HAYATE Inc.
HAYATE, Inc. is a Japanese anime production joint venture established in March 2025 by Aniplex and Crunchyroll, LLC, both subsidiaries of Sony Music [Entertainment Japan]. Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, the company focuses on the planning, development, and production of anime content specifically for global distribution via Crunchyroll streaming service.
History
Prior to the Sony acquisition, Crunchyroll had its own in-house animation studio which it founded in 2018 to produce its own animated originals for its streaming service as well as its VRV streaming service until it was shut down in August 2021 following the Sony acquisition.On March 17, 2025, Aniplex and Crunchyroll, LLC announced the formation of Hayate, Inc., a joint venture between the two companies to produce "premium content for anime fans worldwide," indicating a focus on high-quality productions with broad appeal.
The leadership of Hayate, Inc. comprises key figures Masanori Miyake as the Chairman and CEO, Leo Watanabe as President and COO, who are both from Aniplex. The company's staff includes employees from both Crunchyroll and Aniplex, fostering a collaborative environment that integrates the distinct expertise of each organization.
The primary objective of Hayate, Inc. is to produce original anime exclusively for the Crunchyroll's streaming service. This initiative signifies a deeper investment by both Aniplex and Crunchyroll in creating new anime for the global market and potentially expanding the variety and exclusivity of content offered on the platform.