HAYATE Inc., the Aniplex and Crunchyroll joint venture that aims to create “anime content for the Crunchyroll streaming service,” is now the owner of animation production studio Lay-duce, having acquired all of the latter’s shares.
“Through the acquisition and closer collaboration with Lay-duce, which has an outstanding track record in anime production, HAYATE will be able to pursue anime projects in a more stable and sustainable manner. HAYATE remains firmly committed to its mission of delivering engaging content to anime fans around the world,” says the announcement.
It adds, “Furthermore, HAYATE and Lay-duce will work together to create an environment in which Lay-duce’s employees and affiliated creators can fully realize their creativity and capabilities, enabling them to continue producing exceptional works over the long term.”
Lay-duce was formed in 2013 and is led by representative director Noritomo Yonai, a former BONES producer. Classroom Crisis, Fate/Grand Order -First Order-, Our love has always been 10 centimeters apart, and O Maidens in Your Savage Season are among the studio’s early productions. Lay-duce’s upcoming shows are Uchi no Ototodomo ga Sumimasen and Clevatess Season 2.
HAYATE Inc. was established in 2025 and currently has then-COO Leo Watanabe as president and CEO. Its activities involve “Planning, developing, and producing anime content,” and it is involved with anime like Hana-Kimi, Reborn as a Space Mercenary: I Woke Up Piloting the Strongest Starship!, and A Returner’s Magic Should Be Special Season 2.
Source: HAYATE Inc. website
