JAKKS Pacific and COVER Corporation Announce Landmark Partnership to Launch Official hololive Merchandise Line
Rhea-AI Summary
JAKKS Pacific (NASDAQ: JAKK) and COVER Corporation announced a partnership to produce and distribute officially licensed hololive merchandise in North America. The multi-channel launch targets venue/event sales, JAKKS direct-to-consumer platforms, and select retail partners. The first product wave, featuring Mori Calliope, Takanashi Kiara, and Ninomae Ina’nis, is expected in 2027.
Products include figures, plush, novelty, and role-play items, with plans to add more talent, categories, and territories over time.
Positive
- Official hololive license secured for North American merchandise
- Multi-channel distribution across venues, direct-to-consumer, and retail partners
- First-wave talent includes Mori Calliope, Takanashi Kiara, Ninomae Ina’nis
- Product categories span figures, plush, novelty, and role-play items
- Launch timeline set for 2027 with planned expansion of talent and territories
Negative
- No financial guidance or revenue estimates provided for the partnership
Key Figures
Market Reality Check
Peers on Argus
JAKK showed a modest 0.22% pre-news gain with elevated volume, while momentum scans flagged peers like FNKO and PLBY moving up sharply without related news, suggesting this hololive partnership is more stock-specific than sector-driven.
Previous Partnership Reports
| Date | Event | Sentiment | Move | Catalyst |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 17 | Movie tie-in partnership | Positive | +0.7% | Renewed global toy partnership tied to The Super Mario Galaxy Movie launch. |
| Dec 04 | Licensing partnership | Positive | -2.2% | New Hershey-themed Charming mini-doll line with exclusive CVS debut. |
| Nov 03 | Franchise renewal deal | Positive | -1.4% | Extended multi-year global Sonic the Hedgehog toy partnership through 2029. |
| Sep 16 | New Disney doll line | Positive | -0.3% | Launch of Disney Darlings baby dolls with broad major retailer distribution. |
| Apr 07 | Costume line extension | Positive | -2.7% | Extension of Bluey costume partnership via Disguise with expanded styles and reach. |
Partnership and licensing announcements have often seen muted to negative next-day moves, with 4 of 5 prior partnership headlines followed by negative price reactions.
Recent history shows JAKKS leaning heavily into licensed and entertainment IP partnerships. Prior deals span Disney baby dolls, Sonic the Hedgehog, Bluey costumes, a confection-themed line with The Hershey Company, and a renewed global toy partnership for The Super Mario Galaxy Movie. Across these, the average partnership-day move was about -1.19%, indicating the market has not consistently rewarded such announcements immediately, even when strategically aligned, providing context for this new hololive collaboration.
Historical Comparison
In the past year, JAKK issued 5 partnership updates with an average next-day move of -1.19%. This hololive deal fits the pattern of IP-driven growth initiatives where immediate price reactions have often been subdued or negative.
Partnerships show a widening IP portfolio: from Bluey costumes and Disney baby dolls to Sonic and Hershey-branded products, then a Super Mario Galaxy Movie line, now expanding into VTuber and digital creator merchandise via hololive.
Regulatory & Risk Context
An effective S-3 shelf filed on 2025-10-29 allows JAKKS to offer up to $150,000,000 in securities, including an ATM program of up to $75,000,000 in common stock under a sales agreement with B. Riley Securities. No usage has been reported yet, but the structure provides flexibility to raise capital for general corporate purposes.
Market Pulse Summary
This announcement extends JAKKS’ licensing strategy into VTuber-driven digital culture via a hololive partnership, with initial products planned for 2027 and access to an audience of over 80 million YouTube subscribers. Historically, similar partnership headlines have produced mixed or negative short-term reactions, averaging about -1.19%. Investors may focus on how effectively JAKKS converts hololive’s 86 active talents and multi-channel distribution into sales while also monitoring capital-raising flexibility under the existing $150,000,000 shelf.
Key Terms
direct-to-consumer financial
AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.
New Global Distribution Across Venue Sales, Direct-to-Consumer, and Retail Channels
SANTA MONICA, Calif., Feb. 24, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- JAKKS Pacific, Inc. (NASDAQ: JAKK), a leading global manufacturer of toys and consumer products, and COVER Corporation, the Japanese public company behind the globally renowned hololive production, today announced a groundbreaking partnership to create and distribute officially licensed hololive consumer products in North America.
Under the agreement, JAKKS Pacific will become one of the first major US manufacturers to bring official hololive merchandise to market, featuring fan-favorite VTubers from hololive production’s English talent roster. The product line will debut with collectibles and consumer products inspired by Mori Calliope, Takanashi Kiara, and Ninomae Ina’nis, three of the most influential and recognizable VTubers in the world.
JAKKS will design, manufacture, market, and sell a wide-ranging assortment of figures, plush, novelty items, and role-play products, developed with authenticity and quality at the forefront. Products will be distributed across the US through multiple channels, including venue and event sales, JAKKS’ direct-to-consumer platforms, and select retail partners, significantly expanding fan access to official hololive merchandise.
“hololive production represents one of the most dynamic and engaged fan communities in entertainment today,” said Ariana Berman, Senior Director of the Anime Division at JAKKS Pacific, Inc. “Being one of the first major US manufacturing companies to launch and distribute official hololive merchandise is a tremendous opportunity. Together with COVER Corporation, we are creating a robust, multi-channel strategy that meets fans where they are—online, at live events, and around the world—with high-quality products that truly reflect the talent and creativity of these incredible VTubers.”
“JAKKS Pacific’s proven ability to build global brands through innovative product design and broad distribution makes them an ideal partner,” said Max Kim, COVER USA Sales & Licensing Director. “This partnership marks a major milestone for hololive production as we expand into new sales channels and give fans new ways to celebrate and connect with our talents on a global scale.”
The first wave of products is expected to launch in 2027, with additional talent, product categories, and territories planned for future expansion.
Owned by COVER Corporation, hololive production is the leading management company in the VTuber Industry. VTubers are virtual entertainers who use 2D/3D animated avatars to create content. There are 86 active members across all hololive production branches.
JAKKS Pacific, Inc. is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of toys and consumer products sold throughout the world, with its headquarters in Santa Monica, California. JAKKS Pacific manages a broad portfolio of licensed and owned I.P. brands and products. All products are available online or in retail stores nationwide.
Media Contact:
JAKKS Pacific
Jessica Kavanaugh
publicrelations@jakks.net
About COVER Corporation:
COVER Corp. is a next-generation IT entertainment company engaged in the Internet-based IP business with the world's leading VTubers and highly passionate fandoms. Guided by the principle of "Together, Let's Create Culture Loved by All," we endeavor to cultivate a virtual entertainment culture that originated in Japan and is spreading globally. It is our sincere hope that our technology for developing rich content, platforms, and metaverses will contribute to the creation of a virtual culture that brings joy to people around the world.
About hololive Production
hololive production is one of the largest virtual talent companies in the world. The VTuber groups "hololive" and "HOLOSTARS" have a combined audience of over 80 million subscribers on YouTube and interact with fans around the world through live streaming, live concert events, and events.
About JAKKS Pacific, Inc.:
JAKKS Pacific, Inc. is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of toys and consumer products sold throughout the world, with its headquarters in Santa Monica, California. JAKKS Pacific’s popular proprietary brands include Disguise®, Fly Wheels®, Charming™, Kidtopia™, Moose Mountain®, Maui®, ReDo® Skateboard Co., Sky Ball®, and Xtreme Power Dozer® as well as a wide range of entertainment-inspired products featuring premier licensed properties. Through their products and charitable donations, JAKKS is helping to make a positive impact on the lives of children. Visit us at www.jakks.com and follow us on Instagram (@jakkspacific.toys), X (@jakkstoys), YouTube (@JAKKSPacific), Facebook (@jakkspacific.toys) and LinkedIn (JAKKS Pacific).
©2026 JAKKS Pacific, Inc. All rights reserved
FAQ
What will JAKKS (JAKK) sell from the new hololive merchandise line and when will it launch?
Which hololive talents are included in JAKKS Pacific's initial product wave (JAKK)?
How will JAKKS distribute official hololive merchandise in North America (JAKK)?
Does the JAKKS and COVER partnership include plans to expand beyond the first hololive product wave?
What does the JAKKS and hololive partnership mean for JAKK shareholders and product availability?
