Sony Pictures Entertainment has launched Crunchyroll Storyworks, a new division run by Sony's Tohru Iokibe, per Anime News Network. Its job runs in two directions: adapting global stories into anime, and taking anime into live-action. It will also work directly with Japanese creators to develop projects for HAYATE, the Tokyo production venture Crunchyroll runs with Aniplex.
Quick answer
Crunchyroll Storyworks is a Sony Pictures Entertainment division announced on October 7, 2026 and led by Tohru Iokibe. Its mandate is adapting global stories into anime and anime into live-action, and it develops projects for HAYATE Inc., the Aniplex–Crunchyroll joint venture founded in March 2025 in Tokyo. HAYATE is led by chairman and CEO Masanori Miyake and president and COO Leo Watanabe, and it bought anime studio Lay-duce outright in April 2026. Crunchyroll and Aniplex both ultimately sit under Sony Group, whose anime titles include Demon Slayer (SenpaiRanks: 8.36).
How the pieces fit
Sony already owns the whole chain: Aniplex produces in Japan, Crunchyroll distributes worldwide, and HAYATE, with Lay-duce under it, makes anime aimed at Crunchyroll's global audience. Storyworks adds a development desk on the Sony Pictures side, the part of the company that knows Hollywood and live-action. The obvious read is that Sony wants anime IP that can also travel into film and TV, and Western stories that can be produced as anime in Japan.
What to watch for
No titles have been announced yet. The first sign of Storyworks at work will probably be a HAYATE production credit or a live-action announcement that names the division. Until then, the anime with the most proven crossover pull is on the board right now. Check the Bleach TYBW delay and where to watch, the Gachiakuta Season 2 outlook and our best anime films of the 2010s ranking.
Frequently asked questions
Q: What is Crunchyroll Storyworks?
A: A new Sony Pictures Entertainment division that adapts global stories into anime and anime into live-action, and develops projects for HAYATE.
Q: Who runs Crunchyroll Storyworks?
A: Tohru Iokibe of Sony.
Q: What is HAYATE?
A: A Tokyo-based anime production joint venture between Aniplex and Crunchyroll, founded in March 2025. It acquired studio Lay-duce in April 2026.
Q: Has Crunchyroll Storyworks announced any projects?
A: Not yet. No titles have been announced as of October 8, 2026.