KADOKAWA to integrate ENGI and four animation studios into a new Studio One base in November 2026
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TAME OTONITY – KADOKAWA plans to merge five animation production subsidiaries to establish a new company called Studio One Base, and the new studio is scheduled to be founded in November 2026. On the book’s side, the company announced that on September 30 it would integrate the manga volumes of Dengeki Bunko and Dengeki no Shin onto its main corporate website.
The companies being merged are ENGI (Medalist, The Detective Is Imiri Dead), Studio Cadence, Chiptune, Velnoks Films, and Raging Bull. KADOKAWA stated that this measure aims to strengthen the structure of animation production while creating a more sustainable working environment for creators.
In particular, KADOKAWA acquired Chiptune in February 2025 with the goal of streamlining the animation production process, strengthening quality control, and nurturing the next generation of compositing professionals.
Studio One Base will be headquartered at KADOKAWA’s new animation production hub, located in Sunshine City, Ikebukuro, Tokyo. This facility itself will also use the name Studio One Base and is scheduled to open this month.
The news that animation studios would be consolidated into Studio One Base was announced in March, confirming that a new production facility of about 1,400 tsubo (about 4,600 square meters) would open in Sunshine City in the fall of 2026.
Despite the company’s integration, KADOKAWA said that the existing studio names—ENGI, Studio KADAN, Chiptune, Bellnox Films, and Raging Bull—will continue to be used. Each studio’s production line, brand, and individual strengths will also be maintained under the new structure.
