By TLL Staff
Aniplex of America is launching an expansion of the Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba licensing program with partnerships acoss products, promotions, gaming and more.
Based on a manga series by Koyoharu Gotoge, the Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba anime series follows a boy named Tanjiro Kamado who has joined the Demon Slayer Corps after his parents are killed and his younger sister Nezuko is transformed by a demon. Kanado joins the Corps to find a way to turn his sister back into a human after her transformation. The animation production is by Ufotable.
“Demon Slayer has amassed a dedicated fanbase, drawn in by its gripping storyline, breathtaking animation, and unforgettable characters,” said Aniplex of America president, Yosuke Kodaka. “We’re thrilled about the forthcoming release of the Hashira Training Arc and delighted to be working with partners who continue to expand the universe providing fans multiple ways to engage with the brand at every touchpoint.”
The upgraded licensing program for the Demon Slayer anime franchise includes numerous consumer product and promotional partnerships in a broad range of categories such as toys, apparel, footwear, accessories, lifestyle, gaming, computer hardware, home goods and more.
The sportswear retail company Footlocker will be sponsoring a new Demon Slayer x Adidas footwear and accessories collection in the United States.
Crocs recently launched a limited-edition Demon Slayer apparel and acessories line at New York Comic Con.
The Dim Mak record label and lifestyle brand will produce a line of themed apparel for the series.
Team Liquid has been selected to produce both apparel and computer accessories for the Demon Slayer IP.
For additional computer-related promotions, AplusX and Cyber Power PC are launching Demon Slayer inspired mousepads and keyboard caps.
In the video game category, a new multiplayer digital board game called Sweep the Board was launched on the Nintendo Switch.
The Demon Slayer Sweep the Board video game was developed by CyberConnect2 and co-published by SEGA and Aniplex on April 26.
In addition, the gamer-focused furniture company Secretlab has released its second collection of licensed Demon Slayer gaming chairs.
Toys will launch through Bandai Namco Toys & Collectibles America, featuring 5-inch articulated Ultimate Legends action figures, and a Gashapon Blind Pack collection called Great Posing Figures with global licensing partner, Bandai Co., on May 20.
McFarlane Toys will feature figurines, including four 5-inch characters and two 7-inch characters.
Earlier this year, Zuru toy company launched Anime Pop, a mystery box of 5-inch plush and will be adding new Demon Slayer product this summer.
Other product category submissions include Funko produced vinyl figures.
Just Funky is manufacturing a line of tableware and throws, Monogram embroidery and screen printing will feature products such as coin banks and blind bag clips, and Great Eastern Entertainment is marketing plush toys and keychains.
Trends International will publish and manufacture a range of posters and calendars later this year.
The fourth season of Demon Slayer will be airing exclusively on Crunchyroll’s streaming service in the United States, with three seasons of the anime currently accessible across multiple platforms.
The direct-to-retail collaborations are launching May 12, to coincide with the debut of its fourth season.
Aniplex of America is a subsidiary of Aniplex, which is a division of Sony Music Entertainment, and provides anime content and music production and distribution in Japan.
Aniplex of America oversees the distribution and licensing of the Demon Slayer anime across North America, South America, Ireland, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and the UK. The company will be attending Licensing Expo 2024 in Las Vegas to extend its partnerships in additional categories such as publishing, homewares, packaged goods, health, beauty, fashion collaborations and more.