Demon Slayer Costumes Expand Global Reach as Anime Market Soars

Los Angeles, CA – November 10, 2025 – JAKKS Pacific, Inc. (NASDAQ: JAKK) announced today an expanded licensing agreement with Aniplex of America Inc. for its wildly popular anime franchise, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba. The deal extends the reach of Disguise, Inc.’s Demon Slayer costumes and accessories into new territories and product categories, riding a wave of unprecedented success for the anime both at the box office and within the burgeoning cosplay community.

The expanded partnership will see Disguise designing, manufacturing, and distributing full costumes for both adults and children across North America, Australia, New Zealand, Latin America, Ireland, and the United Kingdom, beginning in 2026. Additionally, the agreement extends Disguise’s accessory and toy rights to the entire Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) region, starting this fall.

“This expansion is a testament to the incredible popularity of Demon Slayer and the strong performance of our initial accessory line,” stated a spokesperson for JAKKS Pacific. “We’re excited to bring the characters and world of Demon Slayer to life through a wider range of products and into more markets globally.”

Riding the Anime Wave

The timing of the expansion couldn’t be better. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Infinity Castle has become a global phenomenon, shattering box office records and cementing its place as one of the most successful anime films of all time. The film has grossed over $682 million worldwide, becoming the highest-grossing Japanese film and significantly contributing to Sony's financial performance. Analysts attribute this success to a combination of compelling storytelling, visually stunning animation, and a dedicated fanbase.

“The cultural impact of Demon Slayer is undeniable,” commented a market analyst specializing in entertainment licensing. “It's not just a popular anime; it’s a cultural phenomenon that’s driving demand for merchandise, cosplay, and experiences.”

The success of Infinity Castle has fueled a surge in demand for Demon Slayer merchandise, with limited edition collectibles and apparel selling out rapidly. This surge aligns with a broader trend of growing interest in anime and manga globally. The global anime market is estimated to be worth over $26 billion in 2024, and is projected to continue growing in the coming years.

Cosplay and the Demand for Authenticity

The expanded licensing agreement is also tapping into the burgeoning world of cosplay. Cosplay, or costume play, is a popular hobby that involves dressing up as characters from anime, manga, video games, and other forms of media. The Demon Slayer aesthetic, with its distinctive character designs and intricate costumes, is particularly well-suited to cosplay.

“Demon Slayer is a hugely popular choice for cosplayers,” explained a prominent figure within the cosplay community. “The characters are visually striking, and the costumes are complex and detailed, which provides a fun challenge for cosplayers of all skill levels. Authenticity is key, and officially licensed costumes and accessories allow fans to accurately recreate their favorite characters.”

The demand for high-quality, officially licensed cosplay materials is growing, as fans seek to create more accurate and immersive costumes. “Fans are willing to pay a premium for authentic materials and designs,” commented a retail analyst specializing in cosplay merchandise. “Officially licensed products provide reassurance that they are getting a genuine representation of the character.”

Aniplex's Strategic Licensing Approach

The expanded partnership with JAKKS Pacific is consistent with Aniplex's strategic approach to licensing. Aniplex, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sony Music Entertainment (Japan) Inc., has been aggressively expanding the reach of its popular anime franchises through a variety of licensing agreements.

“Aniplex understands the importance of extending its franchises beyond the core anime audience,” stated an industry insider familiar with Aniplex’s licensing strategy. “They’re looking for partners who can help them reach new markets and create engaging experiences for fans.”

The success of Demon Slayer has significantly boosted Sony’s financial performance, contributing to a surge in revenue for the company’s Visual Media & Platform division. “Demon Slayer has become a key driver of growth for Sony,” commented a financial analyst covering the entertainment industry. “The franchise’s success is a testament to Aniplex’s ability to create compelling content and effectively market it to a global audience.”

Looking Ahead

The expanded licensing agreement between JAKKS Pacific and Aniplex is a win-win for both companies. JAKKS Pacific gains access to a highly popular and growing franchise, while Aniplex expands the reach of Demon Slayer to new markets and audiences.

“We’re confident that this partnership will be mutually beneficial,” stated a spokesperson for JAKKS Pacific. “We’re excited to bring the world of Demon Slayer to life through our high-quality costumes and accessories, and we’re confident that fans will love them.”

The success of Demon Slayer underscores the growing global appeal of anime and manga. As the anime market continues to expand, we can expect to see more licensing agreements and collaborations between entertainment companies, retailers, and manufacturers. The combination of compelling storytelling, visually stunning animation, and a dedicated fanbase makes anime a powerful force in the entertainment industry, and Demon Slayer is leading the charge.