami Cross Media NY Secures Yu-Gi-Oh! Apparel Deals in ANZ

By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Konami Cross Media NY has signed new Yu-Gi-Oh! licensing partnerships in Australia and New Zealand through its sub-agent Sugoi Co. As the Yu-Gi-Oh! franchise's official sub-agent for the ANZ region, Sugoi Co's Jason Wang has signed three new licensees for the brand that will focus on developing high-quality Yu-Gi-Oh! fashion. These … [Read more...] about Konami Cross Media NY Secures Yu-Gi-Oh! Apparel Deals in ANZ

Members Only: TLL’s Top 8 Licensing Trends for 2025

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The licensing industry is undergoing a period of extremely rapid change, thanks largely to a variety of economic and political factors, but even more to the rapid development of new technologies that have opened up new opportunities for the brand licensing sector. That’s not surprising. Rapid advances in technology always create new … [Read more...] about Members Only: TLL’s Top 8 Licensing Trends for 2025

Yu-Gi-Oh Celebrates the Holidays With Ugly Sweaters

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The Anime brand Yu-Gi-Oh is leaning into the ugly holiday sweater trend in a big way, in partnership with BoxLunch.  The two companies are teaming up to launch an exclusive line of Yu-Gi-Oh apparel, which is now available in BoxLunch stores and at BoxLunch.com. The announcement was made today by Jennifer Coleman, Vice President of … [Read more...] about Yu-Gi-Oh Celebrates the Holidays With Ugly Sweaters

King Ice, Yu-Gi-Oh! and YoungLA Launch Jewelry and Apparel Agreements

By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Konami Cross Media NY has partnered with King Ice and YoungLA for licensed Yu-Gi-Oh! jewelry and apparel inspired by California streetwear and hip hop culture. King Ice is a streetwear-inspired jewelry brand that has launched numerous licensed collections for well-known brands and musicians. This includes collaborations with entertainment IP … [Read more...] about King Ice, Yu-Gi-Oh! and YoungLA Launch Jewelry and Apparel Agreements

Spin Master Named Global Distributor for Punirunes

By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Spin Master has secured a licensing distribution partnership with Takara Tomy for its anime-inspired digital pet brand, Punirunes. As a new licensee for the Punirunes property, Spin Master will expand the digital pet brand's global distribution to reach additional retail markets and consumer demographics. First released in 2021 by the Japanese … [Read more...] about Spin Master Named Global Distributor for Punirunes

Crunchyroll Launches Second Annual Ani-May Celebration Event

By Allison WatkinsonTLL ReporterCrunchyroll is launching its second annual Ani-May event with licensing activations across retail, digital and streaming platforms. These activations will include exclusive anime merchandise drops and promotions at retailers across the United States, Canada, Brazil and EMEA.Throughout the month of May, fans can expect a wide range of officially … [Read more...] about Crunchyroll Launches Second Annual Ani-May Celebration Event