KADOKAWA has announced plans to consolidate five anime studios into a new entity, Studio One Base, scheduled to launch in November 2026.
KADOKAWA has revealed a significant shift in its anime production strategy by merging five of its subsidiaries into a new studio named Studio One Base. This merger is set to occur in November 2026, as reported by Anime Corner.
The studios being consolidated include ENGI, known for titles like Medalist and The Detective Is Already Dead, along with Studio KADAN, Chiptune, Bellnox Films, and Raging Bull. This move aims to enhance KADOKAWA's production capabilities and create a more sustainable working environment for its creators.
According to KADOKAWA, the intention behind the merger is to strengthen its anime production framework while fostering a more efficient workplace. The consolidation will not result in the elimination of the existing studio names; rather, these names will persist under the new organizational structure, maintaining individual branding and unique strengths. Notably, KADOKAWA CEO Takeshi Natsuno has previously indicated concerns regarding the proliferation of anime and publishing companies, emphasizing that streamlining operations could help creators concentrate on their craft.
KADOKAWA will centralize back-office and management functions, aiming to improve employee benefits and working conditions in the process. As a result, this could potentially stabilize production schedules and enhance both quality and productivity.
The new Studio One Base will be located within a newly established anime production hub at Sunshine City in Ikebukuro, Tokyo. This facility, which will share the name of the studio, is scheduled to be operational by September 2026. It is designed to accommodate approximately 310 employees expected to work under the Studio One Base banner, with Takeshi Kikuchi appointed as president and representative director.
This merger follows KADOKAWA's recent acquisition of Chiptune in February 2025, aiming to improve the animation production pipeline and quality control. By integrating these five studios, KADOKAWA seeks to leverage their diverse capabilities in animation, 3DCG, photography, and art production to foster greater collaboration among teams.
Since 2018, KADOKAWA's group of anime studios has produced a total of 48 works and 486 episodes, excluding projects completed before these studios joined the conglomerate. The establishment of Studio One Base is expected to enhance these figures by promoting knowledge sharing and training for new talent, ensuring that KADOKAWA remains at the forefront of the anime industry amidst growing global demand.
KADOKAWA's Chief Anime Officer, Sho Tanaka, has reiterated the goal of building a sustainable foundation for production while respecting each studio's individual artistic identity. This strategy aims to facilitate easier collaboration on larger projects, allowing for a more unified approach to content creation.
The merging of five studios into Studio One Base represents a strategic initiative by KADOKAWA to respond to the evolving landscape of the anime industry. With a focus on enhancing working conditions, streamlining production, and fostering collaboration, this merger is poised to have significant implications for both creators and audiences in the years to come. As KADOKAWA positions itself to meet increasing global demand for anime content, the efficacy of this consolidated approach will be closely observed by industry stakeholders and fans alike.
For more developments on anime news, readers can check out our coverage on Crunchyroll’s Darkest Anime of Summer 2026 and 5 Most Shocking Deaths in Shonen Anime.
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