Major Industry Shift: AlphaPolis Fully Acquires Acclaimed Anime Studio White Fox

Japanese publishing giant AlphaPolis has announced a monumental strategic move: the full acquisition of renowned anime production studio White Fox. Effective September 30, 2025, White Fox will operate as a wholly owned subsidiary, marking a pivotal expansion into the anime industry for AlphaPolis. This landmark decision aims to seamlessly integrate anime production with AlphaPolis's highly successful digital-first publishing business, which boasts a formidable catalog of popular intellectual properties. These include critically acclaimed series such as Gate: Jieitai Kanochi nite, Kaku Tatakaeri and Tsuki ga Michibiku Isekai Douchuu (Tsukimichi: Moonlit Fantasy).

By bringing White Fox directly under its corporate umbrella, AlphaPolis is poised to significantly accelerate the adaptation of its extensive novel and manga properties into high-quality animated works. This integration ensures stronger creative oversight and production control from conception to screen, streamlining the entire process.

White Fox's Esteemed Legacy

Established in 2007, White Fox has garnered a stellar reputation within the anime community for its exceptional work on iconic series. Its impressive portfolio includes fan favorites such as Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World-, the groundbreaking Steins;Gate and its sequel Steins;Gate 0, and the dark fantasy Goblin Slayer. The studio also brought to life the popular isekai Arifureta - From Commonplace to World's Strongest, the intense action of Akame ga KILL!, the poignant Girls' Last Tour, and the humorous Cautious Hero: The Hero Is Overpowered but Overly Cautious. White Fox continues to animate ongoing series like Uglymug, showcasing its diverse range and consistent output.

This acquisition empowers AlphaPolis to harness White Fox's advanced production technologies and deep well of anime production expertise, forging a more robust video production system. This move is a cornerstone of AlphaPolis's ambitious multimedia strategy, designed to comprehensively integrate animation, merchandising, and game development for its diverse intellectual properties.

Industry Impact and Future Outlook

Industry observers are keenly watching AlphaPolis's proactive step to acquire an established animation studio. They interpret it as a clear signal of the publisher's broader ambition to diversify its revenue streams and maximize the global value of its intellectual property. With the global anime market now surpassing 3 trillion yen (approximately US$20 billion), such vertical integration is a powerful play, positioning AlphaPolis for significant growth.

Despite some initial apprehension among fans regarding the future of beloved series like Re:ZERO post-acquisition, Gaku Iwasa, the founder of White Fox, has publicly reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to upholding the studio's celebrated legacy. This significant acquisition is ultimately anticipated to foster more direct and efficient production of AlphaPolis-originated anime content, simultaneously enriching White Fox's existing portfolio with popular titles that resonate deeply with audiences both in Japan and across international borders.