Showgate
Showgate (Hakuhodo DY Music & Pictures) is a Japanese entertainment subsidiary of Hakuhodo DY Holdings that produces and distributes anime, theatrical films, and Korean drama content across theatrical, home video, streaming, and international licensing channels, serving B2C fan audiences globally.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2003
- HeadquartersMinato-ku, Tokyo, Japan
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Showgate does
Showgate, the operating brand of Hakuhodo DY Music & Pictures Inc. (博報堂DYミュージック＆ピクチャーズ), is a Japanese entertainment content company established on October 1, 2003, and headquartered in Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo. It is a wholly-owned strategic subsidiary of Hakuhodo DY Holdings, positioned as the group's entertainment arm. The company operates across five core service lines: anime production and distribution (titles including Overlord, Goblin Slayer, Mob Psycho 100, That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime, DanMachi, and Mushoku Tensei), theatrical film distribution (both Japanese productions and international acquisitions such as NEON's horror slate), Blu-ray/DVD home video publishing, VOD/TV licensing across platforms including Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, ABEMA, U-NEXT, Hulu, and dTV, and game-related products and collaborations. A subsidiary initiative, animap, operates an NFT marketplace for anime and entertainment digital collectibles on public blockchain.
The company's business model combines transaction fees from theatrical distribution, licensing royalties from anime production co-productions and streaming/TV rights, hardware sales from Blu-ray/DVD publishing, and professional services fees for promotional support (宣伝). Co-distribution partnerships with Shochiku enable wide theatrical reach (e.g., 100+ theaters for 'Father'), while international sales and co-production arrangements — including a 2023 strategic partnership with COPUS JAPAN for Korean drama IP licensing into Japan and a 2025 NEON partnership for US independent film distribution — extend the content footprint globally. The company is led by Representative Director, President and CEO Koyama Yohei (appointed April 2023).
In January 2026, Showgate and parent Hakuhodo jointly launched 'FANFARE', a global team dedicated to expanding Japan-origin entertainment IP fandom worldwide across anime, manga, film, music, and games, signaling a strategic pivot toward international market development under the Hakuhodo Group network. The company has earned industry recognition including the 2025 New Media Content Award (Drama/Mid-Long Format, Excellence) for Korean drama 'Ho Restaurant ~Time-Traveling Chef Romance~' broadcast in 190+ countries.
Showgate firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Showgate
- Legal name
- 株式会社博報堂DYミュージック＆ピクチャーズ
- Website
- https://showgate.jp
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2003
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Showgate (Hakuhodo DY Music & Pictures) is a Japanese entertainment subsidiary of Hakuhodo DY Holdings that produces and distributes anime, theatrical films, and Korean drama content across theatrical, home video, streaming, and international licensing channels, serving B2C fan audiences globally.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Showgate industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Entertainment Content Production and Distribution
- NAICS
- Motion Picture and Video Distribution (512120), Motion Picture and Video Industries (5121), Media Streaming Distribution Services, Social Networks, and Other Media Networks and Content Providers (5162)
- SIC
- Services-Motion Picture & Video Tape Distribution (7822), Services-Allied To Motion Picture Distribution (7829)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Free TV / Syndication Distribution (MPADAJAI)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Animated Series Production (TV/Streaming) (MPADACAG), Home Entertainment Distribution (Digital: TVOD/EST) (MPADAJAE), Transactional VOD Distribution (TVOD) (MPADAJAF), International TV Program Distribution (Sales/Output Deals) (MPABAMAD)
Keywords
Where Showgate is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Minato-ku, Tokyo
- HQ country
- Japan
- HQ region
- Asia
Offices1 record
Markets served
Showgate business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D
Revenue model
- Theatrical Distribution: Producing and distributing theatrical films and anime movies for cinema release, working with distribution partners such as Shochiku (松竹) for wide theatrical release.
- Animation Production: Producing and co-producing TV anime series and theatrical anime works, handling production, production assistance, and promotional campaigns.
- Blu-ray/DVD Sales: Publishing and selling home video products including Blu-ray and DVD releases of films, anime, and TV dramas.
- Streaming / VOD / TV Licensing: Licensing content to streaming platforms (VOD), TV broadcasters, and international platforms for broadcast and streaming rights.
- Promotional Support (宣伝): Providing promotional support (as 宣伝協力 or 宣伝) for films and anime produced by partner studios, including marketing and publicity services.
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels7 records
Showgate product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Showgate (Hakuhodo DY Music & Pictures) is a Japanese entertainment content company that produces and distributes anime series, theatrical films, Korean dramas, and related content. The company operates across the full entertainment value chain—from production and co-production through theatrical distribution, home video publishing (Blu-ray/DVD), streaming/VOD licensing, TV broadcast licensing, and international sales. It also invests in game products and digital initiatives such as the animap NFT marketplace for anime, manga, film, game, music, and art content.
Product overview
Showgate (博報堂DYミュージック＆ピクチャーズ / Hakuhodo DY Music & Pictures) is a Japanese entertainment content company operating as part of Hakuhodo DY Holdings. The company operates as a multi-segment entertainment platform producing and distributing anime series, theatrical films, and related content. Its core products include: Anime Production & Distribution (handling series such as Overlord, Goblin Slayer, Mob Psycho 100, That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime), Theatrical Film Distribution (both Japanese and international films), Blu-ray/DVD Sales, VOD/Streaming services, and Game Products. The company maintains a diverse lineup spanning fantasy isekai anime, supernatural thrillers, and award-winning international films. A notable subsidiary initiative is animap, a public-chain NFT marketplace for digital content, and FANFARE, a global team supporting Japanese entertainment IP expansion worldwide.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Anime Production & Distribution Production and distribution of TV anime series and theatrical anime films, handling production, production assistance, and promotional campaigns. Includes titles such as Overlord, Goblin Slayer, Mob Psycho 100, That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime, and Saga of Tanya the Evil. For animation studios, broadcasters, and global anime audiences.
- Theatrical Film Distribution Theatrical distribution of live-action films including Japanese productions, Korean films, and international acquisitions such as Liam Neeson's MEMORY and Oscar-nominated THE FATHER. For general film audiences and theater chains through partnerships with major distributors such as Shochiku (松竹).
- Blu-ray / DVD Sales Publishing and sales of Blu-ray and DVD home video products for anime series and feature films through retail distribution channels and direct sales platforms. For home video consumers and retail distribution partners.
- VOD / Streaming Distribution Digital distribution and streaming rights management for anime and film content across various VOD platforms including Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, ABEMA, U-NEXT, FOD, GYAO!, Rakuten TV, dTV, and Hulu, as well as TV broadcasters internationally. For streaming platforms and digital viewers.
- Game Products Game-related products and collaborations including mobile games, merchandise tie-ins, and applications such as Re:Zero Alarm Emilia ver. For game fans and franchise enthusiasts.
- animap NFT Marketplace NFT marketplace platform utilizing public blockchain technology for anime, manga, film, game, music, and art content, enabling digital collectibles and fan engagement. For digital collectors and IP rights holders.
- FANFARE Global Team Global team supporting Japanese entertainment content IP expansion worldwide, providing fandom enlargement and global marketing services for anime, manga, film, music, and game content. For Japanese content IP holders seeking global expansion.
Quantifiable outcome
- Sylvanian Family film released nationally in Japan in autumn 2023
- +1 more outcomes
Companies that use Showgate
Customer profileSegments3 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Showgate technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Showgate partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Five partnerships are on record, tiered core.
- Hakuhodo (博報堂)coreHakuhodo DY Music & Pictures and Hakuhodo jointly launched the global team 'FANFARE (ファンファーレ)' to support the global expansion and fandom expansion of Japan-origin entertainment content including anime, manga, film, music, and games. The team leverages Hakuhodo Group's network and expertise.
- NEONcoreNEON is an independent US film company. Showgate is distributing NEON's horror film 'KEEPER/キーパー' (directed by Osgood Perkins) in Japan. NEON's previous film 'Longlegs' broke the company's all-time box office records. Showgate handles theatrical distribution in Japan for NEON titles.
- WHYNOT Media (韓国)coreWHYNOT Media (represented by Lee Min-sok and Oh Hyun-min) co-produced the Korean drama 'Ho Restaurant ~Time-Traveling Chef Romance~' with Hakuhodo DY Music & Pictures and COPUS JAPAN. The drama stars Chanyumin (EXO) and has been broadcast internationally in over 190 countries, winning a 2025 New Media Content Award.
- COPUS JAPANcoreCOPUS JAPAN handles distribution and IP development of Korean drama content. Hakuhodo DY Music & Pictures (Showgate) acts as the domestic licensing sales window for COPUS JAPAN's Korean drama TV broadcasting and home video rights in Japan. The partnership also includes co-development of webtoons and joint IP initiatives, with a strategic focus on securing Korean drama IP and co-producing content.
- 松竹coreShochiku (松竹) serves as a co-distributor for theatrical anime films. For example, the animation film 'Kimi to Hanabi to Kiseki no Yakusoku to' is distributed by 松竹／シンエイ動画 with promotional support from Showgate.
Scale indicators3 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights3 records
Showgate competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Toei Animation: One of Japan's largest anime production and distribution studios (Dragon Ball, One Piece, Sailor Moon). Comparable in anime production, global streaming licensing, and theatrical film distribution.
- Avex Pictures: Anime and film distribution arm of Avex Group. Directly comparable as a Japanese anime distributor handling theatrical, home video, and streaming rights for both domestic and international titles.
- Aniplex: Japanese anime production and distribution subsidiary of Sony Music Entertainment Japan. Directly comparable to Showgate as a producer/distributor of top-tier anime titles (Demon Slayer, Sword Art Online, Fate series) with theatrical, home video, and streaming licensing operations.
- Pony Canyon: Japanese entertainment company under Fujisankei Communications Group handling anime, music, and video distribution including Blu-ray/DVD, streaming, and licensing. Closely comparable in product mix and distribution channels.
- Kadokawa: Major Japanese media conglomerate with anime production, publishing, and distribution businesses. Comparable to Showgate in anime IP commercialization (Re:Zero, Overlord light novels) and multi-channel content distribution.
Broad incumbents
- Shochiku Co., Ltd. Historic Japanese film distributor and producer with major theatrical distribution network. Directly comparable distribution capabilities; Showgate already partners with Shochiku for theatrical releases, illustrating the overlap in business model.
- Toho Co., Ltd. Japan's leading theatrical film distributor (Godzilla franchise, Studio Ghibli distribution). Comparable to Showgate in theatrical film distribution and home video/streaming rights management, but at significantly larger scale with owned IP.
Emerging players
- GKIDS: US-based distributor specializing in Japanese and international animated and arthouse films. Comparable as a niche distributor bringing premium foreign animation/film content to domestic theatrical markets.
- CJ ENM: Major Korean entertainment conglomerate producing and distributing K-dramas, films, and anime globally. Comparable as a content producer/distributor with international sales focus and is a relevant counterpart given Showgate's COPUS JAPAN Korean drama business.
Regional players
- Warner Bros. Japan: Japanese arm of Warner Bros. Discovery handling theatrical distribution, home video, and TV licensing of Hollywood and local content. Comparable in theatrical distribution of imported films and home video publishing.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Showgate social profiles
Digital presenceShowgate financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Showgate leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles8 records
Showgate funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Showgate M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Showgate
What does Showgate do?
Showgate (Hakuhodo DY Music & Pictures) is a Japanese entertainment content company that produces and distributes anime series, theatrical films, Korean dramas, and related content. The company operates across the full entertainment value chain—from production and co-production through theatrical distribution, home video publishing (Blu-ray/DVD), streaming/VOD licensing, TV broadcast licensing, and international sales. It also invests in game products and digital initiatives such as the animap NFT marketplace for anime, manga, film, game, music, and art content.
Is Showgate a public or private company?
Showgate is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was Showgate founded?
Showgate was founded in 2003. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Showgate based?
Showgate is headquartered in Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan, in the Asia region.
How does Showgate make money?
Five revenue lines are on record. Theatrical Distribution is the primary driver. The others are animation Production, blu-ray/DVD Sales, streaming / VOD / TV Licensing and promotional Support (宣伝).
Who are Showgate's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Toei Animation, Avex Pictures, Aniplex, Pony Canyon and Kadokawa. Broad incumbents are Shochiku Co., Ltd. and Toho Co., Ltd.. Emerging players are GKIDS and CJ ENM. Warner Bros. Japan is listed as a regional player.
Does Showgate have an API?
No public API is recorded for Showgate.
What industry is Showgate in?
Showgate's product category is Entertainment Content Production and Distribution. Its primary akta.pro industry code is MPADAJAI, Free TV / Syndication Distribution, with a secondary code of MPADACAG, Animated Series Production (TV/Streaming). Its NAICS code is 512120 and its SIC code is 7822.