AI avatar technology company Genies has entered into a strategic partnership with King Records, the anime and music subsidiary of Kodansha, Japan’s largest publishing group. The collaboration aims to transform the label’s manga intellectual property (IP) into interactive AI companions, enhancing fan engagement.
The initiative will kick off with “Hypnosis Mic – Division Rap Battle,” an original multimedia franchise from King Records that encompasses rap, character-driven narratives, music, anime, manga, and live events. All 21 core characters from the franchise will be reimagined as AI companions, offering fans a more immersive and personalized interactive experience beyond traditional media consumption.
Human creators will oversee the development of each 3D character model and its range of expressions, ensuring that the personality, appearance, and narrative integrity of every character are preserved. AI technology will primarily serve to enhance the interactive aspects of this new fan experience.
“Japan has long been the epicenter of character-driven storytelling, setting the global standard for how deeply fans connect with characters,” stated Akash Nigam, CEO and founder of Genies. “At Genies, our avatar technology can transform legacy anime and manga IP into interactive, intelligent 3D characters—adapting across styles while maintaining the integrity and origins of these beloved characters. By partnering with King Records and Kodansha, we’re introducing new fan-first capabilities that redefine how their audiences connect with the characters they love.”
This partnership arrives as “Hypnosis Mic” expands its global reach. The franchise’s debut feature film was released in Japan in February 2025, presenting an interactive theatrical experience where fans voted in real time to shape the plot. This innovative approach led to over a million tickets sold locally. The film is set to debut in the U.S. on February 27, distributed by GKIDS in select Regal theaters across 15 markets.
“At King Records, we have always believed in the power of characters to form deep, lasting emotional connections with fans,” remarked Furukawa Kohei, president and CEO of King Records. “By partnering with Genies, we are extending our characters beyond traditional media into living, interactive experiences. This collaboration represents a new chapter in how King’s global IP ecosystem can evolve, engage, and build deeper relationships with fans around the world.”
For Genies, this deal marks a significant entry into Japan, a market renowned for its culture of profound fan-character attachment. The company, which has raised $200 million from investors including Silverlake, Bond, and Bob Iger, claims its technology can now bring characters to life in just a few days, honoring the distinct visual styles associated with each franchise.
As AI-driven interactive experiences gain traction, both Genies and King Records are positioned at the forefront of a burgeoning industry that seeks to deepen emotional connections between fans and their favorite characters. This partnership not only reflects a shift in how content is consumed but also underscores the potential for technology to revolutionize storytelling in the anime and manga space.
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