CyberAgent, a Japanese digital advertising and media conglomerate, has announced the establishment of a new anime studio named CA Soa. This move signals a significant expansion of CyberAgent’s footprint in the anime industry, aiming to produce high-quality content for a global audience. The studio is headed by veteran anime producer Masakazu Ogawa, formerly of Sunrise, a renowned animation studio known for its iconic mecha series.
CA Soa: A New Player in Anime Production
The newly formed CA Soa is not just another studio; it is designed with a clear vision to leverage CyberAgent’s technological prowess with Ogawa’s extensive production experience. The studio’s goal is to create a new standard in anime production, blending cutting-edge technology with creative storytelling. The studio’s office will be located in Tokyo’s Nerima ward, a hub for many animation studios, and is expected to open in Spring 2025.
Leadership and Vision
Masakazu Ogawa, the president of CA Soa, brings a wealth of experience from his time at Sunrise and Sunrise Beyond. His impressive credits include production roles on well-known anime such as Mobile Suit Gundam AGE, Gundam Build Fighters, Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans, and he also served as a production desk for Mobile Suit Gundam Seed and Mobile Suit Gundam Seed Destiny. Most recently, he was an executive producer for AMAIM Warrior at the Borderline and Gundam Build Metaverse. Ogawa’s vision for CA Soa is to establish a new anime production method by combining CyberAgent’s technological capabilities with his extensive anime production knowledge.
CyberAgent’s Growing Investment in Anime
CyberAgent’s venture into anime production is not new. The company has been strategically investing in the anime industry for years through various initiatives.
Cygames and Anime Production
In 2011, CyberAgent established Cygames, a highly successful game development company known for titles such as Rage of Bahamut and Granblue Fantasy. Cygames expanded into animation by creating an anime division in March 2015, and later established Cygames Pictures in April 2016, a subsidiary dedicated to anime production. Cygames Pictures has produced anime adaptations of its games, including Rage of Bahamut Genesis, Rage of Bahamut: Virgin Soul, Granblue Fantasy the Animation, and Uma Musume Pretty Derby.
CA-Cygames Anime Fund
Further solidifying its commitment to anime, CyberAgent, along with Cygames, launched the CA-Cygames Anime Fund in June 2017. This fund has been instrumental in investing in anime production committees, acquiring streaming rights, and securing game adaptation rights. The fund has supported the production of popular anime series such as Hinomaru Zumō, Zombie Land Saga, and As Miss Beelzebub Likes.
Strategic Acquisitions
CyberAgent’s expansion in the entertainment sector is evident through its strategic acquisitions. In June 2023, the company acquired Nelke Planning, a stage production company, and in June 2024, it acquired the creative company Nitroplus. These moves demonstrate CyberAgent’s intent to diversify its entertainment offerings and strengthen its position in the market.
CyberAgent’s Broader Entertainment Strategy
CyberAgent’s foray into anime is part of a larger strategy to leverage its technology and content creation capabilities. The company’s approach is not just about producing content, but also about building a strong relationship between fans and entertainment personalities using their fan community app.
Digital Platform Streaming
CyberAgent has been leveraging digital platform streaming of various entertainment, particularly live music concerts, sports, and martial arts, and using PPV monetization. They also focus on international expansion to strengthen the bond between artists and fans. The company also develops original IPs through BABEL LABEL, a content production studio that joined the CyberAgent group in 2022. CyberAgent’s Anime Business Unit, which was established in October 2020, also contributes to this strategy.
Original Content and Franchises
CyberAgent is committed to maximizing entertainment value globally by creating original anime and developing media franchise content, including games and merchandise, which are also broadcast on ABEMA, their online television service. ABEMA PPV ONLINE LIVE delivers a wide variety of online live performances, including concerts, sports, fashion shows, and stage plays.
Technological Innovation
CyberAgent is looking to innovate in video production. They have previously opened STUDIO CRAV in 2016 to create high-quality video content, including video ads, 360 degree videos, VR content, animations, and more, exploring emerging technologies. CyberAgent has also established an Animation AI Lab in October 2023, and a new unit for AI game development, further emphasizing their dedication to combining technology with content creation.
The Future of CA Soa
CA Soa aims to be more than just an animation studio, it aims to be a hub of creativity and innovation. With Masakazu Ogawa at the helm and the support of CyberAgent’s resources, CA Soa is set to make a notable impact on the anime industry, both in Japan and globally. The studio’s focus on high-quality anime content, combined with CyberAgent’s technological expertise, could lead to the production of unique and compelling series that resonate with audiences worldwide. The creation of CA Soa underscores CyberAgent’s serious and growing commitment to the anime industry. As the studio begins its operations in Spring 2025, the anime community eagerly anticipates the new and exciting projects that CA Soa will bring to life.
