iQIYI, a major Chinese online entertainment platform, has partnered with Japan’s KADOKAWA Corporation for the global distribution of the animated series ‘The Fated Magical Princess’. This marks KADOKAWA’s first simultaneous release of a premium Chinese animation produced by a Chinese streaming platform, underscoring efforts to bring Chinese cultural content to international audiences.
Global Distribution and Market Expansion
The series, co-produced by iQIYI and KuaiKan World (Beijing) Technology Co., Ltd., premiered on iQIYI in late September. In Japan, it was made available on multiple OTT platforms including d-anime Store and Prime Video, with a television debut scheduled on channels such as Tokyo MX. Outside Japan, the series launched on Crunchyroll in the Americas and Europe, and on Muse Communication’s platforms in Asia, broadening its accessibility to global anime fans.
‘The Fated Magical Princess’ reinterprets Western-style fairy tales by incorporating Chinese cultural elements, focusing on themes of resilience and friendship through the story of Princess Athanasia. The collaboration reflects a strategic push to leverage Chinese storytelling and animation quality in competitive international markets.
Strategic Partnerships and Cultural Exports
Alice Leung, General Manager of International Distribution at iQIYI, noted that global demand for Chinese animation is rising due to audience interest in authentic stories and cultural richness. The partnership with KADOKAWA aims to extend the reach of Chinese animations like this series into key markets such as Japan, aligning with China’s broader goals to boost cultural exports and soft power.
Building on this initiative, KADOKAWA has also secured international distribution for another iQIYI original, ‘The Forbidden City: Cat Imperial Study’, which highlights China’s cultural heritage through a unique animation style. This series will be distributed in Japan, the Americas, and Europe, further promoting Chinese aesthetics and traditions abroad.
iQIYI’s Track Record in Global Animation
iQIYI has established a reputation for producing Chinese animation that gains international acclaim, as seen with series like ‘Deer Squad’. Developed in collaboration with Nickelodeon International and VIS Kids, ‘Deer Squad’ premiered in 2020 and has been translated into over 30 languages, airing in more than 160 countries and reaching millions of households worldwide. A fourth season is in production, reinforcing iQIYI’s commitment to global content distribution and innovation in the animation sector.
