JAKKS Pacific announced a licensing agreement with VIZ Media for the Naruto franchise, covering the United States and Canada. The deal authorizes the company’s costume division, Disguise, to develop, manufacture, and sell Naruto‑themed toys, costumes, action figures, playsets, and role‑play items under VIZ Media’s brand rights.
The partnership positions JAKKS Pacific to tap into a large, dedicated fan base and diversify its product mix beyond its existing licensed titles. Naruto is a globally recognized franchise that has sold over 250 million manga copies worldwide and is valued at more than $20 billion, making it one of the fastest‑growing entertainment categories.
The announcement follows JAKKS Pacific’s Q4 2025 earnings, where net sales fell 3% to $127.1 million but beat analyst estimates. Gross margin rose to 31.0%, up 380 basis points from the prior year, and the company posted a net loss of $5.3 million, a significant improvement from the $9.1 million loss in Q4 2024. Adjusted net loss narrowed to $2.0 million, beating the consensus of a $0.94 per share loss.
The earnings beat and margin expansion generated a positive market reaction, with investors expressing confidence in the company’s cost control and operational efficiency. The Naruto deal is seen as a strategic move to capture growth in the anime merchandise market, which is one of the fastest‑growing entertainment categories.
Virginia Reneau, Senior Vice President of Global Licensing, said, "We're thrilled to bring Naruto to life through a new range of toys that celebrate this iconic manga series. From action figures and playsets to immersive role‑play experiences, we look forward to working with VIZ Media to deliver exciting new ways for fans to engage with the world of Naruto." Laura Takaragawa, Vice President of Consumer Products at VIZ Media, added, "JAKKS Pacific has a strong track record of producing high‑quality, fan‑focused products for major entertainment properties, so partnering with them on Naruto was an easy decision."
The Naruto product line is slated for a Spring 2027 launch, and the partnership is expected to contribute to future growth as JAKKS Pacific continues to expand its anime and pop‑culture portfolio. The company remains focused on improving margins and leveraging its expertise in costume manufacturing, with Disguise already ranked #1 in the U.S. costume market.
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