JAKKS Pacific announced a new licensing partnership with Kodansha Ltd., the Japanese publisher behind globally popular manga and anime titles. The agreement gives JAKKS the rights to design, manufacture, market and sell a broad range of toys, collectibles and accessories inspired by Kodansha’s properties, including the best‑selling Attack on Titan and the newly adapted Gachiakuta.
Under the deal, JAKKS will develop a full collection of figures, plush, and tech accessories for these franchises. Products will be distributed through specialty and online retailers, direct‑to‑consumer channels, and major retailers, broadening JAKKS’s reach into the anime‑driven toy market.
The partnership is part of JAKKS’s broader strategy to grow its anime portfolio. Attack on Titan has sold more than 140 million copies worldwide and enjoys a massive global fan base, while Gachiakuta has gained momentum with its 2025 anime adaptation and is slated for a 2026 stage play and a video‑game release. JAKKS has also recently secured licensing deals with Crunchyroll and VIZ Media, underscoring its commitment to the anime segment.
Financially, JAKKS reported a net loss of $5.3 million ($0.47 per diluted share) in Q4 2025, compared with a $9.11 million loss a year earlier. For the full year 2025, net sales were $570.7 million, a 17 % decline from $691.0 million in 2024, and net income fell to $9.9 million from $35.3 million. The decline in sales was largely attributed to tariff impacts on U.S. customer orders and higher consumer prices, while international sales grew. JAKKS operates through two segments—Toys/Consumer Products and Costumes—and ended 2025 debt‑free with $54 million in cash.
Management highlighted the strategic fit of the partnership. “As JAKKS continues to build a focused anime portfolio, KODANSHA stands out as a partner with an extraordinary legacy and a deep roster of globally recognized properties,” said Ariana Berman, JAKKS Pacific. “Their compelling library connects emotionally with fans, and our goal is to translate that connection into products that feel authentic, collectible, and accessible across multiple retail outlets.” Yuichiro Takashima, Kodansha Ltd., added, “JAKKS has a proven track record of translating beloved brands into high‑quality consumer products that resonate with audiences around the world. Through this collaboration, we can bring Attack on Titan and Gachiakuta directly into the hands of fans, offering new ways to engage with these worlds beyond the page and the screen.”
The partnership positions JAKKS to capture a growing segment of the toy market, diversify its revenue base, and leverage the strong brand equity of Attack on Titan and the emerging popularity of Gachiakuta. By expanding its anime offerings, JAKKS aims to offset declining legacy sales and capitalize on the sustained demand for licensed collectibles among collectors and casual consumers alike. The deal also aligns with the company’s recent focus on digital creator platforms and anime licensing, reinforcing its long‑term growth strategy.
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