When storytelling transcends borders, magic happens and that’s exactly what Kodansha Co., Ltd. aims to achieve with its latest global venture. On November 4, 2025, the renowned Japanese publishing powerhouse officially announced the launch of Kodansha Studios, a Hollywood-based company born from a partnership with Academy Award-winning director Chloé Zhao and acclaimed producer Nicolas Gonda.
The press conference, led by Kodansha President and CEO Yoshinobu Noma, introduced the new studio as a bold step toward uniting Japanese creativity with Hollywood’s cinematic reach. Kodansha Studios will operate as a joint venture between Kodansha and Zhao’s production company, Book of Shadows, with Zhao taking on the role of Chief Creative Officer, guiding the studio’s artistic direction and storytelling vision. Gonda, known for his extensive experience in film and television production, will serve as Chief Operating Officer, ensuring the studio runs seamlessly.
Through this collaboration, Kodansha plans to take a more hands-on approach in bringing its beloved manga, novels, and original stories to life as live-action global projects, expanding the reach of Japanese culture far beyond its shores.
Speaking with heartfelt emotion, Zhao shared, “Japanese manga, anime, and doujinshi have been part of my life since I was a child they’re part of who I am. My hope for this new studio is to serve as a bridge between Eastern and Western cultures. I also see it as a kind of garden, a place where creators can feel safe, inspired, and protected.” She added her gratitude to Noma, saying she was “honored to take on this role” and praised Kodansha’s courage in pushing creative boundaries.
President Noma echoed her sentiment, reflecting on the company’s expanding global influence. “The entertainment content we’ve created over the years has gained tremendous worldwide popularity. Until now, we’ve often left the rest to Hollywood after signing rights agreements. But by managing the planning and development ourselves, we can spark an even greater creative reaction,” he said. “Our goal is to bring hidden gems from Japan to global audiences while fostering collaboration between Japanese creators and filmmakers abroad.”
With Kodansha Studios, the company is not just stepping into Hollywood it’s cultivating a new era of creative exchange, one where East and West can grow together in a shared “garden” of imagination.
