New Anime Studio Azuki Partners With Will & Jada Pinkett Smith’s Westbrook To Build The ‘Next Generation Of Anime’
BREAKING: California Has Expanded Its Improved 35%, $750M Tax Credit Program To Animated Projects Anime By Jamie Lang | 07/03/2025 8:03 am | Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith’s media company, Westbrook Inc., has announced a strategic partnership with newly launched U.S.-based animation outfit Studio Azuki. “At Westbrook, our mission has always been to tell stories that connect, inspire, and transcend borders,” Westbrook CEO Ko Yada told Variety, which broke the news. “Partnering with Studio Azuki is a powerful step in that direction.” Studio Azuki is a joint venture between NFT-born brand Azuki and Japanese companies Comisma Inc. and Xenotoon Inc. Together, the partners plan to develop original anime IPs and adaptations through innovative production models rooted in technology, fan engagement, and cross-cultural storytelling. The collaboration combines Westbrook’s Hollywood reach and name recognition with Azuki’s anime background, which evolved from a Web3 project into a global community of artists and now an animation studio. Azuki has launched initiatives such as the “Enter The Garden” anthology, Anime.com, and the Animecoin Foundation, with a vision dubbed “Anime 2.0” that explores the role of blockchain in anime creation and distribution. Introducing Studio Azuki. A joint anime studio with COMISMA and Xenotoon to develop, produce, and distribute anime globally. We’re leveling up Web3’s creative power and shaping the future of anime. pic.twitter.com/i8Vdmtn9q4 — Azuki (@Azuki) July 1, 2025 Studio Azuki aims to blend Japan’s anime traditions with Western enthusiasm, particularly in the U.S., where anime continues to gain mainstream popularity. “With a global-first, creator-centric, and social-native approach, Studio Azuki is our bold step toward building the next generation of anime,” said Azuki Labs’ head of content, Feb Tea. “With a global-first, creator-centric, and social-native approach, Studio Azuki is our bold step toward building the next generation of anime, one that empowers creators and connects directly with fans,” said Feb Tea, head of content at Azuki Labs at the time of the studio’s launch. “By joining forces with Comisma and Xenotoon, we’re combining deep, authentic anime production expertise with fresh creative energy and global perspective. Together, we can redefine how anime is developed, financed, and experienced around the world, with new original anime titles, stories, and creators for years to come.” Comisma and Xenotoon bring strong industry pedigrees, spanning manga apps, high-end studios, and creator-first networks. As Xenotoon CEO Koichi Kawase told Variety, “This also marks a turning point in realizing our long-held vision to democratize the anime production, funding, and distribution pipeline.” Pictured at top: Azuki Elementals What Do You Think? Sponsored Stories from Cartoon Brew Latest News from Cartoon Brew