Sony’s exploits will now delve deeper into anime as the company has announced that they are merging Funimation and Aniplex, and if their deeds of censoring Sword Art Online: Alicization’s rape scene (not to mention their censoring of any and all sex appeal in Japanese games to “protect the children”) were any indication, critics will no doubt be quick to suspect that they will engage in further immoral censorship.

The joint venture will have Funimation (a company that has demonstrated it has an incentive toward “believing victims”) acquiring and distributing anime throughout the West while Aniplex’s Wakanim will do the same for France, and Madman Anime Group for Australia – Funimation General Manager Colin Decker will lead the merger.

A statement from Sony Pictures Television Chairman Mike Hopkins:

“Anime is a growing area of importance for us at Sony Pictures Television. By combining these businesses, we immediately increase our global reach and expertise in [subscription] VOD, theatrical, home video, merchandising, events and more.”

Decker, who joined Funimation after departing Crunchyroll, sung the praises of Aniplex:

“It just became clear when we looked at the global view of anime at Sony, these things should really be together. Aniplex is one of the most respected names in anime and strategically this positions us to deliver more value to fans and creators.”

Fate/Grand Order Zettai Majuu Sensen Babylonia will be the first animation to be handled by the merger, set to be simulcast in the U.S. via FunimationNow as well as Wakanim and Madman Anime Group’s AnimeLab, with Funimation having streaming rights to the dubbed version for one year.

Aniplex President Atsuhiro Iwakami naturally saw only the “good” in this effort:

“Through Sony Group’s integration of anime-related streaming services, we are thrilled that numerous Japanese anime titles will be distributed globally through its digital platforms. We hope our partnership will contribute to the further development and expansion of the Japanese anime industry.”