Aniplex, Inc. is a Japanese entertainment and media company that is part of the Sony Group as a subsidiary of Sony Music Entertainment Japan. The company is mainly engaged in the planning, production, and distribution of anime series with a focus on multimedia deployment of its own and licensed intellectual properties (IPs). The company is also involved in the production and distribution of theatrical films as well as the planning, development, and publishing of video games alongside producing and selling merchandise related to its media franchises, releasing home media and original soundtracks, producing musicals and stage performances, organizing live events to promote its series and managing copyright and licensing. It operates ANIPLEX+, an online e-commerce store that provides the company products directly to consumers. Established in September 1995 by the Sony Music Entertainment Japan, Aniplex operates worldwide with regional headquarters; Aniplex America is based in Santa Monica, California, while Aniplex China is based in Shanghai. It co-owns Crunchyroll, LLC with its sister company, Sony Pictures, which operates the world's largest direct-to-consumer (DTC) anime streaming service. A prominent company in the anime industry, Aniplex is responsible for the production of numerous critically acclaimed and successful anime series such as Fullmetal Alchemist, Gurren Lagann, Monogatari Series, Puella Magi Madoka Magica, Fate Series, Sword Art Online and Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba. It also operates and publishes the hit mobile game Fate/Grand Order. Aniplex is a full member of The Association of Japanese Animations (AJA), a regular member of The Computer Entertainment Supplier's Association (CESA),[4] a supporting member of The Recording Industry Association of Japan (RIAJ) and Japan Video Software Association (JVA).