Masha and the Bear secures its first publishing deal in Japan as Animaccord partners with Kodansha

Animaccord has secured its first publishing deal in the Japanese market for its flagship children’s property, Masha and the Bear.

The international licensing company and entertainment studio has partnered with Kodansha Ltd in a move that sees the company firm up its global presence by tapping into Japan’s publishing sector. The new licensed picture books – in both physical and e-book format – will feature original stories based on the Masha and the Bear series.

The first title in the series launched across Japan earlier this month, with a story that takes inspiration from one of the animated series’ best-loved episodes Laundry Day and Jam Day.

Nikolay Apukhtin, senior licensing manager for APAC, Animaccord, said: “We are very excited about the opportunity to bring Masha and the Bear picture books to Japanese readers and extremely grateful to our partners from Kodansha ltd. for believing in the brand from the very beginning by choosing our IP and developing the original stories best suited for the little audience in Japan.”

Yuri Sakai, editor in charge, Kodansha Ltd. added:Masha and the Bear finally arrived to Japan. We are going to tell Japanese Children about delightful days of cute Masha and you-always-can-rely-on Bear through our picture books.”