Sony Launches Crunchyroll Storyworks To Develop Anime And Live-Action Adaptations

Sony is expanding Crunchyroll’s role in developing adaptations with Crunchyroll Storyworks, a new division launched to bring international stories into anime and turn Japanese anime into live-action productions.

Sony Pictures Entertainment chairman and CEO Ravi Ahuja announced the division Wednesday at the inaugural Crunchyroll Anime Future Forum in New York, ahead of New York Comic Con. Storyworks will operate within Crunchyroll’s content group, developing projects for potential approval through HAYATE, the company’s joint venture with Aniplex.

Tohru Iokibe leads the division, a 25-year Sony veteran whose recent work connected Sony Pictures and PlayStation Productions on intellectual property development. He will report to Crunchyroll chief content officer Asa Suehira. The initiative brings together Crunchyroll, Aniplex, Sony Pictures, and Japanese creative partners.

Sony says Japanese creators will be closely involved in the adaptations, with preserving their original creative vision a stated priority. Ahuja described the company’s responsibility as protecting what distinguishes anime while expanding its audience.

The launch builds on Sony’s consolidation of its anime business. The company acquired Crunchyroll in 2021 for approximately $1.2 billion and combined it with Funimation. Crunchyroll has since expanded across streaming, theatrical distribution, merchandise, and events, with its subscriber base surpassing 21 million earlier this year. Storyworks adds a dedicated development operation to that growing business.