Despite producing hits like My Dress-Up Darling season 2, Spy x Family season 3, and The Fragrant Flower Blooms with Dignity last year, Japanese animation studio CloverWorks has reported a net loss of 38 million JPY (roughly $235 thousand USD) for the fiscal year ended March 2026 (source: GameBiz). This marks the second consecutive year the studio has experienced a net loss, with the margin widening from the previous fiscal year’s loss of 24 million JPY ($148 thousand USD).
The recent fiscal results don’t necessarily mean the studio is in trouble. As seen in past reports, CloverWorks has experienced losses in previous fiscal years (such as in 2019 and 2020), only for it to make a comeback afterwards (as seen in 2021 and 2024). Additionally, it’s worth noting that CloverWorks is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Aniplex, whose anime business is thriving, according to recent financial reports.
On the other hand, Japanese anime industry insider liu commented on X that this news points to a structural issue in how anime production works and should not be taken lightly nor viewed on its own. They propose that studios like CloverWorks, which are owned by bigger publishers, are placed in a system whereby the parent company (the “profit center”) monopolizes licensing and other profits, while the studios (the “cost centers”) are kept as “factories” that are barely able to break even, compromising independence.
WataMote anime studio Silver Link sees financial losses for third consecutive year, despite revenue growth
The CEO needed another yacht
Regarding “My Dress-Up Darling” Season 2 had no relationship to Season 1. Personally it was disappointing. But, it’s Anime so since I super enjoyed the 1st Season I purchased Season 2 also. It only makes sense. They seem to operate on some kind of Time Window (short span), plus lack of advertising equals failure.
I love all the animes that there company has come out with and can’t wait for season 3 for my dress up darling and spy family. Are my tip favs
This isn’t too alarming when you realize most studios are working in red, or rather, the grey.
Most will cover their losses by adapting more series, which will in-turn, put them at a loss.
A lot of anime studios stay afloat because of a Ponzi scheme.
It’s zn insightful comment. It’s rare from this articles on this subject. The insustry in general leaves most of the profits to the publisher. That’s why despite the billions going through Crunchyroll and other foreign platforms, a lot of studios are struggling. That may be why Netflix is succeeding despite their bad moves early (weird schedules, bad deadlines, etc), they are both the diffuser and publisher everywhere and they take a lower share.
Foreign platforms don’t get that much tbh. They are rarely part of production committee. Most of the profit go to top names which frequently are Japanese corps like Aniplex, Bandai, Kadokawa, Toho, Pony Canyon, etc
Okay I’m tired my English was awful on my previous comment. Can’t correct sorry to anyone reading this.
People didn’t like dress up darling season 2 removing the fanservice. It wasn’t near as popular as season 1 either.
really??? I hated the season one fan service 😭😭 that being said I feel like the first half of s2 was lowk mid
Can any one tell me is this affect on Rascal does not dream series
Will my dress up Darling get a season 3
I hooope so :S
As someone who hasn’t been following CW recently, reading this saddens me seeing the fandom has grown a lot since S1