We now have new insights into how Disney is approaching the world of anime thanks to a presentation given at an AnimeJapan business seminar.
In a presentation titled “Disney Plus, Local Content Produced in Japan to the World,” executive director of original content Gaku Narita and head of animation Takuto Yawata discussed the company’s future in the industry at the world’s largest anime event held in Japan. Yawata said that Disney has identified anime as a “focus area” for the company but confirmed they have no plans to influence creators to make content that fits Disney’s traditional branding.
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“We deeply respect the works of Japanese creators, and we will transmit them overseas just the way they are,” Yawata said. “I am confident that this will open a new door. We have great expectations for producing local content. This includes completely new works from Japan.”
It does look like the company may be trying to lean on nostalgia going forward for potential projects as Narita discussed the unifying power of Disney’s projects across the world. With anime versions ofSnow White and the Seven DwarvesandCinderellabeing released years ago showing many influences of the company’s films, this seems to be correct, at least in the world of anime.
Yawata also discussed how collaborations likeStar Wars: Visionsand JRPGDisney’s Twisted Wonderlandhaving been major successes. He discussed how the “Disney Difference” makes certain things possible only by collaborating with the media giant.Twisted Wonderlandhas had an anime adaptation announced withBlack Butler’sYana Toboso behind its story and concept creation.The game and show follows anime reimagined versions of various villains and characters across the Disney universe and their adventures as they attend Night Raven College.
Withvoice actors and animators alike complaining about underpaymentwithin the industry and demanding better standards, it will be interesting to see how Disney decides to navigate the space in this entirely new market. Disney will beexclusively streamingSummer Time RenderingandBlack Rock Shooter Dawn Fallexclusively on the Disney+ platform in April as part of the Spring 2022 anime season. There are also plans for major anticipated anime likeSPY x FAMILY, The Rising of the Shield Hero Season 2,andTomodachi Gameto be available on the streaming service sometime this spring.
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