Kodansha Unveils Hollywood Studio, Taps Oscar-Winner Chloé Zhao to Helm Live-Action Manga & Anime Adaptations

In a significant development for global entertainment, Kodansha Ltd., a leading Japanese manga publisher, has announced the establishment of Kodansha Studios. This new production entity is based in Hollywood and aims to facilitate collaborations between international filmmakers and Japanese manga creators. Its primary objective is to develop and produce live-action film and television adaptations from Kodansha's extensive catalog of manga and anime properties.

The venture will be led by two prominent figures: two-time Oscar-winning director Chloé Zhao, who will serve as Chief Creative Officer, and seasoned executive Nicolas Gonda, appointed President and Chief Operations Officer. Their leadership signifies Kodansha's strategic effort to broaden the global reach of its well-known titles, which include works such as the cyberpunk epic Akira and the global phenomenon Attack on Titan. The studio is committed to presenting these narratives to new and diverse audiences worldwide through high-quality productions that combine Japanese storytelling with Hollywood's production capabilities.

Kodansha Studios plans to explore a wide array of genres, including romance, drama, horror, action, and fantasy, to create adaptations that resonate globally. The studio's guiding principle, 'Inspire Impossible Stories,' reflects its dedication to fostering innovative storytelling and leveraging cross-cultural collaboration.

Chloé Zhao's directorial approach, recognized for films such as her Oscar-winning Nomadland, will be crucial in guiding these adaptations. Her involvement is intended to ensure that each project respects the core essence and intricate details of its original manga source material while also being developed to appeal to an international audience.

While specific projects are currently in development and have not yet been publicly announced, this initiative highlights Kodansha's confidence in the growing global interest in Japanese popular culture. It also aims to establish a new benchmark for manga-to-film adaptations. Fans can anticipate future announcements regarding specific projects as Kodansha Studios proceeds with packaging and pitching these adaptations to major Hollywood studios and leading streaming platforms. This endeavor comes at a time when anime and manga adaptations are experiencing considerable international success, positioning Kodansha Studios as a strategic move to integrate Japanese narratives further into the global entertainment landscape.