By purchasing the anime, games and manga distributor from
AT&T, Sony's entertainment division is hoping to strengthen its position in
the global video streaming market and compete with the likes of Netflix and
Hulu, which also offer anime titles.
Crunchyroll, founded in 2006, is the world's largest online
library of Japanese animation.
Tony Vinciquerra, CEO of Sony Pictures Entertainment, said
the firm had already developed "a deep understanding of this global
artform" through its own anime streaming service Funimation, which it will
combine with Crunchyroll.
"Together with Crunchyroll, we will create the best
possible experience for fans and greater opportunity for creators, producers
and publishers in Japan and elsewhere," he said.
"We look forward to continuing to leverage the power of
creativity and technology to succeed in this rapidly growing segment of
entertainment."
Sony has recently seen massive success in Japan with the
popular Demon Slayer anime series made by its Aniplex studio.
A film based on the series has been a huge hit during the pandemic, becoming Japan's second-highest-grossing film of all time and taking JPY 27.5 billion at the box office.