JAKKS Pacific Launches Anime Division with Hololive Merchandise Lineup
Event summary
- JAKKS Pacific debuted its first anime prototypes at Licensing Expo Las Vegas on May 19, 2026, showcasing a Hololive production line from its new Anime Division.
- The initial lineup includes keychains, jumbo plush dolls, and mini figures, with global product launches expected in early 2027.
- The new division is JAKKS' most ambitious strategic expansion in its 30-year history, targeting the rapidly growing global anime market.
- JAKKS reported its strongest profitability in over a decade, with 2025 gross margins reaching 32.4%, the highest in 15 years.
- The worldwide anime market is projected to grow from $27.1 billion in 2025 to $49.6 billion by 2031, according to Mordor Intelligence.
The big picture
JAKKS Pacific's foray into the anime market represents a strategic pivot towards one of the fastest-growing segments in global entertainment. The company aims to capitalize on the expanding influence of anime, manga, and digital creator culture, which spans streaming, gaming, and merchandise. With nearly a dozen partnerships and collaborations, JAKKS is positioning itself to drive long-term growth in a market projected to reach $49.6 billion by 2031. This expansion aligns with JAKKS' history of turning entertainment brands into consumer products, leveraging its decades of experience in licensing and product development.
What we're watching
- Market Penetration
- How JAKKS will leverage its licensing expertise to capture a significant share of the growing anime merchandise market.
- Profitability Sustainability
- Whether JAKKS can maintain its highest gross margins in 15 years as it scales its new Anime Division.
- Global Expansion
- The pace at which JAKKS can expand its anime product line into international markets, where demand is accelerating.
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