VIZ Media Signs Licensing Agreement with Ukonic
Posted by John Frazier on
VIZ Media, a world-leading producer of manga and anime, has teamed up with Ukonic to bring "Naruto Shippuden" products into the homes of fans. The partnership, which extends through 2025, covers everything to personalize your space (house, office, dorm, or wherever) from area rugs and furniture to small kitchen appliances.
"Creating exceptional items that fans love is our passion," says Martin Butler, CEO and founder of Ukonic, "and we're excited to develop goods for a new group of enthusiasts."
Naruto-themed lighting, storage, housewares, robes — maybe even ramen-scented candles — could be on the way. The first releases are slated to be out in time for the holiday gifting season, 2022.
About VIZ Media
An international authority on manga for more than three decades, VIZ Media is leading the way in what’s now, new and next. Reaching one in four millennials and half of all GenZ manga readers, VIZ is at the forefront of America’s Japanese pop-culture phenomenon, which today dominates multiple industries from publishing and animation to film and gaming.
VIZ is proud to be the #1 destination for manga in America and home to some of the most prestigious anime brands driving the industry. Combined with a market share footprint larger than household names collectively, VIZ has pivoted from a localization company to a market leading pop culture publisher and producer.
VIZ Media is proudly certified as a Most Loved Workplace® in America. For more information on VIZ Media visit: https://www.viz.com/
About Naruto:
Naruto is the definitive force behind Japanese pop culture in America, its influence and style. With masterful art and epic storytelling, the young ninja who seeks recognition from his peers and dreams of becoming the Hokage, today inspires millions of people across generations on a daily basis.
Setting sales records at over 250 million manga copies sold globally, Naruto’s cultural impact is vast; from musicians like Cardi B and Lil Uzi Vert referencing the ninja in their lyrics, to NFL players mimicking Naruto’s actions after making a touchdown, and to the viral sensation and meme that is the Naruto Run – the storming of Nevada’s Area 51, all make Naruto an icon of our time.
In addition to the New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling manga series, Naruto’s empire includes over 500 anime episodes, 11 films, light novels, video games, and trading cards. The story of Naruto continues in Boruto: Naruto Next Generations featuring his young son who wishes to map out his own path in life.
About Ukonic:
Ukonic is an industry leader in licensed home and wellness products for the largest entertainment brands in the world. Ukonic’s expertise is to translate the brand story into product that is as unique as the brand itself.
Since 2003, Ukonic has been creating inventive pop-culture merchandise with licenses for Star Wars, Marvel, Disney, XBox, Minecraft, Harry Potter, DC, Star Trek, Jurassic World and many others! In 2022, Ukonic was the recipient of the prestigious Licensing International Excellence Award in Appliances, Housewares and Electronics for a Corporate Brand with their XBox Mini-Fridge Thermoelectric Cooler.
Headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada with offices in London, Ukonic’s global presence has facilitated its growth in becoming a global leader in delivering these innovative products to retail.
For media-access to this and future press releases, please contact John Frazier at john@ukonic.com.