Sony Unveils Crunchyroll Storyworks to Expand Anime Influence

WHO:

Deadline - Tohru Iokibe, a 25-year veteran of Sony Corp., will lead the new division Crunchyroll Storyworks.

Variety - Crunchyroll, a subsidiary of Sony Pictures Entertainment, is the anime service involved in this initiative.

WHAT:

Deadline - Sony Pictures Entertainment has launched a new division called Crunchyroll Storyworks.

Variety - Crunchyroll Storyworks will focus on developing anime and live-action adaptations in collaboration with Japanese creators.

Deadline - Sony Pictures closed its $1.2 billion acquisition of Crunchyroll.

WHERE:

Variety - The initiative aims to deepen ties with the Japanese anime community.

WHY:

Deadline - The goal of Crunchyroll Storyworks is to boost Crunchyroll's global profile and strengthen connections with the Japanese anime community.

Variety - The division is set to bring together creative partners across Crunchyroll and the Japanese creative ecosystem.

HOW:

Variety - Crunchyroll Storyworks will develop projects through collaboration with Japanese creators.

(UPDATED October 7, 2026 19:12 UTC)

Sony Pictures Entertainment has officially launched a new division called Crunchyroll Storyworks, which will be led by Tohru Iokibe, a seasoned professional with 25 years at Sony Corp. This initiative aims to enhance Crunchyroll's global profile by developing anime and live-action adaptations in collaboration with Japanese creators, fostering deeper ties with the anime community. Following Sony's recent $1.2 billion acquisition of Crunchyroll, this division is set to unite creative partners across Crunchyroll and the Japanese creative ecosystem.