JAKKS Pacific Debuts First Anime Prototypes at Licensing Expo, Showcasing Hololive Production Line from New Anime Division
JAKKS Pacific (NASDAQ:JAKK) unveiled the first prototypes from its new Anime Division at Licensing Expo Las Vegas, featuring hololive production VTuber keychains, jumbo plush and mini figures.
Sentiment and the balance of points
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Rhea-AI Summary
JAKKS Pacific (NASDAQ:JAKK) unveiled the first prototypes from its new Anime Division at Licensing Expo Las Vegas, featuring hololive production VTuber keychains, jumbo plush and mini figures. The division, developed over two years, is backed by nearly a dozen partnerships and targets the fast-growing global anime market.
Products are expected to launch globally in early 2027. JAKKS Pacific reports its strongest profitability in more than a decade, with 2025 gross margin of 32.4%, the highest in 15 years.
Positive
- First Anime Division prototypes revealed with hololive production VTuber products
- Global launches from Anime Division expected to begin in early 2027
- Anime Division developed over more than two years as large-scale platform
- Nearly a dozen partnerships with major industry players supporting division
- 2025 gross margin reached 32.4%, highest level in 15 years
Negative
- None.
Details
News Market Reaction – JAKK
On May 19, the day this news came out, JAKK closed 1.71% below the previous close.
Data tracked by StockTitan Argus for the May 19 session.
Key Figures
- 2025 gross margin
- 32.4%
- Company’s highest gross margin in 15 years
- Years in business
- 30 years
- Described as most ambitious strategic expansion in company history
- Anime division partnerships
- Nearly a dozen
- Partnerships with major industry players and digital creators
- Global anime market 2025
- $27.1 billion
- Market size estimate from Mordor Intelligence for 2025
- Global anime market 2031
- $49.6 billion
- Projected market size by 2031
- Gen Z weekly anime viewers
- 50%
- Share of Gen Z viewers watching anime weekly
- Gen X weekly anime viewers
- 24%
- Share of Generation X viewers watching anime weekly
- Non-Japan anime market share
- 56%
- Portion of global anime industry value from outside Japan
Historical Context
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Pre-sale launch of Chomping Wonder Bowser Jr. Super Mario figure.
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New DC Super-Villains-inspired fashion doll line with Warner Bros.
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Disguise partnership for SPAM, SKIPPY and CORN NUTS branded costumes.
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Q1 2026 results with lower net sales and wider net loss but dividend.
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Announcement of schedule for Q1 2026 earnings release and call.
24h Move is the share-price change in the day after each event; other market factors may also have contributed.
Key Terms
vtuber technical
AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.
Toy maker unveils keychains, plush, mini figures tied to the globally recognized VTuber brand; products mark first public showcase from Anime Division launched earlier this year
SANTA MONICA, Calif., May 19, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- JAKKS Pacific, Inc. (NASDAQ: JAKK) has debuted the first prototypes from its new Anime Division at Licensing Expo Las Vegas. The initial lineup centers on hololive production, the globally recognized VTuber entertainment brand, and includes keychains, jumbo plush dolls and mini figures in several varieties, all on display at hololive production booth throughout the show.
The prototype reveal marks the first public showcase from JAKKS' Anime Division. The company's most ambitious strategic expansion in its 30-year history, launched earlier this year to capitalize on the rapidly growing global market for anime, manga, and digital creator culture.
Developed over the course of more than two years, the new division establishes a large-scale platform to create toys, collectibles and consumer products tied to leading anime and digital entertainment properties. Products from the division are expected to begin launching globally in early 2027.
The initiative includes nearly a dozen partnerships with major industry players, as well as collaborations with multiple digital creators and personalities.
The new division comes as JAKKS Pacific reports its strongest profitability in more than a decade. The company’s gross margins in 2025 reached
“Anime has evolved into one of the most influential global entertainment ecosystems, spanning streaming, gaming, merchandise and creator culture,” said Stephen G. Berman, CEO of JAKKS Pacific. “We have invested significant time building the right partnerships and infrastructure to enter this market in a meaningful way. Our goal is to leverage JAKKS’ decades of licensing and product development expertise to create a platform that drives long-term growth.”
The strategic expansion targets one of the fastest-growing segments in global entertainment. The worldwide anime market is projected to grow from
Consumer engagement is also expanding rapidly among younger audiences. Approximately
International demand is accelerating as well. Markets outside Japan now account for more than
For JAKKS Pacific, the expansion represents a natural evolution of a business built around turning entertainment brands into consumer products. Since its founding in 1995, the company has grown through more than 30 acquisitions and hundreds of licensing agreements with leading entertainment companies including The Walt Disney Company, Nintendo, SEGA and WWE.
More information about the division is available at www.jakks.com/anime/.
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).
Media Contact:
Danielle Bramley, SPM Communications
danielle@spmcommunications.com
214-379-7000
FAQ
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