Crunchyroll, a prominent name in the anime industry, is set to host its inaugural thought leadership summit, the Anime Future Forum. This significant event will take place on October 7th at the Javits Convention Center in New York, serving as a precursor to the New York Comic Con. The forum aims to delve into various facets of the expanding anime business, with discussions centered around four core themes: fandom engagement, technological advancements, narrative development, and intellectual property safeguarding.

The forum boasts an impressive lineup of speakers, including acclaimed directors Guillermo del Toro and James Gunn, both recognized for their contributions to cinematic storytelling. Also in attendance will be Bob Persichetti and Justin K. Thompson, the directors behind Sony Pictures' highly anticipated animated sequel, “Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse.” Representatives from leading anime production houses such as Toho's Taichi Ueda and MAPPA's Manabu Otsuka, alongside Atsuhiro Iwakami from Sony Music’s Aniplex, will share their insights. Additionally, popular anime influencers like Amber Glenn, Big Sean, and Jordan Howlett are slated to participate, highlighting the broad appeal and influence of anime culture.

Sony Corporation is demonstrating its strong support for the event, with top executives confirming their presence. Hiroki Totoki, President and CEO of Sony Group Corp., and Ravi Ahuja, Chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures Entertainment, will deliver remarks, underscoring Sony's strategic investment in the anime sector. Since its acquisition in 2021, Crunchyroll has become a pivotal component of Sony Pictures Entertainment's streaming portfolio, showcasing the company's commitment to delivering distinctive content and expanding its global reach in the entertainment industry.

This forum represents a pivotal moment for the anime industry, bringing together creators, executives, and enthusiasts to explore its future trajectory. By fostering dialogue on critical themes like technology and IP protection, Crunchyroll and Sony are not only celebrating the vibrant world of anime but also paving the way for its continued growth and innovation.