Entertainment

Kadokawa Inaugrated New Anime Studio Bellnox Films

22 January 2025

Kadokawa: Kadokawa, a famous Japanese anime industry company, established a new anime studio: Bellnox Films, a new animation production studio set against traditional production methods. Scheduled to initiate operations on July 1st, Bellnox Films will be led by Koji Kajita, a seasoned figure in the anime world, formerly associated with Gonzo and David production. With a vision to redefine the anime production landscape, Bellnox Films aims to introduce a fresh production style, surpassing the confines of orthodox job titles and fields. Kajita anticipates a more systematic and rational approach to animation production, fostering flexibility and innovation to meet the dynamic demands of the industry. By prioritizing the creation of works with broad appeal, Bellnox Films seeks to drive positive change within the anime community. This latest addition to Kadokawa’s portfolio marks the company’s commitment to expanding its influence in the anime market, further solidifying its position as a key player in the industry.

Kadokawa Corporation

Kadokawa Corporation, formerly Kadokawa Dwango Corporation, is a Japanese media conglomerate formed through the merger of Kadokawa Corporation and Dwango Co., Ltd. on October 1, 2014. Originally founded in 1945 as Kadokawa Shoten, the company aimed to revitalize Japanese culture through publishing. Over the years, it expanded its scope and influence, eventually merging with Dwango to become Kadokawa Dwango. In February 2019, Kadokawa Dwango underwent reorganization, with Dwango transitioning from a subsidiary to a direct subsidiary of Kadokawa Corporation. Subsequent restructuring in July 2019 led to the formation of Kadokawa Future Publishing for publishing activities, while Kadokawa Dwango became the second iteration of Kadokawa Corporation, overseeing the entire Kadokawa Group. Notably, in February 2021, Kadokawa formed a Capital Alliance with Sony and CyberAgent, followed by a capital and business alliance with Tencent in October 2021. The company’s global reach and diverse portfolio encompass publishing, film and visual media, cross-media initiatives, and various other ventures across multiple industries.

Former subsidiaries of Kadokawa Corporation:

Former Subsidiary	Status	Details
Asmik Ace	Merged	–
Daihyakka News	Merged with Dwango	–
Kadokawa Entertainment	Merged	Merged into Kadokawa Pictures on November 1, 2009.
Kadokawa Group Publishing	Merged	Merged into Kadokawa Group Holdings on April 1, 2013.
Kadokawa Games	Divested	Divested into Dragami Games, including its IPs, in May 2022.
Kadokawa J:COM Media	Eliminated	Established in November 2005, eliminated in June 2010.
So-net Kadokawa Link	Dissolved	Established on June 27, 2007, dissolved at a later date.
Kadokawa Mobile	Merged	Merged with Movie Gate to form Kadokawa Contents Gate on October 1, 2009.
Kadokawa Production	Dissolved and Integrated	Dissolved and integrated into Kadokawa Corporation on October 1, 2013.
Mages	Acquired	Acquired by Chiyomaru Studio on July 12, 2019.
MediaLeaves	Merged	Merged into Enterbrain on January 10, 2010.
NTT Prime Square	Ended Joint Venture	Joint venture with NTT ended on November 30, 2010.
Sarugakucho	Became part of Kadokawa Group Holdings	Became part of Kadokawa Group Holdings under Enterbrain. Acquired by Pole To Win on March 31, 2010.
Studio Lide	Closed	Closed in April 2019.
Words Gear	Merged	Merged into Kadokawa Contents Gate on January 1, 2011.

Who is leading Bellnox Films?

Koji Kajita, a former head of Gonzo and david production, is serving as the representative director and president of Bellnox Films.

What sets Bellnox Films apart from traditional anime studios?

Bellnox Films aims to introduce a new production style that exceeds conventional job titles and fields, promoting flexibility and innovation within the industry.

How does Bellnox Films fit into Kadokawa’s anime production lineup?

Bellnox Films is Kadokawa’s fifth anime production studio, joining subsidiaries ENGI, Studio KADAN, and Raging Bull, as well as affiliated company Kinema Citrus.