Netflix Injects $24.3 Million into Anime Giant IG Port, Reshaping Production and IP Landscape

In a significant move that underscores its growing commitment to the global anime market, streaming giant Netflix has channeled a staggering 3.573 billion yen, equivalent to approximately $24.3 million, into IG Port. IG Port is the venerable parent company behind renowned animation powerhouses Production I.G and WIT Studio. This substantial investment, recorded during the fiscal year concluding in May 2025, highlights Netflix's multifaceted strategy to not only license but also actively fund and shape the future of anime production.

A closer look at the financial breakdown reveals the strategic depth of this partnership. A substantial 1.53 billion yen ($10.4 million) flowed under IG Port's 'copyright business' segment. This revenue largely stems from Netflix's acquisition of streaming rights for a diverse portfolio of titles meticulously crafted by IG Port's subsidiaries. Notably, Netflix's licensing agreements accounted for a formidable nearly 40% of Production I.G's total copyright sales, which collectively soared to 3.956 billion yen. A key driver in this segment was the immensely popular series Kimi ni Todoke Season 3, for which Netflix secured an exclusive lump sum copyright license fee, signaling the platform's discerning eye for high-demand content.

Beyond mere licensing, Netflix Studios demonstrated its burgeoning role as a direct patron of anime creation, injecting an additional 2.04 billion yen ($13.9 million) into IG Port for 'video production' services. This significant allocation underscores a pivotal shift in Netflix's approach: moving beyond traditional distribution models to directly finance and influence the genesis of new animated works. This strategy is already bearing fruit, as IG Port subsidiaries are celebrated for their groundbreaking contributions to the anime landscape.

These contributions include Production I.G's work on the highly anticipated Kaiju No. 8 and WIT Studio's iconic early seasons of Attack on Titan.

Further solidifying its market position and paving the way for innovative content, IG Port recently forged a landmark capital and business alliance with Sanrio. This strategic partnership is poised to unlock unparalleled collaboration opportunities, significantly bolstering IG Port's presence in the lucrative anime and character IP markets. Enthusiasts can anticipate exciting new ventures, including the forthcoming My Melody & Kuromi animated series, which will be brought to life by WIT Studio. These intertwined developments paint a vivid picture of an evolving industry, where streaming behemoths like Netflix are increasingly at the helm of anime production financing, fundamentally reshaping copyright frameworks, licensing practices, and the very trajectory of intellectual property development within the global animation sphere.