What HIKE does

HIKE is a Tokyo-based, privately-held entertainment conglomerate founded in March 2018 that operates as an "Entertainment Integrator" under the IP360° model, delivering cross-media IP development across animation, games, manga, stage productions, music, merchandise, and digital services. The company organizes its operations through 13+ wholly-owned subsidiaries including 100studio (animation with studios in Tokyo, Osaka, Taipei, Seoul), HIKE GAMES / Novus (game publishing and development), LOViT STUDIO (V-Liver agency on IRIAM with 100+ talents), HIKE Editorial (electronic manga publishing across three labels — COMIC ELAN, Blossom, BLUE BELL), CHARAZZ (merchandise EC), DISH UP (collaboration restaurants), KuZiPA! (online lottery SaaS), voip! (voice actor network with 22,000+ registered actors), Sarugakucho (game tuning — credited on ELDEN RING, ARMORED CORE VI, SILENT HILL 2), Delfi Sound, Re;Q (music), Trigono (graphics), Infinity1 (3DCG), and Shinkaron (singer management). The product and technology base spans digital animation production (2D/3D), game development and publishing across Steam, Nintendo Switch, and mobile, graphic art creation, Web/DX system development, audio/sound production, and manga/ebook publishing.

Revenue derives from multiple streams: indie game publishing with titles priced ¥620-¥2,980 on digital storefronts, animation production contracts and IP licensing, stage/musical production fees, merchandise sales via the proprietary EC site and online lottery, B2B graphic and promotional services, digital transformation projects, and V-Liver talent management fees. Notable enterprise clients include Bandai Namco Entertainment, Square Enix, KONAMI, Atlus, TOHO, Spike Chunsoft, ANYCOLOR (Nijisanji), and Wright Flyer Studios. Indie game publishing clients include Action Square, STUDIO N9, and Team Corn Field. Distribution is direct-to-consumer via Steam, Nintendo eShop, Google Play, Apple App Store, and CHARAZZ, while B2B sales run through a structured inquiry platform covering 12+ service categories.

The company employs 51-100 staff, has received investment from Simplex Financial Holdings and TV Asahi Corporation (announced 2025-10-01), and has expanded operations internationally with animation studios in South Korea and Taiwan, industry-academia partnerships with Yonsei University, TNUAd, and Korea Jeongwang College, and a strategic partnership with Korean studio NAMU Animation. Flagship self-developed products include CONERU -DIMENSION GIRL- (2025) and upcoming TV anime BLACK TORCH (scheduled July 2026). HIKE handles over 3,000 game development assistance and promotion project commissions annually (as of 2023 data) and has accumulated awards including the Korean Game Award 2021 Excellence Award and the GGC 2020 Grand Prize.

Name

HIKE

Legal name

株式会社HIKE

Website

https://hike.inc

Company type

Private

Founded year

2018

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

HIKE is a Tokyo-based entertainment integrator (founded 2018, 51-100 employees) operating 13+ subsidiaries across animation, games, manga, V-Liver management, merchandise, music, and game tuning under an IP360° model. It serves Japanese enterprise IP holders (Bandai Namco, Square Enix, KONAMI, Atlus, TOHO) and indie game developers with integrated cross-media production and global publishing services.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Tokyo

HQ country

Japan

HQ region

Asia

Offices5 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Game Publishing (HIKE GAMES): HIKE publishes indie games on Steam, Nintendo Switch, and mobile platforms. Revenue comes from game sales with pricing ranging from ¥620 to ¥2,980. Services include production support, voice recording, localization, marketing, and customer support.
2. Animation Production: HIKE (via 100studio subsidiary) produces TV anime, films, and streaming content. Revenue derives from production contracts, co-production deals, and IP licensing. 100studio has produced titles including 'この世界は不完全すぎる', 'BLACK TORCH', '朱色の仮面', and films.
3. Stage/Musical Productions: HIKE plans, produces, and manages stage plays and musicals, including 2.5-dimensional stage adaptations of popular IPs. Revenue from ticket sales, production fees, and rights management.
4. Merchandising & MD (Charazz, Online Lottery, EC): Merchandise planning, production, and sales through own EC site Charazz, online lottery service KuZiPA, and collaboration restaurants (DISH UP). Revenue from product sales and commission on third-party merchandise.
5. Graphic & Promotion Services: Graphic design, promotional video production, UI/logo design, manual/ancillary materials, event pamphlets for major IPs (THE IDOLM@STER, Tales of, Final Fantasy). B2B service revenue from external clients.
6. Digital Transformation (DX) Services: Website development, CMS construction, system development, and mini-game development for external clients. Services include editing, design, coding, and systems engineering.
7. VTuber/V-Liver Management (LOViT STUDIO): LOViT STUDIO manages V-Liver talents on the IRIAM platform, providing discovery, debut support, monetization, event management, and career development. Revenue from platform operations and talent management fees.
8. Manga/E-book Publishing (HIKE Editorial): HIKE Editorial publishes original manga across three digital labels (COMIC ELAN, Blossom, BLUE BELL) on platforms including LINE Manga and Piccoma, with plans for IP expansion into anime and games.
9. Game Promotion Video Production: Specialized promotion video production for game companies. Title introduction videos and character/skill introduction videos produced as packages, with per-video pricing starting from ¥130,000 for character/skill videos.
10. Game Tuning/Quality Assurance (Sarugakucho): Balance adjustment, playtesting, monitoring, and development support services for external game titles. HIKE's Sarugakucho division has worked on titles including ELDEN RING, ARMORED CORE VI, 呪術廻戦 ファントムパレード, SILENT HILL 2.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion4 records

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

HIKE is a Japanese entertainment conglomerate that operates an IP360° development model spanning game publishing (HIKE GAMES), animation production (100studio), manga publishing (HIKE Editorial), merchandise and online lottery services (CHARAZZ, KuZiPA!), V-Liver talent management (LOViT STUDIO), game tuning (Sarugakucho), promotion video production, graphic design, DX services, and music (Re;Q, DELFI SOUND). The company provides both B2B entertainment production services to IP holders and game developers, and B2C products including self-published games on Steam/Nintendo/mobile platforms, manga, merchandise, and collaboration restaurants.

Product overview

HIKE is a comprehensive entertainment integrator operating across multiple business divisions: (1) Game Publishing/Distribution via HIKE GAMES and Novus brand, publishing titles including CONERU -DIMENSION GIRL-, METALLIC CHILD, ARIA CHRONICLE, ANVIL, Last Light, and ALTF4 on PC/console/mobile; (2) Animation Production via 100studio with studios in Tokyo, Osaka, Taipei, and Seoul, producing TV/theatrical anime including 'この世界は不完全すぎる', 'BLACK TORCH', '数分間のエールを'; (3) Merchandising via CHARAZZ (goods EC), DISH UP (collaboration restaurants), KuZiPA! (online lottery SaaS); (4) Live Entertainment via LOViT STUDIO (V-Liver agency), デルファイサウンド (audio production), Re;Q (music publishing); (5) Creative Services via Trigono (2D/3D graphics), 猿楽庁 (game tuning/testing), and DX services; (6) Electronic Manga Publishing via HIKE Editorial Department with COMIC ELAN, Blossom, and BLUE BELL labels. The company functions as an entertainment conglomerate providing IP creation through 360-degree IP development.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• HIKE GAMES: 世界そして未来を越境するゲームを創造するゲームレーベル。自社および受託で作品を開発するほか、パブリッシャーとしてインディーゲームの面白さを伝えている。
• 100studio
• LOViT STUDIO
• CHARAZZ
• DISH UP
• voip!
• KuZiPA!
• Re;Q
• COMIC ELAN
• Blossom
• BLUE BELL

Products and services

• HIKE GAMES Game publishing division that develops and publishes games worldwide on Steam, Nintendo eShop, and mobile app stores, handling production assistance, voice recording, localization in five languages, marketing, community management, customer support, and physical package production for indie game developers.
• CONERU -DIMENSION GIRL- 2D platform action game where players control an android Socrates sharing a body with dimension girl Koneru to fight alien invaders in Shinjuku City. Developed with Iarın Japan and Novus, published by HIKE GAMES on Steam and Nintendo Switch at ¥2,980.
• METALLIC CHILD Roguelite core action game featuring android protagonist Rona. Published by HIKE on PC, Nintendo Switch, and mobile. Won Korean Game Award 2021 Excellence Award and Famitsu Gold Hall of Fame.
• ARIA CHRONICLE Turn-based battle RPG developed by Studio N9 with strategic dungeon exploration, diverse training elements, and colorful companions. Published by HIKE on Steam and Nintendo Switch at ¥1,840.
• ANVIL Roguelike top-down shooting game with multiplayer co-op up to 3 players plus PvP mode. Developed by Action Square (Korea), published globally by HIKE on Steam and Nintendo Switch at ¥2,570.
• Last Light Horror adventure game set in an abandoned hospital where players explore to uncover the truth about missing friends. Developed by Team Corn Field, published by HIKE on Steam and Nintendo Switch at ¥1,690. Won GGC 2020 Grand Prize and GIGDC 2020 Silver Award.
• ALTF4 Challenge-based action game featuring traps, guillotines, and obstacles. Released on Nintendo Switch with exclusive Knight's Training mode.
• Under World Office Mobile game distributed on Google Play and Apple App Store where HIKE handled production management, localization, debugging, promotional SNS operations, website creation, and customer support.
• 100studio Animation Production Global animation studio with facilities in Tokyo (Nishiogikubo), Osaka, Taipei, and Seoul. Handles planning, production, pre-production, and animation creation for TV, theatrical, streaming, game, and music video projects, plus license management.
• BLACK TORCH Anime TV anime based on Takaki Tsuyoshi's manga, produced by 100studio. Scheduled for July 4, 2026 broadcast on TOKYO MX and global simultaneous streaming. Opening theme by SiM, ending theme by I Don't Like Mondays.
• CHARAZZ Original online store for character goods based on anime, games, VTubers, and artists. Offers diverse merchandise e-commerce services with the concept of "buzz × character goods."
• DISH UP Collaboration restaurant service providing premium entertainment dining experiences themed around entertainment IPs, distinct from standard collaboration cafes. Operated as HIKE group company.
• voip! Voice actor network-based voice crowdfunding service with 22,000+ registered voice actors. Offers voice data matching client requirements with zero initial cost.
• KuZiPA! Online lottery SaaS platform connecting IP holders and users through PC and smartphone-accessible net lottery service for purchasing products through a lottery mechanism.
• LOViT STUDIO V-Liver agency supporting talent from pre-debut preparation through live streaming activities. Operates as an Organizer on the IRIAM platform (ANYCOLOR subsidiary) with approximately 100 talent members, providing discovery, debut support, monetization, event management, and career development.
• HIKE Editorial (COMIC ELAN, Blossom, BLUE BELL) Electronic manga publishing division managing three labels: COMIC ELAN (boys/young men), Blossom (girls/women/TL), and BLUE BELL (BL). Publishes manga titles with IP360-degree expansion potential, distributed on LINE Manga, Piccoma, and other digital platforms.
• Sarugakucho (猿楽庁) Game content tuning collective providing playtesting, monitoring, balance adjustment, and development/operations support for external game titles. Demonstrated experience on AAA titles including ELDEN RING, ARMORED CORE VI, 呪術廻戦 ファントムパレード, and SILENT HILL 2.
• DX Services Digital transformation services including business management systems, web consulting, web app development, CMS construction, and site production/improvement. Tailored for entertainment IP holders seeking digital presence.
• Novus Game development brand under HIKE specializing in game development services. Co-developed CONERU -DIMENSION GIRL- with Iarın Japan.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 3,000 game development assistance and promotion project commissions handled annually
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers13 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• NAMU Animation (Korea)coreTechnology or Integration · 27 February 2026100studio (HIKE subsidiary) entered a business partnership with NAMU Animation of Korea to strengthen its animation production system and achieve more stable, high-quality animation supply. This partnership expands 100studio's international production capacity.
• Yonsei UniversityminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 16 October 2025HIKE signed an industry-academia cooperation MOU with Yonsei University in the field of animation. The partnership covers student growth support and recruitment collaboration.
• Taiwan National University of the Arts (TNUAd) — Animation DepartmentminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 October 2024100studio engages in industry-academia cooperation with the Animation Department graduate program at TNUAd. Students and faculty have visited 100studio studios, receiving introductions to Japan's anime industry. Workshops for young local creators are also conducted.
• Korea Jeongwang College of Cultural IndustryminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 12 April 2024HIKE established industry-academia collaboration with Korea's Jeongwang College of Cultural Industry for joint operation of education programs and talent acquisition in animation and game domains.
• THINGMEDIAcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 25 May 2023HIKE and THINGMEDIA agreed to collaborate in the field of digital marketing specialized for the game industry. HIKE brings 3,000+ annual game project commissions and publishing expertise; THINGMEDIA brings gamer-perspective video production through its CONTINUE team. Together they develop new solutions and services for game marketing.
• IRIAM (ANYCOLOR subsidiary)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 March 2023LOViT STUDIO (HIKE subsidiary) operates as an 'Organizer' on the IRIAM platform, recruiting and managing V-Liver talents. IRIAM is a character live app operated by ANYCOLOR (parent of Nijisanji). LOViT STUDIO leverages the platform for V-Liver distribution while providing talent management services.
• AquaPluscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAquaPlus is a group company (both under HIKE Holdings) that develops games including ToHeart, Utawarerumono, and WHITE ALBUM franchises. HIKE provides promotional and marketing support for AquaPlus titles, including TGS exhibition support and special promotional events.
• Iarın Japan / HYPERSPACE / NovuscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHIKE co-developed CONERU -DIMENSION GIRL- with Iarın Japan (character design/HYPERSPACE) and Novus (game development). HIKE GAMES serves as publisher, handling all publishing functions for the title.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves10 records

Expansion highlights7 records

Direct peers

• Bushiroad Inc. Multi-vertical Japanese entertainment company integrating TCG, anime (via studio siblings), mobile games, music, and merchandise. Operates a similar cross-media IP strategy to HIKE.
• Cygames, Inc. Major Japanese game developer and publisher (Uma Musume, Granblue Fantasy) that increasingly integrates anime and manga tie-ins around its game IPs. Comparable to HIKE's game-to-cross-media ambition.
• Broccoli Co., Ltd. Japanese anime, game, and character merchandise company best known for the Uta no Prince-sama franchise. Smaller-scale but directly comparable multi-vertical entertainment model.
• Aniplex Inc. Anime production, game publishing (Aniplex Games), music, and merchandise arm of Sony Music. Highly comparable to HIKE in spanning anime, games, and music/marketing under a single corporate umbrella.
• Kadokawa Corporation: Japanese media conglomerate operating across publishing (manga/light novels), anime production, games, and merchandise. Closest large-scale analog to HIKE's IP360° cross-media integration model, with stronger owned-IP base.
• Marvelous Inc. Japanese entertainment group spanning anime production (via Honeyworks/M2), consumer games, mobile games, and amusement/merchandise businesses. Comparable in scale and vertical breadth to HIKE.
• Studio Colorido (Twin Engine): Japanese animation studio producing original and adaptation anime titles, structurally similar to HIKE's 100studio subsidiary in scope and size.
• MAGES. Inc. (formerly 5pb.): Japanese game developer/publisher, anime producer (via Straight Edge), and music label with multi-vertical entertainment structure mirroring HIKE's smaller-scale conglomerate model.
• Shueisha Games: Game publishing label of Shueisha focused on global indie game publishing with anime/manga tie-ins. Closest direct comparison to HIKE GAMES' indie publishing + cross-media ambition.

Emerging players

• ANYCOLOR Inc. Operator of Nijisanji VTuber agency and the IRIAM platform that hosts HIKE's LOViT STUDIO. Direct comparable to HIKE's VTuber/V-Liver agency business line, though much larger scale.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/hike_inc_jp
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UC4PrcknpA9itY-vPpIsCTKQ
• Facebookfacebook.com/hike.inc.jp
• Instagraminstagram.com/hike_inc_jp
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/hikeinc

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Subsidiaries13 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors2 records

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about HIKE