London-based IP Studio 8 Lions Entertainment has signed a worldwide licensing agreement with Japanese broadcaster TV Asahi for Ninja Hattori-kun, one of Japan’s longest-running anime series.
Under the agreement, 8 Lions will be responsible for the digital distribution of the series across SVOD, AVOD and free VOD platforms in all territories outside of Japan.
The story centers on Kanzo Hattori, a young ninja from the mountainous region of Iga, who is transplanted to modern-day Tokyo, attends school, and clashes with his best friend Kenichi. The origins of the series date back to 1964, when manga artist Fujiko Fujio introduced the character to Shonen Magazine. The combination of warmth, humor and relatable storytelling has made it particularly interesting in Asia, Latin America and the Middle East – regions where Eight Lions sees strong digital growth potential.
The property has taken many forms over the years, starting with a live-action TV drama on TV Asahi in the late 1960s, an anime series produced by Shin-ei Animation from 1981 to 1987 that spawned movies and video games, and later remakes developed with overseas animation partners.
Central to this strategy is a slate of localized YouTube channels that will initially stream full seasons of the show in Spanish, Arabic, Thai, and Vietnamese. The move represents a meaningful shift in the general way Japanese anime IP is deployed on the platform. Rights holders typically limit content to clips and promotional materials and do not commit to making their entire libraries available on an ongoing basis. With YouTube’s monthly active user base reaching 2.7 billion, 8 Lions believes the platform is the most powerful tool available to retain an international audience.
“Japan’s anime libraries, previously closed behind paywalls, now have the opportunity to build a direct connection with their millions of fans via AVOD platforms, where they previously only enjoyed promotional content,” said Ziera Esmat, CEO of 8 Lions Entertainment. “We are putting these communities, and YouTube in particular, at the center of our growth strategy, building a multi-format, multi-lingual, full-season fan ecosystem.”
This agreement is part of a broader effort by 8Lions to position itself as a reliable partner for Japanese rights holders seeking international growth. The company plans to open a Japan office later this year, and Vice President of Digital Commercial Partnerships Lovely Chavez will relocate to lead field operations.
For TV Asahi, the deal marks a new chapter in a property that has been part of Japan’s cultural life for decades. “‘Ninja Hattori-kun’ is an important asset that has been loved by generations in Japan,” said Maiko Sumida, animation sales and development manager of TV Asahi’s international division. “We believe this partnership will further enhance the value of the series and help cultivate an even broader global fan base.”
The agreement was announced at Filmart Hong Kong.
8 Lions was founded in 2024 by Esmat, who was previously an executive at children’s entertainment company Moonbug Entertainment. The company specializes in expanding entertainment properties internationally through digital distribution, YouTube strategies, licensing and consumer products.
A staple of Japanese broadcasting for more than 65 years, TV Asahi produces and distributes some of Japan’s most famous anime titles, including Doraemon and Shin-chan, as well as long-running drama series that reach viewers in more than 190 countries.
