News Reporting

Manglobe Begins Bankruptcy Proceedings, Reports 544 Million Yen Debt


Manglobe Logo 001 - 20151001It’s the beginning of the end for Manglobe.

On November 4, anime studio Manglobe officially began bankruptcy proceedings in the Tokyo District Court. A total of 237 parties are claiming 544.5 million yen ($4.43 million USD) in outstanding debts.

Manglobe filed for bankruptcy on September 29. The studio was reportedly insolvent for some time and considering ways to consolidate and settle its debts. Ultimately, though, they were unable to continue business in their current state, which led to the decision to begin bankruptcy proceedings.

Michiko and Hatchin Key Visual 001 - 20150814On September 30, we reported that studio workers were scrambling to find work amid rumors of Manglobe’s impending bankruptcy. Animators like Toshio Kobayashi (Mobile Suit Gundam UC effect Animation Director) and Hideto Komori (Hayate the Combat Butler!) were searching for work, due to a sudden loss of income.

Manglobe was founded in 2002 by former Sunrise producers Shinichirō Kobayashi and Takashi Kochiyama. The studio produced a number of fan-favorite titles through its history, including Samurai Champloo, Michiko & Hatchin, and Deadman Wonderland.

The studio was working on Genocidal Organ prior to the bankruptcy filing. The film was delayed until November, before ultimately being cancelled.

Source: Yaraon!

About the author

Samantha Ferreira

Samantha Ferreira is Anime Herald’s founder and editor-in-chief. A Rhode Island native, Samantha has been an anime fan since 1992, and an active member of the anime press since 2002, when she began working as a reviewer for Anime Dream. She launched Anime Herald in 2010, and continues to oversee its operations to this day. Outside of journalism, Samantha actively studies the history of the North American anime fandom and industry, with a particular focus on the 2000s anime boom and bust. She’s a huge fan of all things Sakura Wars, and maintains series fansite Combat Revue Review when she has free time available. When not in the Anime Herald Discord, Samantha can typically be found on Bluesky.

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