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JAKKS Pacific Debuts First Anime Prototypes at Licensing Expo, Showcasing Hololive Production Line from New Anime Division
JAKKS Pacific Debuts First Anime Prototypes at Licensing Expo, Showcasing Hololive Production Line from New Anime Division
About this update from Jakks Pacific, Inc.
[{"type":"text","content":"Toy maker unveils keychains, plush, mini figures tied to the globally recognized VTuber brand; products mark first public showcase from Anime Division launched earlier this year\nSANTA MONICA, Calif., May 19, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- JAKKS Pacific, Inc. (NASDAQ: JAKK) has debuted the first prototypes from its new Anime Division at Licensing Expo Las Vegas. The initial lineup centers on hololive production, the globally recognized VTuber entertainment brand, and includes keychains, jumbo plush dolls and mini figures in several varieties, all on display at hololive production booth throughout the show. The prototype reveal marks the first public showcase from JAKKS' Anime Division. The company's most ambitious strategic expansion in its 30-year history, launched earlier this year to capitalize on the rapidly growing global market for anime, manga, and digital creator culture. Developed over the course of more than two years, the new division establishes a large-scale platform to create toys, collectibles and consumer products tied to leading anime and digital entertainment properties. Products from the division are expected to begin launching globally in early 2027. The initiative includes nearly a dozen partnerships with major industry players, as well as collaborations with multiple digital creators and personalities. The new division comes as JAKKS Pacific reports its strongest profitability in more than a decade. The company’s gross margins in 2025 reached 32.4%, the company’s highest level in 15 years. “Anime has evolved into one of the most influential global entertainment ecosystems, spanning streaming, gaming, merchandise and creator culture,” said Stephen G. Berman, CEO of JAKKS Pacific. “We have invested significant time building the right partnerships and infrastructure to enter this market in a meaningful way. Our goal is to leverage JAKKS’ decades of licensing and product development expertise to create a platform that drives long-term growth.” The strategic expansion targets one of the fastest-growing segments in global entertainment. The worldwide anime market is projected to grow from $27.1 billion in 2025 to $49.6 billion by 2031, according to research from Mordor Intelligence. Consumer engagement is also expanding rapidly among younger audiences. Approximately 50% of Gen Z viewers watch anime weekly, compared wit...