Sony Group Corp. said Thursday it will boost its animation business by utilizing its leading-edge technologies, aiming to make it a major revenue source after games, music and movies.

The electronics and entertainment conglomerate said it will introduce newly-developed animation-creation software and use artificial intelligence to improve the efficiency of production and enhance the quality of its titles.

The Tokyo-based company said it will also seek to improve working conditions for creators. The sector is facing a severe labor shortage as the popularity of animation grows worldwide with hit titles such as "Demon Slayer" produced by Sony unit Aniplex Inc.

"Animation has grown from what used to be a niche genre to a world-class form of entertainment" CEO Kenichiro Yoshida said at a press conference in Tokyo. "We want to contribute to the industry."

In expanding its animation business, Sony will utilize Aniplex and U.S.-based animation distributor Crunchyroll LLC. acquired by Sony in 2021, while developing new technologies such as 3D content.

"We hope to deliver more Japanese animations to overseas," Yoshida said.

==Kyodo

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