Niigata animation industry to expand through new cluster and Edia office

Edia and the NSG Group have announced their participation in a regional industrial cluster plan aimed at developing the animation industry in Niigata, Japan. The initiative, promoted by Niigata Prefecture and Niigata City, seeks to create a self-sustaining ecosystem for animation production, talent cultivation, and the creation of original intellectual property (IP).

Edia plans to open a Niigata office in January 2027 to accelerate its animation, IP, and publishing businesses. The office will focus on recruiting and training creators, leveraging the region's concentration of educational institutions and existing production studios to strengthen the group's overall production capabilities.

The NSG Group will contribute through its production companies, Niigata Animation and Fantasista, and its educational institutions, Kaishi Professional University and JAM Japan Animation & Manga College. By integrating specialized education with on-the-job training, the group aims to transform Niigata from a place where content is studied into a hub where content is produced and professional jobs are created, preventing the outflow of local talent.