Anime studio launches, streaming deal resets: two Japan production stories this week
Pixta relaunches Anipops as a paid AI-anime streaming platform built around a new in-house studio, and HIDIVE signs a multi-year output deal with MBS for exclusive anime rights outside Asia.
13 Aug 2026AI tools cut animation labour, Toei's LED stage goes live
A wave of Japanese startups are putting AI into the most exhausting parts of anime production, Toei's largest LED virtual-production stage nears full operation, and an AI-driven IP licensing tool raises funding.