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EXCLUSIVE: The Walking Dead and Invincible maker Skybound Entertainment has hired former Warner Bros. and Disney exec Mitsuru Oda to lead its Japanese unit.
Oda has been unveiled as President of Skybound Japan, leading the U.S. company’s business in the country and across Asia. The exec’s career spans more than 30 years, including 15 at Warner Bros. Japan, where he most recently served as Senior Vice President.
As we revealed at the time, Skybound Japan opened its doors last November under AshNukui, producer of The Sniffer and Memoir of A Teenage Amnesiac. Skybound Japan’s slate already includes the likes of Japanese drama Heart Attack, starring Kanichiro (Kubi, Last Ninja – Blue Shadow) and Toko Miura (Drive My Car, Weathering with You), which was co-produced with Fuji TV and recently acquired by UK-based distributor Cineflix for international distribution.
Oda’s relationships with local networks, studios and platforms such as Netflix and Amazon, will form a key part of Skybound’s international growth strategy going forwards. Under his leadership, Skybound Japan will focus on content creation, strategic partnerships and building the Skybound’s brand in the country.
Skybound said Oda had driven “consistent revenue growth, successfully navigating a shifting entertainment landscape” in the post, notably spearheading local production efforts and securing distribution deals with major streamers.
Oda’s career in entertainment began Walt Disney Japan, where he played a pivotal role in launching the Disney Channel Japan and forged major content deals with leading networks like Fuji TV. Skybound said his work “laid the foundation for what has now become a thriving VOD market in Japan.”
“Mitsuru is not only an industry leader but a visionary,” said Rick Jacobs, Managing Partner, Skybound Entertainment. “His ability to forge partnerships, anticipate market shifts and build lasting relationships is second to none. As Skybound continues to grow internationally, Mitsuru’s expertise will be invaluable in expanding our creative footprint in Japan.”
“As someone who’s always loved great storytelling, I couldn’t be more excited to join Skybound at this moment of rapid growth,” said Oda. “Skybound is a company that not only values creativity but understands how to connect with audiences in meaningful ways. I look forward to working with local creators and helping Skybound bring new, compelling stories to Japan — and from Japan to the world.”
Japan’s TV and film markets are booming right now with anime sitting alongside K-drama has two of the most marketable genres globally. Skybound, known for comic book franchises The Walking Dead and Invincible, both of which have become hit TV brands, made the move into the country last year.
It has been expanding globally in Europe, Africa and Latin America. The company also bought Scandi production ouse Sagafilm and invested in French prodco Scenario42, and its international slate includes the likes of Swedish-language thriller Vaka for Prime Video Nordics and Spanish-language series Dime tu Nombre for Prime Video Spain.
Skybound’s TV business operates a full-service studio to adapt its IP and finance and distribute live-action and animated scripted and unscripted shows. On the feature front, it has a first-look deal with Universal Studios, with whom it produced Renfield.
