MESSAGES FROM REPRESENTATIVE DIRECTORS OF BUSINESS MANAGEMENT COMPANIES
Creating Timeless Value and Contributing to the Global
Expansion of the Group
In Charge of Visual and Music Unit
Bandai Namco Holdings Inc.
Chairman and CEO
Bandai Namco Filmworks Inc.
Year Two of the Mid-term Plan and the Unit Reorganization
For the Visual and Music Unit in FY2026.3, the popularity of Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX helped expand the Gundam series’ fan base and drive the success of the Group’s products and services, contributing significantly to our performance.
In FY2027.3, the second year of the Mid-term Plan, we will leverage both newly created IPs from our visual business and our extensive portfolio of mainstay IPs to expand our licensing business globally. At the same time, in our music and live event businesses, we will advance initiatives that are truly unique to Bandai Namco.
We restructured the Unit in April 2026 to advance these strategic initiatives. This restructuring aims to accelerate and improve decision-making by bringing Gundam-related and IP production functions together under Bandai Namco Filmworks Inc. and centralizing music asset functions within Bandai Namco Music Frontier Inc.
Meanwhile, to support the expansion of our overseas business, our North American subsidiary, Bandai Namco Filmworks America, Inc. (BNFA), has launched full-scale branding activities for the Gundam series. Going forward, BNFA will also take the lead in locally driven initiatives to expand other IPs.
Strengthening Our Film and Licensing Businesses in the Visual Business
As part of our efforts to strengthen the film business, we released 25 theatrical titles in FY2026.3. The release of this many titles in one year was made possible by our unique production framework, which leverages both the capabilities of our own studios and partnerships with external studios. This framework not only enables us to maintain a strong number of releases but also facilitates a broad range of creative initiatives, including both film adaptations of existing source material and original in-house productions. It is imperative that the visual business creates both successful TV animations and theatrical films. We therefore will seek to maximize the value of IPs by generating synergies between these two types of media.
To strengthen the licensing business, we are undertaking efforts to fundamentally reinforce our operating structure. In addition to this structure, the library of IPs we have built over the years is the true source of our value, and the key to the success of the licensing business lies in how effectively we expand and leverage this library. With 2027 marking the 50th anniversary of SUNRISE Studio’s first visual work, we will promote efforts under the SUNRISE 50th Anniversary Project to express our gratitude to the fans who have supported our works throughout the years. At the same time, we will roll out a range of commemorative initiatives that will span through 2028. We will also pursue more ambitious initiatives aimed at enhancing the experience of existing fans while attracting new audiences.
Overseas, we will step up our initiatives in North America, which we view as the market with the greatest potential. Production of the live-action Hollywood film GUNDAM (working title) is progressing steadily. We are executing ongoing investment in the film, with BNFA serving as our operational base. We are also preparing strategies for the optimal release of the film, including the rollout of Group products and services in conjunction with its release.
Creating Value That Is Uniquely Bandai Namco in the Music and Live Event Businesses
In the music business, tie-ins with visual works such as TV animations with strong promotional reach are essential for producing hit songs. Creating such visual works internally is a tremendous competitive advantage for the Group.
As demonstrated by the Love Live! series, which attracts large audiences to live events, fans are increasingly seeking opportunities to connect in the real world. In response to this trend, Bandai Namco Music Live Inc., which organizes more than 800 live events annually, will make effective use of its newly opened venue, Shibuya LOVEZ. In addition, through our strategic partnership with UDO ARTISTS, Inc. we will combine the strengths of both companies to create new value and deliver more attractive live experiences to fans.
Fulfilling Our Role in Creating Timeless Value
The Visual and Music Unit occupies a distinct position within the Group’s businesses. This is because it supports the Group’s IP axis strategy at a fundamental level and plays a key role in creating timeless, universal value that will remain relevant 50 or even 100 years in the future.
As part of the globally acclaimed Japanese anime industry, our focus is simple: to create compelling works. Compelling works can take many different forms, from works that simply entertain and make people laugh to works that encourage deeper thought. Such works are what ultimately lead to universal value. We aim to build a brighter future together with people who believe in the Group’s Purpose and are motivated to take on the challenge of creating universal value.
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