The Japanese financial newspaper Nikkei is reporting on Wednesday that Asatsu-DK ( ADK ) will begin streaming anime titles overseas in April. Five major anime companies and the sponsor Dentsu are investing in ADK 's subsidiary that is handling the streaming. The venture will translate and host popular works from over 500 titles, and it plans to recoup costs through fees and advertising.

ADK issued third-party stocks worth 340 million yen (US$3.69 million) in its 100%-financed subsidiary Daisuki . The anime companies Toei Animation , Aniplex , Sunrise , TMS Entertainment , and Nihon Ad Systems ( NAS ), along with Dentsu , are investing in the subsidiary. ADK plans to retain a 26.3% stake in Daisuki .

Nikkei notes that Toei 's One Piece anime and Sunrise 's Gundam anime have garnered many fans overseas. Daisuki 's site will present new titles nearly simultaneously with their Japanese broadcasts. The venture will also stream live programs to anime fans in English.

The newspaper adds that the site plans to begin an online commerce service in June and sell tie-in goods. It aims to gain about 3 million members in five years.

Until now, the different anime companies have supplied their works separately to overseas streaming services. They plan to develop a streaming service on this site to bring together the leading titles and increase revenue.

[Via animeanime.biz]