CyberAgent Launches Studio Kurm to Boost Anime Production

• CyberAgent launches Studio Kurm to support young creators and explore innovative animation styles.
• It will operate under CyberAgent’s Animation & IP Business Division.
• Veteran producer Maiko Okada leads the studio to build a sustainable production system.

CyberAgent, a Tokyo-based tech and entertainment company, launched a new animation studio, Studio Kurm, on October 1, 2025, as part of its strategy to expand its influence in the anime industry. The studio will operate under CyberAgent’s Animation & IP Business Division, formed in February 2024 to oversee anime planning, production, advertising, and global distribution.

CyberAgent’s Visionary Move

With the anime market expanding rapidly and productions becoming increasingly complex, CyberAgent founded Studio Kurm to support creators and explore innovative animation styles while ensuring fair compensation. Cygames has partnered with KADOKAWA to produce the anime The Summer Hikaru Died. The company also runs CygamesPictures, the studio behind several popular anime adaptations like Princess Connect! Re:Dive (2020–2022), The Idolmaster Cinderella Girls U149 (2023), Brave Bang Bravern! (2024), and many more. 

Studio Kurm is led by Maiko Okada, a veteran producer known for acclaimed titles such as Stand by Me Doraemon, Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress, Ranking of Kings, and Great Pretender. Okada emphasized the studio’s mission, explaining that she believes visual media can convey meaningful messages to future generations. She further added, “Japanese animation, loved worldwide, is the result of generations of creators dedicated to making great works. I want to carry this cultural legacy forward.”

Building a Sustainable Future for the Anime Industry

Maiko Okada noted that while the anime market continues to grow, increasingly demanding production environments threaten sustainability. This prompted her to partner with CyberAgent’s Anime & IP Division, a diverse team that can help realize a future she could not achieve alone with Studio Kurm. 

“Studio Kurm is not just an animation company; it is a challenge to build a sustainable system for creation with the best team, elevating Japanese anime culture to the next stage,” said Okada. To support this vision, animator Yoshinori Kameda will join Studio Kurm as Creative Representative in January 2026. Okada explained that Kameda’s leadership will help bring together a skilled team focused on creating impactful works. She hopes that under Kameda’s leadership, the studio aims to bring together a talented team driven by shared purpose.

Financial Strength and Global Ambitions

While specific financial details of Studio Kurm have not been disclosed, CyberAgent’s overall performance indicates a solid foundation for investment. According to Reuters, in fiscal year 2024, the company reported revenues of ¥802.99 billion (approximately $5.21B USD) and a net income of ¥16.25B (around $106M USD).

As per the Private Equity List reported, CyberAgent Ventures, the company’s venture capital arm, has additionally invested between $10M USD and $50M USD in seed to late-stage startups, demonstrating capacity for significant creative and technological initiatives.

By establishing Studio Kurm, CyberAgent signals a new chapter for Japanese animation, one that balances creative ambition with sustainable production, provides young talent a platform to innovate, and reinforces the company’s growing influence in the global anime market.