Makoto Kimura, esteemed executive director, rights management maestro, and prolific producer at Studio MAPPA, made waves earlier this month with news of his retirement.

But this wasn’t a farewell to the industry; rather, it marked the dawn of a new era as Kimura revealed his brainchild: Blue Rights, an anime planning company poised to redefine the entertainment landscape.

Blue Rights isn’t your average studio. Led by Kimura as the representative director, it’s a hub of innovation set to explore a multitude of creative avenues beyond traditional anime production. From televised and theatrical anime to manga, novels, music, events, and more, Blue Rights aims to interest audiences with a fresh approach prioritizing planning and production excellence.

Kimura’s decision to launch Blue Rights reflects a deep understanding of the global anime fandom’s growing appetite. His tenure at MAPPA since 2018, where he held diverse roles including directing, producing, and pioneering rights management, provided invaluable insights.

Notably, his efforts secured funding for the highly anticipated Chainsaw Man anime and curated striking exhibitions for MAPPA’s acclaimed titles like Chainsaw Man and Jujutsu Kaisen.

Before his MAPPA days, Kimura honed his craft at Twin Engine and contributed to Fuji TV’s Noitamina block from as early as 2007, laying a rich foundation for his future endeavors.

As Kimura starts on this new journey, MAPPA continues its legacy under Masao Maruyama’s leadership, with CEO Manabu Ohtsuka steering the ship. With studios in Tokyo and Sendai, MAPPA boasts an impressive repertoire including Chainsaw Man, Yuri!!! on Ice, Jujutsu Kaisen, and the gripping Attack on Titan The Final Season.