FUNimation Entertainment, Nico Nico tie up

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North America’s anime leader, FUNimation Entertainment and the world’s premier video networking website, niconico.com, are forming a partnership that will begin with the simulcast of several of the newest anime series debuting in Japan this fall.

All simulcast episodes will be available at www.niconico.com/anime.

The companies are forming a joint effort where both companies will be contributing to the acquisition of new anime titles from Japan.

“Our goal is to simulcast top-notch anime. It’s an ambitious plan but one in which we are investing heavily,” said Gen Fukunaga, president and CEO of FUNimation Entertainment.

Part of that investment includes supporting niconico.com’s growth in the U.S. market and building toward the site becoming the leading online streaming source for subtitled anime in North America.

James Spahn, CEO of Nico Nico Inc, stated, “By combining the strengths of our two companies, we have created an all-inclusive anime site for both the anime creators and consumers to enjoy new anime content with a great social experience.”

“Nico Nico is the ideal partner for us given its strong relationships with content creators in Japan, not to mention its technical know-how and incredible ability to offer that content far and wide,” said Fukunaga.

“This partnership complements the strengths of each company involved,” added Spahn. “We look forward to working with the dedicated FUNimation team.”