FAQ
- Q.1
- What is the merchandising process?
- A.1
- Once you have sent the inquiry form with the required information, the sales representative in charge will send you an e-mail. (However, not all questions and inquiries will receive a reply.)
The process proceeds as follows. -
Merchandising with a license agreement(Flow of character use)When you want to merchandise a product with a limited-edition package or develop a collaborative product
01
Inquiry
Please let us know the work / character and the type of media you would like to use it for.
02
Submit a project proposal
We will confirm the proposal and the schedule with the copyright holder.
03
Submit an application for merchandising rights
Please fill out the application form and submit.
04
Form a merchandising license agreement
Form the contract.
05
An advance payment
06
Providing the necessary data for manufacturing the product
We will provide you with the necessary data for merchandising, such as images.
In the case of creating a newly drawn manuscript, the process of submitting a rough outline will be added here.
07
Editorial supervision
We will check the sample data and design to make sure there are no problems.
08
Provide & attach the certificate stamp
*Depends on the license area.
We will provide a sticker certifying that the product is officially licensed and authorized.
09
Submit a golden sample
We will do a final inspection of the sample.
- Q.2
- What is the advertising process?
- A.2
- Once you have sent the inquiry form with the required information, the sales representative in charge will send you an e-mail. (However, not all questions and inquiries will receive a reply.)
The process proceeds as follows. -
Advertising with a merchandising license(Flow of character use)When you want to use a character for mass advertising, in-store sales promotions, events, etc.
01
Inquiry
Please let us know the work / character and the type of media you would like to use it for.
02
Submit a project proposal
We will confirm the proposal and the schedule with the copyright holder.
03
Form an advertising license agreement
Form the contract.
04
An advance payment
05
Providing the necessary data for advertising
We will provide you with the necessary data such as images.
In the case of creating a newly drawn manuscript, the process of submitting a rough outline will be added here.
06
Editorial supervision
We will check the data of the deliverables and design to make sure there are no problems.
07
Submit the final deliverable
After submission, we will do a final confirmation with the manga artist.
- Q.3
- How can I use Kodansha's Manga IP to create products, advertising videos and images?
- A.3
- Please fill out the inquiry form here and contact us.
- Q.4
- What titles do you recommend?
- A.4
- Click here
- Q.5
- What is the license fee?
- A.5
-
It depends on the title, character, product category, area of distribution and duration.
In the case of merchandise, in addition to the advance payment, it is basically the product price multiplied by the number of units produced and the royalty rate.
If you wish to use images or videos for advertising, the fee will vary depending on the following criteria:- 1. Type of media (TV, SNS, etc.)
- 2. Duration (generally a 3-month period)
- 3. Area of distribution (Worldwide, Europe only, etc.)
- 4. Exclusive or non-exclusive
Please contact us for specific usage fees.
- Q.6
- What is the difference between an original copyright and an animation copyright?
- A.6
Comic book-based license (original copyright) = a license for the use of original comic book images and illustrations drawn by the original creator
Anime license (animation copyright) = a license to use the animation images and illustrations drawn by the animation studio.
The copyright of an animation is usually held by the production committee (e.g., advertising agencies, TV stations, toy manufacturers, music companies...) as well as the animation studio and publisher.
Original copyrights and animation copyrights are different rights and cannot be mixed.-
Title Comic Animation Attack on Titan 
Cardcaptor Sakura 
- Q.7
- Can I only use titles featured on this website?
- A.7
Titles that are not featured on this website are available for use as well.
We will add recommended titles as they become available.
- Q.8
- Are there any categories that cannot be merchandised?
- A.8
- It varies from title to title. Please contact us for further information.
- Q.9
- I am an individual thinking of merchandising. What should I do?
- A.9
- We do not license the use of our titles to individuals.
- Q.10
- I have no experience in producing licensed products. Can I still get a license?
- A.10
- As a general rule, we do not do business with companies that do not have a track record of producing licensed products. We ask that you contact us after you have produced licensed products for other companies.
- Q.11
- I have already made a pirated product. Can I legitimize it?
- A.11
- No, it is not possible.