JAKKS Pacific and KODANSHA Ltd. Announce New Partnership to Release an Array of Toys and Collectibles Across Multiple Anime Properties, Including Attack on Titan and Gachiakuta
MWN-AI** Summary
JAKKS Pacific, Inc. (NASDAQ: JAKK), a prominent global toy manufacturer, has announced an exciting new partnership with KODANSHA Ltd., a prestigious Japanese publishing company renowned for its diverse range of manga and anime titles. This collaboration aims to create and release a comprehensive array of toys, collectibles, and accessories inspired by well-loved anime series, including the iconic "Attack on Titan" and the emerging hit "Gachiakuta."
Under this licensing agreement, JAKKS Pacific plans to leverage KODANSHA’s rich library of globally recognized properties to develop a variety of products that cater to both dedicated collectors and mainstream consumers. The anticipated product lineup features a range of figures, plush toys, and tech accessories, which will be distributed through specialty retail channels, online platforms, and major retailers to maximize consumer reach.
Ariana Berman, Senior Director of the Anime Division at JAKKS Pacific, expressed enthusiasm about partnering with KODANSHA, emphasizing their immense legacy and the emotional connections their stories create with fans. She highlighted the goal of translating these connections into authentic, collectible products.
Yuichiro Takashima from KODANSHA echoed her sentiments, praising JAKKS Pacific’s proven ability to transform beloved brands into high-quality consumer offerings. With "Attack on Titan" achieving over 140 million copies sold globally and "Gachiakuta" rapidly gaining popularity since its 2022 serialization and 2025 anime adaptation, this partnership promises to engage fans in new and exciting ways.
This collaboration marks a strategic step for JAKKS Pacific as they further expand their presence in the anime market, emphasizing their commitment to creating impactful products that resonate with audiences worldwide.
MWN-AI** Analysis
The recent partnership between JAKKS Pacific, Inc. (NASDAQ: JAKK) and KODANSHA Ltd. presents an exciting opportunity in the toy and collectibles market, particularly in the booming anime sector. This collaboration leverages the immense popularity of KODANSHA's titles, such as *Attack on Titan* and *Gachiakuta*, to create an expansive line of merchandise that is anticipated to resonate strongly with both collectors and broader retail audiences.
From a financial analysis perspective, JAKKS Pacific is well-positioned for growth due to this partnership. The anime market has seen notable expansion in recent years, driven by the surge in streaming services and an increasingly engaged fanbase. The combination of JAKKS’ established prowess in product development and KODANSHA’s rich library of beloved properties allows for the creation of high-quality collectibles that can attract both traditional toy buyers and dedicated anime enthusiasts.
Investors should consider the potential revenue streams from diverse distribution channels, including specialty retailers, direct-to-consumer platforms, and major retail chains. The rollout strategy, which includes exclusive products for collector-focused platforms, could drive robust sales, particularly during key consumer seasons.
However, potential risks include market saturation and competition from other toy manufacturers capitalizing on anime trends. JAKKS must ensure that its product quality stands out in a crowded marketplace to maintain consumer interest and loyalty.
Overall, this partnership marks a strategic move for JAKKS. Investors could view this as a pivotal point for the company to enhance its market share in the collectibles segment, positioning itself favorably as the anime craze continues to grow globally. Therefore, maintaining a close eye on product launches, sales performance, and consumer trends within the anime community will be crucial over the coming quarters.
**MWN-AI Summary and Analysis is based on asking OpenAI to summarize and analyze this news release.
SANTA MONICA, Calif., March 04, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- JAKKS Pacific, Inc. (NASDAQ: JAKK), a leading global manufacturer of toys and consumer products, today announced a new licensing partnership with KODANSHA Ltd., the iconic Japanese publishing house behind globally beloved manga and anime titles, to design, manufacture, market, and sell a wide-ranging collection of toys, collectibles, and accessories inspired by select KODANSHA Ltd. anime properties.
Under the agreement, JAKKS will develop a full collection inspired by the beloved series Attack on Titan and the hit first season of Gachiakuta. The partnership marks an expanded push by JAKKS into anime-driven products, with offerings designed for both core collectors and broad retail audiences.
The lineup will include a wide assortment of figures, plush, and tech accessories, with a distribution roll out across specialty and online retailers, direct-to-consumer channels, and collector-focused platforms, with select products also available at major retailers.
“As JAKKS continues to build a focused anime portfolio, KODANSHA stands out as a partner with an extraordinary legacy and a deep roster of globally recognized properties,” said Ariana Berman, Senior Director of Anime Division at JAKKS Pacific. “Their compelling library connects emotionally with fans, and our goal is to translate that connection into products that feel authentic, collectible, and accessible across multiple retail outlets.”
“JAKKS has a proven track record of translating beloved brands into high-quality consumer products that resonate with audiences around the world,” said Yuichiro Takashima of KODANSHA Ltd. “Through this collaboration, we can bring Attack on Titan and Gachiakuta directly into the hands of fans, offering new ways to engage with these worlds beyond the page and the screen.”
For decades, KODANSHA Ltd has nurtured a dynamic roster of artists and collaborators across genres, building a legacy of inspired voices, narratives and platforms. Attack on Titan remains one of the best-selling manga series of the last decade, with over 140 million copies in circulation worldwide and a lasting legacy across print and animated media. Gachiakuta, first serialized in Kodansha’s Weekly Sh?nen Magazine in 2022, has quickly built a dedicated following and expanded its reach with a 2025 anime adaptation that brings its distinctive world and characters to screens worldwide.
JAKKS Pacific, Inc. is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of toys and consumer products sold throughout the world, with its headquarters in Santa Monica, California. JAKKS Pacific manages a broad portfolio of licensed and owned I.P. brands and products. All products are available online or in retail stores nationwide.
Media Contact:
JAKKS Pacific
Jessica Kavanaugh
publicrelations@jakks.net
About KODANSHA Ltd.:
Founded in 1909, KODANSHA is Japan’s leading publishing house, home to one of the world’s most extensive and celebrated libraries of manga and novels.
Publishing across 40+ countries, it has over 4,000 titles and decades of experience nurturing deep working relationships with a dynamic roster of renowned authors.
In addition to the influential Akira and Attack on Titan, KODANSHA’s globally popular manga titles include Tokyo Revengers, Blue Lock, The Kindaichi Case Files, Initial D, The Seven Deadly Sins, and That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime, selling over half a billion copies among them. KODANSHA is headquartered in Tokyo, with additional offices in China, Europe, and the United States.
About JAKKS Pacific, Inc.:
JAKKS Pacific, Inc. is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of toys and consumer products sold throughout the world, with its headquarters in Santa Monica, California. JAKKS Pacific’s popular proprietary brands include Disguise®, Fly Wheels®, Charming™, Kidtopia™, Moose Mountain®, Maui®, ReDo® Skateboard Co., Sky Ball®, and Xtreme Power Dozer® as well as a wide range of entertainment-inspired products featuring premier licensed properties. Through their products and charitable donations, JAKKS is helping to make a positive impact on the lives of children. Visit us at www.jakks.com and follow us on Instagram (@jakkspacific.toys), X (@jakkstoys), YouTube (@JAKKSPacific), Facebook (@jakkspacific.toys) and LinkedIn (JAKKS Pacific).
©2026 JAKKS Pacific, Inc. All rights reserved
FAQ**
How might the licensing partnership between JAKKS Pacific Inc. JAKK and KODANSHA Ltd. impact JAKKS's revenue growth in the anime toy market over the next few years?
What specific strategies will JAKKS Pacific Inc. JAKK implement to engage both core collectors and broader retail audiences with their new anime-inspired product line?
Given the success of "Attack on Titan," how does JAKKS Pacific Inc. JAKK plan to leverage its popularity to enhance brand recognition and sales for the new Gachiakuta products?
What are the long-term objectives for JAKKS Pacific Inc. JAKK in expanding its anime-driven products portfolio, and how does this partnership align with those goals?
**MWN-AI FAQ is based on asking OpenAI questions about JAKKS Pacific Inc. (NASDAQ: JAKK).
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