Muse Communication
Muse Communication Co., Ltd., commonly known as Muse, is a Taiwanese animation agency and distributor founded in 1987, specializing in the licensing, distribution, and merchandising of Japanese anime and manga across Asia.[1] Based in Xinzhuang District, New Taipei City, the company represents over 60 intellectual property rights holders and has licensed more than 200 anime titles, including major series such as Attack on Titan, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, and Sword Art Online.[2][3] Originally established as Muse Cultural Enterprise Co., Ltd. before rebranding to its current name in 1992, Muse has expanded its operations to include subsidiaries in Hong Kong (founded 1997), Shanghai (2013), Singapore, and other regions, enabling it to handle video-on-demand streaming, home video releases, and promotional events throughout Southeast, South, and East Asia.[4][5] The company also engages in in-between animation production assistance and overseas distribution support for select projects, such as The Aquatope on White Sand and Junji Ito "Collection".[3] A key player in the Asian anime market, Muse operates the popular YouTube channel Muse Asia, which provides free legal streaming of licensed anime to audiences in Southeast Asia, helping to popularize titles like Spy x Family and One Punch Man.[6] Beyond distribution, Muse excels in merchandising and licensing partnerships, collaborating on products ranging from apparel and jewelry tied to Attack on Titan to exhibitions like the Junji Ito Horror House, while actively acquiring new IPs such as the 2024 series Dandadan and announcing lineups for the Summer 2025 season.[5][2][7] Its strategic focus on market trends and multimedia strategies has positioned it as one of Asia's leading anime licensors, fostering growth in the region's anime consumption.[1]History
Founding and early development
Muse Communication was founded on May 13, 1987, as Muse Cultural Enterprise Co., Ltd. (木棉花文化事業有限公司) in Taiwan by Kang Chen-mu, with an initial focus on broader cultural and media enterprises.[8] In 1992, the company underwent a restructuring and was renamed Muse Communication Co., Ltd. (木棉花國際股份有限公司) on September 2, marking a pivotal shift toward specialized animation distribution and licensing.[9] The early business model centered on acquiring licenses for Japanese animation to distribute within the Taiwanese market, capitalizing on growing demand for anime content through VHS, LD, and television broadcasting.[8][3] Initial key achievements included securing major anime licenses in the late 1980s and early 1990s, such as early distributions of titles like The Slayers series (1995) and Revolutionary Girl Utena (1997), which helped establish Muse as a prominent player in Taiwan's animation sector.[3]International expansion and digital initiatives
Muse Communication's international expansion began with the establishment of its first overseas subsidiary, Muse Communication (Hong Kong) Limited, on November 17, 1997, marking the company's initial foray into Greater China beyond Taiwan.[10] This move enabled localized licensing and distribution of anime and related content in Hong Kong, laying the groundwork for broader regional operations. In the 2010s, Muse focused on strengthening its presence in mainland China by founding Muse Animation (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., in January 2013, to capitalize on the growing Chinese market for Japanese animation.[11] During this decade, the company secured high-profile licenses for influential anime series, including Sword Art Online and Attack on Titan, which helped establish its reputation as a key player in Asian anime distribution and responded to the rising demand for premium content amid evolving streaming landscapes.[3] The company's digital pivot accelerated in 2018 with the launch of YouTube marketing efforts in Taiwan on August 7, initiating free, legal streaming of select titles to combat piracy and engage audiences directly.[12] This was followed by the establishment of Muse Communication Singapore Pte. Ltd. (also known as Muse Asia) on March 4, 2019, targeting Southeast Asia with localized content strategies.[13] In June 2019, Muse Asia debuted its dedicated YouTube channel, offering simulcast episodes with English and Chinese subtitles, which as of November 2025 had amassed over 8.09 million subscribers and 2.79 billion views, significantly boosting accessibility in regions like Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam.[14][15] In April 2022, Muse launched the Muse India YouTube channel to provide free legal anime streaming tailored for the Indian audience.[16] By early 2025, Muse announced further expansion into India, including additional Hindi-dubbed content and new licensing deals to tap into the burgeoning South Asian anime market.[17] This initiative, revealed in February 2025, featured partnerships for streaming and merchandise, reflecting the company's adaptation to global digital trends and diverse audience preferences.Corporate structure
Headquarters and subsidiaries
Muse Communication is headquartered at 17F, No. 555, Siyuan Rd., Xinzhuang Dist., New Taipei City, Taiwan, serving as the central hub for its operations following the company's renaming and establishment in its current form in 1992.[18][2] The company operates through a network of international subsidiaries that handle licensing, distribution, and regional operations across Asia.[18] Muse Communication (H.K.) Ltd., established in 1997, manages operations in Hong Kong with an emphasis on licensing and distribution in East Asia. Its address is Suite 1202, 12/F, Chinachem Century Tower, 178 Gloucester Road, Wanchai, Hong Kong.[18][19] Muse Animation (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., founded in 2013 and located at Room 1918, 19F, No. 6088, Humin Road, Minhang District, Shanghai, China, specializes in animation production and distribution within the Chinese market.[18][20] Muse Communication Singapore Pte. Ltd., founded in 2019, acts as the hub for Southeast Asia, overseeing licensing, merchandise, streaming, and community engagement for anime content. It is based at 29 Media Circle #03-08, Alice @ Mediapolis, Singapore 138565, and operates under the Muse Asia brand for regional digital initiatives.[13][14] Additional subsidiaries include:- Muse Communication (Tokyo) Co., Ltd., located at BIZ SMART-Kandatomiyamamachi 707, Kandatomiyamacho 7, Chiyoda Ku, Tokyo, 101-0043, Japan.[18]
- Muse Communication (Kuala Lumpur) Sdn. Bhd., at Unit 5.01, Level 5, Menara LGB, No. 1, Jalan Wan Kadir, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, 60000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.[18]
- Muse Communication (Indonesia) Co., Ltd., at 50th Floor Regus Grand Indonesia, Menara BCA Jl. M. H. Thamrin No. 1, Jakarta 10310, Indonesia.[18]
- Muse Communication (Thailand) Co., Ltd., at No. 548, Level 37, One City Centre, Ploenchit Road, Lumpini, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand.[18]
- Muse Communication (Vietnam) Co., Ltd., at 28 Tran Quoc Thao, Vo Thi Sau ward, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.[18]
- Muse Communication (India) Co., Ltd., at Plot 17, Unit 703-709, Mayuresh Square, Sector 15, CBD Belapur, Navi Mumbai, Raigad, Maharashtra, 400614, India (operations expanded around 2020-2022).[18][17]