CyberAgent Unveils Studio Kurm: Anime Powerhouse Led by Mob Psycho 100 Designer Yoshimichi Kameda

The Japanese internet services conglomerate CyberAgent, renowned for its gaming subsidiary Cygames, has unveiled a significant new venture: Studio Kurm. Announced on October 1, 2025, this ambitious anime production studio is poised to redefine Japanese animation culture, prioritizing the empowerment and fair compensation of creative talent while pushing the boundaries of animated expression.

At the helm of Studio Kurm is President and CEO Maiko Okada, a distinguished producer with a commendable portfolio that includes the action-packed Yaiba: Samurai Legend and the critically lauded Great Pretender franchise. Her leadership promises a vision grounded in deep industry experience. However, the most electrifying aspect of this announcement is the confirmation of Yoshimichi Kameda, a titan in character design, as Studio Kurm’s representative creator, with his tenure commencing in January 2026. Kameda’s distinctive artistry is famously showcased in the hit series Mob Psycho 100, where he served as character designer, and more recently, his innovative work as alien and yōkai designer for DAN DA DAN.

His involvement signals a commitment to visually dynamic and creatively daring projects. This strategic move by CyberAgent underscores its enduring and expanding investment in the anime sector. The company's robust history includes the establishment of Cygames in 2011, which has since delivered acclaimed anime adaptations of its own games, such as Rage of Bahamut Genesis, Granblue Fantasy the Animation, and Uma Musume Pretty Derby. Building on this success, Cygames further solidified its animation footprint by launching its dedicated anime division in March 2015, followed by the formation of Cygames Pictures in April 2016. CyberAgent also actively manages the CA-Cygames Anime Fund, a vital financial engine that has supported diverse titles like Hinomaru Zumō, Zombie Land Saga, and As Miss Beelzebub Likes.

Studio Kurm's core philosophy revolves around cultivating a sustainable creative ecosystem. It aims to grant younger creators more prominent roles and ensure they receive equitable rewards, fostering an environment ripe for innovation and artistic growth. This progressive stance resonates with the broader industry's embrace of creator-driven content and studio diversification. CyberAgent's collaborative spirit extends further, exemplified by its 2021 capital alliance with industry powerhouses Kadokawa and Sony. This partnership was forged to amplify the Global Media Mix Strategy, a concerted effort to expand Japanese intellectual property globally by synergizing each company's strengths in content creation, distribution, and international market penetration.

With Kameda's esteemed creative leadership and the formidable backing of one of Japan’s most influential digital corporations, all eyes are fixed on Studio Kurm's forthcoming slate of original productions and collaborations. While specific new titles remain under wraps, the collective pedigree of its executive and creative team, combined with CyberAgent's strategic vision, heralds a bold new chapter in anime development. For aficionados of Kameda’s iconic visual style, especially those captivated by his work on Mob Psycho 100, this news ignites fervent anticipation for an era of innovative and visually breathtaking anime. Studio Kurm, with its blend of industry expertise, robust corporate support, and dedication to nurturing fresh talent, is unequivocally poised to be a pivotal force as the Japanese animation industry continues its global evolution.