Vertical anime is moving from niche experiment to serious growth story, and RisingJoy is placing a bold bet on where short-form viewing goes next. The Singapore-based company has struck a new RisingJoy NTT DOCOMO distribution deal that could widen global access to Japanese vertical content while accelerating its own original anime pipeline.
Announced this week, the agreement brings together RisingJoy and Japan’s NTT DOCOMO Studio & Live for the international distribution of vertical titles, including anime. At the same time, RisingJoy confirmed an ambitious production plan: 30 vertical anime titles are set to be completed by the end of the first quarter of 2027, signaling that the company sees short-form anime as a strategic category with long-term franchise potential.
What the RisingJoy NTT DOCOMO Distribution Deal Covers
The RisingJoy NTT DOCOMO distribution deal focuses on international distribution rights for NTT DOCOMO Studio & Live’s vertical content slate. That includes anime titles that can be licensed on a non-exclusive, title-by-title basis, with separate terms negotiated for each release.
That structure matters for the fast-evolving digital video market. Rather than locking content into one rigid package, the companies appear to be leaving room for flexible territory deals, platform partnerships, and staggered international rollouts. For buyers and streamers, that model can make acquisition easier. For producers, it may allow stronger monetization across multiple markets.
In practical terms, the RisingJoy NTT DOCOMO distribution deal could help expand the reach of vertical storytelling formats that are increasingly tailored for mobile-first viewing. As audiences spend more time consuming content on smartphones, vertically framed episodes are becoming more relevant across entertainment categories, especially in Asia.
Why Vertical Anime Is Becoming a Category to Watch
Much of the recent momentum in vertical video has come from live-action microdramas, but anime may be the next frontier. RisingJoy executives have made clear that they view the segment not as a side project, but as a meaningful long-term opportunity.
According to the company, current audience data suggests that vertical anime may still be smaller than live-action vertical series. However, the viewers it does attract are highly engaged and more likely to form deeper attachments to characters and story worlds. In entertainment, that kind of loyalty often translates into repeat viewing, spinoffs, merchandise opportunities, and franchise growth.
Why the format fits anime particularly well
- Mobile-first consumption: Vertical framing aligns naturally with smartphone viewing habits.
- Serialized hooks: Anime storytelling often thrives on cliffhangers and episodic momentum.
- Character-driven fandom: Loyal fan communities can sustain smaller but more valuable audiences.
- Global portability: Anime already has strong cross-border appeal, making it suitable for international licensing.
The RisingJoy NTT DOCOMO distribution deal arrives at a time when platforms and producers are searching for scalable content models that match changing viewer behavior. Vertical anime sits at the intersection of these trends.
RisingJoy’s 30-Title Production Plan Signals Serious Intent
Beyond distribution, RisingJoy has also committed to producing 30 vertical anime titles by the end of Q1 2027. That target is one of the clearest signs yet that the company intends to become a major player in short-form animated entertainment.
The first six titles under the RJOY Originals label have already been completed and delivered:
- Addicted to the Dark Boss
- Hide My Secret in the Moonlight
- In the Devil’s Hand
- Last Order from the Revenge Club
- Locked Away I Became Unbreakable
- Modern Cinderella Behind the Lies
RisingJoy says four more titles are expected before the end of 2026, which suggests a rapid and disciplined release cadence. Taken together with the RisingJoy NTT DOCOMO distribution deal, the production plan creates a two-track strategy: build original supply while also expanding access to licensed Japanese content.
What makes this strategy notable
- It reduces dependence on a single content source.
- It creates more opportunities for platform partnerships.
- It positions RisingJoy across both production and distribution.
- It gives the company a stronger foothold in the global anime business.
How AI Production Tools Are Shaping Short-Form Animation
One of the most closely watched details in the announcement is RisingJoy’s use of AI production tools. The company said those tools were deployed to achieve a scale and production rhythm that conventional animation workflows may struggle to support at short-form budgets.
That does not necessarily mean replacing creative teams. More likely, it points to workflow acceleration in areas such as layout support, asset reuse, scene iteration, localization preparation, and pipeline efficiency. In a format where speed, volume, and cost discipline matter, AI-assisted production could become a significant competitive advantage.
Still, the wider industry will be watching carefully. As AI becomes more integrated into animation and digital video production, key questions remain around creative quality, labor concerns, originality, and audience acceptance. The RisingJoy NTT DOCOMO distribution deal therefore reflects not only a business expansion, but also a test case for how next-generation content pipelines may support short-form entertainment.
What This Means for the Global TV and Video Market
For the broader TV & Video industry, this partnership highlights three major shifts. First, international distribution is no longer limited to traditional long-form programming. Second, anime continues to evolve beyond conventional episode structures. Third, vertical storytelling is becoming a commercially credible format rather than a novelty.
If RisingJoy can combine efficient production, targeted distribution, and loyal fandom, it may help define a new lane in digital entertainment. The RisingJoy NTT DOCOMO distribution deal could also encourage more studios, telecom-backed media groups, and streaming platforms to pursue similar partnerships centered on mobile-native content.
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Conclusion
The RisingJoy NTT DOCOMO distribution deal is more than a standard licensing announcement. It marks a strategic move into international vertical anime distribution at a time when mobile-first entertainment is rapidly evolving. With 30 anime titles planned, early originals already delivered, and AI-assisted production helping scale output, RisingJoy is signaling that vertical anime could become a meaningful growth category in global TV and video. If the company executes well, this RisingJoy NTT DOCOMO distribution deal may be remembered as an early milestone in the mainstream rise of short-form anime.
