On May 10, the "Shanghai ACGN Day" kicked off in Yangpu, attracting industry leaders from the ACGN industry both domestically and internationally.

Unlocking the full potential of long-term IP development

During this forward-looking discussion on technological innovation and consumption upgrading, Wang Zheng, Co-founder of Wonder Cat Animation, explored the paradigm for top-tier IP reserves in a talk titled "Wonder Cat Animation Advances Towards a Benchmark in the ACGN Industry", seeking to forge new industry dynamics. The progress of the A Record of a Mortal's Journey to Immortality animated series, the current landscape of the ACGN economy, and the evolving industry needs are the focus of the discussions.

Wonder Cat Animation has demonstrated remarkable foresight in IP operations. Well before the general public fully appreciated the value of IPs, the company began amassing a substantial portfolio of copyrights, with the ambition of becoming a super IP operator. Through strategic distribution across various platforms and the development of diverse derivative content - ranging from theatrical releases and live-action TV shows to mobile gaming, the company has not only expanded its reach but also established a robust merchandise licensing framework. The construction of a virtual shooting base further solidifies its position. By integrating animation with live-action film and television, and gaming, the company has created a comprehensive industry chain. Additionally, the company is actively exploring collaborations in cultural tourism and VR, effectively bridging the gap between different dimensions.

Imagine this: a novel that has been running for 14 years, harboring such immense potential. A Record of a Mortal's Journey to Immortality has been a long-running hit, with its animation series now in its fifth year of continuous updates. The fan base is massive, and the numbers speak for themselves: over 3.5 billion views on Bilibili, leading the pack by a wide margin. From the first episode to the 142nd, it is just the beginning. Wang told that he has an ambitious 15-year plan for the animation of A Record of a Mortal's Journey to Immortality, leaving audiences on the edge of their seats with anticipation.

In the bustling commercial real estate scene of major cities, the ACGN economy is making a stunning comeback. Spaces that once felt a bit lifeless have now become hotspots for ACGN enthusiasts. With anime elements perfectly woven into the commercial fabric, a simple shopping trip has evolved into an extraordinary ACGN journey.

Wang noted that the ACGN economy is now a key trend in the redevelopment of commercial real estate in major cities. In the global animation landscape, Chinese animation has carved out a distinctive path, with 3D animation emerging as the dominant force and distinguishing itself from other parts of the world. Meanwhile, ACGN enthusiasts are increasingly forming distinct communities. The young consumer group, especially Gen Z, has tremendous purchasing power and is ready to invest in the works that have shaped their growth. In closing his talk, Wang emphasized the need for greater policy support as the ACGN industry continues to surge forward.

"China-exclusive" is truly the ultimate trend

Aniplex, a leading animation company under Japan's Sony Music Entertainment, shared its unique strategies for global IP operations via Shizuka Kurosaki, General Manager of Aniplex. From product planning and market promotion to copyright operations and China-Japan collaboration, the entire session was packed with insightful and powerful statements.

Regarding product operations, Aniplex's China business includes product planning and the operations of both online and offline stores. Instead of just selling Japanese imports, the company emphasizes personalized customization tailored to the tastes of Chinese consumers. It introduces limited-edition items available only in China, which helps to reinforce consumer emotional connection and boost user loyalty. On the market operations front, Aniplex focuses on promotion and social media operation, primarily leveraging local Chinese social platforms to precisely align with consumer preferences.

Aniplex places great importance on Japan-China collaborative projects and has achieved remarkable success in promoting Chinese works overseas. Many Chinese works have garnered a substantial female fan base in Japan and have even caught the eye of Japanese social circles, inspiring some Japanese authors to integrate Chinese elements into their works. A prime example is the Japanese version of Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation, which featured top voice actors and aired during prime time on Tokyo TV, earning widespread praise from Japanese viewers. Shizuka Kurosaki noted that Aniplex plans to further explore the Chinese market by partnering with more industry players to develop content that appeals to Chinese consumers and to promote it globally.

The ACGN event not only highlighted the immense potential of domestic animation but also demonstrated the vibrant vitality and promising future of the ACGN industry in Yangpu.