Kodansha Collaborates with Chloe Zhao for New Studio in LA

Introduction

On November 4, 2025, Kodansha hosted a press conference revealing the launch of Kodansha Studios, a new venture with Academy Award-winning director Chloe Zhao and producer Nicolas Gonda. This studio aims to transform Japanese manga and novels into live-action films, fostering cultural exchanges globally.

Key Personnel

Chloe Zhao will step into the role of Chief Creative Officer, while Nicolas Gonda takes on the position of Chief Operating Officer. Both expressed their enthusiasm for the project during the conference, sharing visions of collaboration and cultural appreciation.

Zhao's Passion for Manga

Zhao mentioned her lifelong admiration for Japanese manga, stating, "I have had a deep and profound love for Japanese manga and anime since I was a child." She expressed her hopes for Kodansha Studios to act as a cultural bridge that connects creators across the globe.

Gonda's Vision

Nicolas Gonda emphasized the importance of creating a distinctive identity separate from traditional IP licensing. He believes that the studio will allow for greater collaboration and innovation in storytelling, important for adapting diverse content from Japan.

Cultural Challenges

Both Zhao and Gonda discussed the cultural hurdles present in adapting manga into Hollywood narratives. Zhao remarked on the need for Hollywood to respect the original artistic visions of creators, stating, "Hollywood has, in a sense, interpreted IP however it likes."

Noma's Insight

Kodansha's President and CEO, Nobuyuki Noma, detailed the company’s aim to internationalize Japanese content. He highlighted the studio's goal of making lesser-known Japanese intellectual properties known worldwide, uniting local and international creators for future projects.

Kodansha Studios, backed by Chloe Zhao's acclaimed production company Book of Shadows, aims not just to adapt stories, but also foster a rich cultural exchange between Japan and Hollywood. Aiming to push boundaries in creative storytelling, this initiative marks an exciting venture for Kodansha and the global entertainment industry.

Source: Anime Hunch