Japan’s publishing giant Kodansha has officially made its big move into Hollywood.
The company announced the launch of Kodansha Studios, a brand-new production company based in Los Angeles that’ll focus on producing films and dramas inspired by its famous manga titles.
The announcement was made in Tokyo on 4 November 2025, with Kodansha president Yoshinobu Noma, Academy Award-winning director Chloé Zhao, and producer Nicolas Gonda taking the stage.
 |
| Kodansha establishes new Hollywood production company to create films and dramas based on manga |
Chloe Zhao, who’s known for her visionary work on Nomadland and Marvel’s Eternals, has been appointed Chief Creative Officer (CCO), while Gonda steps in as Chief Operating Officer (COO).
Taking Manga Global, the Right Way
Kodansha says the goal is to take a more hands-on role in global storytelling.
Rather than just selling adaptation rights and leaving everything to foreign studios, Kodansha wants to stay directly involved in production.
By doing so, the company hopes to preserve the essence of each original story, preventing the kind of excessive rewrites or creative liberties that sometimes frustrate fans.
It’s also a big step toward protecting the rights and voices of manga creators, ensuring that their work is respected from script to screen.
President Noma said Kodansha aims to make this studio a creative bridge between Japan and the world:
“Our content has gained worldwide popularity, but until now, we mostly relied on licensing deals. By producing directly, we can collaborate with global creators and spark even bigger creative chemistry.”
Chloé Zhao’s Dream Project
For Chloe Zhao, this isn’t just a job — it’s personal. She shared that she’s been deeply influenced by manga, anime, and doujinshi (fan works) since her childhood, describing them as part of her “blood and bones.”
At the event, Chloe Zhao expressed her hopes for Kodansha Studios to become a safe creative garden — a space where artists from both East and West can freely collaborate and nurture meaningful stories together.
“I want this studio to act as a bridge between cultures,” she said.
“Somewhere creators feel safe, inspired, and supported — a home for imagination.”
A New Era for Japanese Storytelling
Kodansha’s move follows the global success of manga and anime adaptations — from Attack on Titan to Tokyo Revengers — which have captivated audiences far beyond Japan.
But this time, the publisher is taking the driver’s seat, rather than riding shotgun.
With Kodansha Studios now set up in Hollywood and Chloe Zhao leading the creative vision, fans can expect a new wave of authentic, globally-minded Japanese storytelling that keeps the heart of manga intact — just told on a bigger, cinematic canvas.
It’s safe to say, this could mark the start of a new chapter where manga doesn’t just go global — it grows global, on its own terms.
Source: NHK