Aniplex and Crunchyroll have announced a joint investment to create a new anime production company called Hayate. The announcement came on Monday, March 17, 2025, marking a significant move for both companies under the Sony Group umbrella. Aniplex is widely known for owning esteemed studios CloverWorks and A-1 Pictures, which have produced some of the most successful anime titles in recent years.
The formation of Hayate signals a strategic effort to combine Aniplex’s production expertise with Crunchyroll’s global distribution network. Hayate will focus on developing and producing anime content specifically for Crunchyroll’s international streaming platform. The partnership is expected to leverage Aniplex’s established relationships with top creators and studios, strengthening Crunchyroll’s position in the anime market.
Leadership and Structure of Hayate
Hayate will be led by Chairman and CEO Masanori Miyake and President and COO Leo Watanabe, both of whom bring extensive industry experience from Aniplex. Miyake’s background includes numerous production credits, while Watanabe has excelled in the business side of the industry. The company’s staff will consist of employees from both Aniplex and Crunchyroll, forming a team with diverse expertise.
Hayate Inc. will be headquartered in Tokyo. No further operational details have been shared, but industry insiders anticipate the company will announce several new projects in the coming months. While it’s unlikely any of these projects will premiere before 2026, fans are eager to see what Hayate’s debut lineup will include.
Potential Revival of Crunchyroll Originals
There is growing speculation that Hayate’s formation could lead to the return of the Crunchyroll Originals label. The last series released under this label was Meiji Gekken: 1874, which aired from January to March 2024. Since then, no new titles have been announced under the Originals banner, leaving fans hopeful that Hayate’s creation might reignite the production of exclusive Crunchyroll content. However, no official confirmation has been made.
Aniplex’s reputation for high-quality animation through subsidiaries CloverWorks and A-1 Pictures has set high expectations for Hayate. Many fans expect Hayate’s output to reflect similar standards of quality and creative depth. The joint venture will likely involve collaboration with other top-tier studios and creators, enhancing the overall production value of its projects.
Crunchyroll was acquired by Sony Group Corporation in 2021 from AT&T’s WarnerMedia. Sony later merged Crunchyroll with Funimation, consolidating the two libraries under the Crunchyroll brand. Since the Funimation platform was shut down in April 2024, Crunchyroll has become a dominant player in the anime streaming market, offering over one thousand anime series and 200 East Asian dramas, subject to regional licensing restrictions.
