New Overseas Brand "AN-IPPON" Launched, Combining Anime and Japanese Crafts

Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Tokyo; President & CEO: Yoshinari Kitajima; hereinafter "DNP") will launch a new overseas brand, "AN-IPPON," on June 30, 2026, which combines Japanese anime IP (Intellectual Property) with traditional crafts from various regions of Japan.

As the first initiative, products will be released in collaboration with the anime "NARUTO-ナルト- 疾風伝" and Kutani ware from Ishikawa Prefecture, Yonezawa-ori textiles from Yamagata Prefecture, and Akabeko from the Aizu region of Fukushima Prefecture. On the same day, advance sales will begin at two North American "Tokyo Anime Center" locations (San Francisco and near Boston) operated by DNP. Furthermore, sales will commence at "animate Los Angeles" near Los Angeles, USA, within 2026, expanding sales channels in North America.

DNP will be responsible for everything from coordination with rights holders and product planning with craft production areas to sales and promotion in North America, thereby establishing a model for overseas expansion that connects Japanese IP with craft production areas.

* AN-IPPON Official Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/an_ippon/

[Background and Business Objectives]

While the overseas expansion of Japanese anime IP is growing, there are also expectations for expanding sales channels in overseas markets for traditional crafts from various regions of Japan. However, challenges such as increasing recognition and establishing sales infrastructure exist for expanding crafts overseas. DNP has been promoting the overseas expansion of Japanese content through the Tokyo Anime Center and its product brand "AIMA"*1, leveraging its network with rights holders and its expertise in IP business.

"AN-IPPON" aims to support the overseas expansion of traditional crafts from various regions of Japan by combining the outreach power of anime IP with the value of crafts, handling everything from product planning to sales and promotion in a one-stop service.

[Current Initiatives]

1. About DNP's IP Utilization Craft Brand "AN-IPPON"

This is DNP's brand that combines Japanese anime with regional crafts for deployment in overseas markets. The brand name "IPPON" (一本) carries meanings such as "mastering a single path" and "having integrity." By overlaying the long-cherished spirit of Japanese craftsmanship with the worldview of anime works, the brand offers products with value as crafts, not just character merchandise.

2. First Initiative: Collaboration with "NARUTO-ナルト- 疾風伝"

As the first initiative, products will be released in collaboration with the anime "NARUTO-ナルト- 疾風伝" and Kutani ware, Yonezawa-ori, and Akabeko.

Product List

○ Kutani ware decorative plates NARUTO SHIPPUDEN

These are small plates made with Kutani ware, a representative craft of Ishikawa Prefecture. The bold colors and delicate paintings characteristic of Kutani ware are fused with NARUTO motifs.

Suggested retail price (excluding tax): USD 299.99 (5-piece set)

○ Akabeko figures NARUTO SHIPPUDEN

These are traditional toys from the Aizu region of Fukushima Prefecture. Featuring motifs of the protagonist "Uzumaki Naruto" and the "Tailed Beasts" appearing in the work, each piece is carefully handcrafted by Aizu artisans.

Suggested retail price (excluding tax): USD 299.99 (Set of 1 figure each of 5 types. 2 types in total.)

○ Yonezawa textile scarf NARUTO SHIPPUDEN

This is a scarf made with Yonezawa-ori, a textile tradition passed down in Yonezawa City, Yamagata Prefecture. Utilizing the unique texture of Yonezawa-ori techniques, the world of NARUTO is translated into a fashion item.

Suggested retail price (excluding tax): USD 99.99 (2 types)

Left: Kutani ware decorative plates NARUTO SHIPPUDEN

Center: Akabeko figures NARUTO SHIPPUDEN

Right: Yonezawa textile scarf NARUTO SHIPPUDEN

※ For product details, please visit → https://www.dnp.co.jp/biz/products/detail/20178171_4986.html

※ Advance sales of these products will be limited to North America.

3. Expansion Starting with North American Sales Bases and Major Events

This brand will begin sales at DNP's Tokyo Anime Center North American bases and Animate stores, and will subsequently expand its sales channels to local distribution networks. Furthermore, by exhibiting at major events such as Anime Expo and Anime NYC, DNP aims to increase recognition and acquire fans. The reactions of visitors and sales information obtained through these permanent store sales and major events will be analyzed and utilized for future product development and selection of expansion regions.

Sales Stores

○ Tokyo Anime Center

Sales start date: June 30, 2026

・ Tokyo Anime Center in SAN FRANCISCO (San Francisco, USA)

・ Tokyo Anime Center Burlington Mall (Near Boston, USA)

○ Animate

Sales start date: Within 2026 (scheduled)

・ animate Los Angeles (Near Los Angeles, USA)

Major Events

○ Anime Expo (Los Angeles, USA) / July 2, 2026 - July 5, 2026

○ Anime NYC (New York, USA) / August 20, 2026 - August 23, 2026

[Future Development]

Through "AN-IPPON," DNP will promote the overseas expansion of products combining anime works and game content with traditional crafts from various regions of Japan. The scope will be expanded to include lacquerware, Japanese paper, ceramics, dyed textiles, and more, with the aim of collaborating with craft production areas in all 47 prefectures of Japan over the next three years. Sales channels will be expanded from North America as a starting point to over five countries and regions, including Europe, East Asia, Southeast Asia, and Australia. DNP plans to expand the Tokyo Anime Center in North America to 10 locations by fiscal year 2026 and aims for annual sales of 2 billion yen in fiscal year 2028 for related businesses, including "AN-IPPON."

*1 About "AIMA" → https://www.dnp.co.jp/news/detail/10161845_1587.html

※ Company names and product names mentioned are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.

※ The contents described are as of the date of announcement. Please note that they may be changed without prior notice.