Sunrise Music Publishing

What Sunrise Music Publishing does

SUNRISE Inc. (operating as a brand within Bandai Namco Filmworks Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Bandai Namco Holdings, TYO: 7832) is a Japanese animation production studio founded in 1972 and headquartered in Tokyo. The company produces TV anime series, theatrical films, OVAs, and streaming content, with a catalog exceeding 300 works spanning iconic franchises such as Mobile Suit Gundam, Cowboy Bebop, Inuyasha, My-HiME, Cyber Formula, and newer titles including Maebashi Witches and MAO. In 2005 Sunrise was acquired by Bandai Namco Holdings, and in 2018 it was merged into Bandai Namco Filmworks, the anime and film production arm of the Bandai Namco Group, where it continues to operate as the SUNRISE brand.

The studio monetises its intellectual property through three primary revenue streams: animation production and licensing (royalties from TV broadcast, theatrical distribution, and streaming on platforms including d anime store, dTV, and Bandai Channel), merchandise sales (apparel, figures, acrylic stands, art books, Blu-ray BOX sets, and collectibles priced from ¥300 for photo prints up to ¥52,800 for anniversary box sets), and live event and experience revenue (commemorative exhibitions, fan meetings, anniversary events such as the Inomata Mutsumi Retrospective in Osaka and Nagoya in 2026). Distribution is multi-channel: direct-to-consumer via A-on STORE and Premium Bandai e-commerce, six owned Sunrise World retail stores across Tokyo, Yokohama, Hakata, Kyoto, Sendai, and Koshigaya, anime retail partners including Gamers and Animate, and licensing to model-kit manufacturers such as Good Smile Company, MegaHouse, and threezero.

Sunrise's primary customer segments are anime enthusiasts and model/hobby enthusiasts, segmented horizontally by fandom rather than by enterprise contract. The company markets through official websites, social media (X/Twitter, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram), anime conventions, and collaborative events. While headquartered in Japan, Sunrise claims global reach across North America, Europe, and Asia. It does not disclose standalone revenue, operates as part of the Bandai Namco Filmworks entity, and is not publicly traded on its own, though it is wholly owned by Bandai Namco Holdings.

Name

Sunrise Music Publishing

Legal name

Bandai Namco Filmworks Inc. (株式会社バンダイナムコフィルムワークス)

Website

https://sunrise-inc.co.jp

Company type

Private

Founded year

1972

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

251–500 employees

Short description

SUNRISE Inc., a Japanese animation studio founded in 1972 and now a brand within Bandai Namco Filmworks (Bandai Namco Holdings subsidiary), produces anime series and films including Gundam and Cowboy Bebop. It serves anime fans and hobbyists through licensing, merchandise, owned retail stores, and licensed model-kit and collectible partnerships across Japan and globally.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Anime Production and IP Licensing

NAICS

Motion Picture and Video Production (51211)

SIC

Services-Motion Picture & Video Tape Production (7812)

akta.pro primary industry

Anime Production (MPADACAF)

akta.pro secondary industry

Animated Series Production (TV/Streaming) (MPADACAG)

Keywords

• Anime production
• Animation studio
• Anime licensing
• Character merchandise
• Anime retail

Headquarters

HQ city

Tokyo

HQ country

Japan

HQ region

Asia

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Animation Production and Licensing: Production and licensing of anime content including TV series, films, OVAs, and streaming content
2. Merchandise Sales: Sale of branded merchandise, figures, apparel, accessories, and collectibles through official stores and retail partners
3. Event and Experience Revenue: Live events, exhibitions, commemorative events, and fan meetings generating ticket and merchandise sales

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Sunrise is a Japanese animation production studio that produces, distributes and licenses anime content including TV series, theatrical films, OVAs and Blu-ray box sets. The studio manages a catalog of 300+ works spanning franchises such as Mobile Suit Gundam, Cowboy Bebop, My-HiME and Inuyasha, and monetizes that IP through merchandise sales (figures, apparel, acrylic stands, art prints), model kit licenses with toy manufacturers, live events/exhibitions, and streaming distribution through major Japanese platforms.

Product overview

Sunrise Inc. operates as an animation studio producing anime content under the Bandai Namco Filmworks umbrella. The portfolio includes iconic franchises such as Mobile Suit Gundam, Cowboy Bebop, My-HiME, and original works like Maebashi Witches and MAO. Products span TV series, theatrical releases, Blu-ray box sets, art books, setting collections, model kits, and various merchandise including apparel, acrylic stands, and collectibles. Distribution channels include A-on STORE (official e-commerce), Premium Bandai, Sunrise World retail stores, and various anime merchandise retailers.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Mobile Suit Gundam (機動戦士ガンダム) Iconic anime franchise featuring giant robot battles and political narratives spanning multiple series, marketed to anime fans worldwide.
• Cowboy Bebop (カウボーイビバップ) Sci-fi anime series about a group of space bounty hunters, including 25th anniversary theatrical film 'Heaven's Door' and associated print merchandise and model kits.
• Maebashi Witches (前橋ウィッチーズ) Original anime featuring idol performances and live events, with associated merchandise, mini album release events, and live event goods.
• MAO TV anime based on Rumiko Takahashi's supernatural manga, with collaboration events, merchandise and retail fair partnerships.
• My-HiME / My-Otome (舞-HiME / 舞-乙HiME) Magical girl anime series with 20th anniversary commemorative releases including first complete Blu-ray BOX and 600+ page art book.
• Inuyasha (犬夜叉) Rumiko Takahashi anime series celebrating its 25th anniversary with Japanese-style creator's art and premium merchandise releases.
• Cyber Formula (新世紀GPXサイバーフォーミュラ) Future racing anime celebrating 35th anniversary with new model kits, LINE stamps, plush toys, and collaboration products.
• Yoroiden Samurai Troopers / 鎧真伝サムライトルーパー Action anime franchise with various merchandise including acrylic card selections, square can badges, acrylic carabiners, acrylic stands, plushy toys and lottery products.
• My-HiME & My-Otome 20th Anniversary Blu-ray BOX Blu-ray box set containing all 4 My-HiME/My-Otome series works with character designs by Hirokazu Hisayuki, including drama CD, ~1,430 minutes of main content and ~370 minutes of bonus features. Priced at ¥52,800 (tax incl.).
• My-HiME & My-Otome 20th Anniversary Art Book First complete art book covering all 4 My-HiME series works with 600+ pages of character designs and setting materials, targeted at franchise collectors and fans.
• Mobile Fighter G Gundam 30th Anniversary Official Record Collection Comprehensive record collection commemorating the 30th anniversary of the TV broadcast of Mobile Fighter G Gundam, including official book, new story text by Yatsuhara, and B-CLUB reprinted edition.
• Aoki Ryusei SPT Layzner Chronicle (蒼き流星SPTレイズナー CHRONICLE) Setting collection commemorating the 40th anniversary of TV broadcast for Layzner SPT, featuring mechanical designs by Kunihiko Ohara and presented in 2 A4 volumes with a tri-fold box.
• MODEROID Cowboy Bebop Swordfish II Model Kits Licensed model kit line of the Swordfish II spacecraft from Cowboy Bebop, produced by partner Good Smile Company in MODEROID 1/72 and DX-SCALE 1/48 premium versions for hobbyists.
• Inomata Mutsumi Retrospective Exhibition (いのまたむつみ回顧展) Ticketed retrospective exhibition of Mutsumi Inomata's anime illustrations featuring 88Graph mixed-print art prints and associated goods, with accompanying online and venue sales.
• Sunrise World Physical Retail Stores Network of 6 Sunrise World retail stores across Japan featuring Sunrise brand merchandise, exhibits and themed cafes, operated by Bandai Namco Animation & Music.

Quantifiable outcome

• 300+ anime works produced
• +1 more outcomes

Segments2 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature1 record

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• EDITION88minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 26 June 2026EDITION88 develops and sells 88GRAPH mixed print art pieces featuring Sunrise anime properties. Their 88GRAPH technique combines various printing methods including giclee, silk screen, UV printing, foil stamping, and embossing on various materials including metal, wood, acrylic, ceramics, glass.
• Good Smile CompanycoreTechnology or Integration · 9 June 2026Good Smile Company produces and sells MODEROID model kits featuring Sunrise anime properties including Cowboy Bebop's Swordfish II spacecraft, with both entry-level and DX-scale premium versions.
• Thread EdgeminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 27 April 2026Thread Edge produces and sells Samurai Troopers (Yoroiden Samurai Troopers) selection goods including acrylic card selections, square can badges, acrylic carabiners, and acrylic stands.
• MegaHousecoreTechnology or Integration · 15 April 2026MegaHouse produces Cyber Formula collection products under Heritage Edition and collaborates on Variable Action Hi-SPEC UNITED series featuring Asurada G.S.X Black ver., marking their first productization of Cyber Formula machines.
• Iijun (いいじゃん)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 15 April 2026Iijun produces Cyber Formula plush toys and team watch series products, including user-participation voting for character selection and new watch designs for the 35th anniversary.
• Almachica (AMNIBUS)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 10 April 2026Almachica produces and sells Cowboy Bebop apparel and merchandise including character fine graphs, hoodies, t-shirts, ties, and tote bags through the AMNIBUS platform.
• MedicToy (BE@RBRICK)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 10 April 2026MedicToy produces BE@RBRICK collectible figures featuring Sunrise anime characters, such as Cowboy Bebop's Spike Spiegel, available through official retail channels.
• GamerscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 27 March 2026Gamers operates a chain of anime retail stores in Japan, serving as a key partner for Sunrise merchandise distribution, event lotteries, and exclusive product campaigns including Maebashi Witches birthday events.
• Bandai Namco AM (Sunrise World)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 14 March 2026Bandai Namco Animation & Music operates 6 Sunrise World retail stores across Japan (Tokyo, Yokohama, Hakata, Kyoto, Sendai, Koshigaya) featuring Sunrise brand merchandise, cafes, and exhibitions.
• eeoStoreminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 30 January 2026EeoStore sells My-HiME themed merchandise including trading can badges, acrylic stands, and clear cases featuring cherry blossom viewing artwork.
• A-on STORE (Bandai Namco Filmworks)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 19 September 2025A-on STORE serves as the official Bandai Namco Filmworks e-commerce platform handling Sunrise brand merchandise, Blu-rays, art books, and limited-edition collectibles. The store offers exclusive pre-order campaigns, purchase bonuses, and handles both standard and limited-quantity products.
• Premium Bandai (Bandai Namco)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 19 September 2025Premium Bandai (サンライズストア) serves as the official Sunrise e-commerce platform under Bandai Namco's premium service, offering limited-edition merchandise, exclusive items, and Sunrise brand products.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• MAPPA: Leading contemporary anime studio (Jujutsu Kaisen, Chainsaw Man, Attack on Titan Final Season) competing directly with Sunrise for streaming-platform commissions and high-profile adaptation work.
• Kyoto Animation: Renowned anime studio (Violet Evergarden, K-On!, Clannad) with vertically integrated operations including in-house animation training school, similar to Sunrise's Sakuga-juku training program.
• Studio Ghibli: Iconic Japanese animation studio producing feature films (Spirited Away, My Neighbor Totoro) with strong global recognition and merchandise programs. Compares to Sunrise on iconic IP-led business model and theatrical anime distribution.
• Bones: Major anime studio (My Hero Academia, Fullmetal Alchemist, Mob Psycho 100) competing for TV commissions, film adaptations, and global streaming co-productions.
• Production I.G: Established Japanese anime studio (Ghost in the Shell, Psycho-Pass, Haikyu!!) under IG Port. Same production-led business model and similar relationships with Japanese broadcasters and global streamers.
• Studio Pierrot: Long-running Japanese anime studio (Naruto, Bleach, Yu Yu Hakusho) with similar long-tenured franchise strategy, TV series focus, and merchandise programs.
• Toei Animation: One of Japan's largest and oldest animation studios (Dragon Ball, One Piece, Sailor Moon, Precure). Direct competitor to Sunrise in TV anime production with similar long-running franchise strategy and deep merchandise integration.
• TMS Entertainment: Long-established Japanese anime studio (Lupin III, Detective Conan co-productions, Sonic the Hedgehog) with similar legacy IP focus, international co-production capability, and merchandise-driven revenue mix.
• Wit Studio: Tokyo-based anime studio (Spy x Family, Vinland Saga, Attack on Titan S1-3). Direct competitor to Sunrise for high-profile adaptation work and tier-1 streaming commissions.
• A-1 Pictures (CloverWorks): Anime production subsidiary under Aniplex/Sony Music with adjacent studio CloverWorks, producing Sword Art Online, Your Lie in April, Spy x Family Season 2. Comparable to Sunrise in scale, IP depth, and integrated publishing/distribution through parent group.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat3 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/sunrise_arte
• YouTubeyoutube.com/sunriseinc
• Facebookfacebook.com/SUNRISEinc
• Instagraminstagram.com/sunrise_official

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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

M&A

Investments2 records

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

Frequently asked questions about Sunrise Music Publishing