In anticipation of the upcoming Brand Licensing Europe (BLE) event, Licensing Magazine, in collaboration with BLE, has conducted an exclusive interview with Mamiko Kawamoto Koenig, Global Licensing and Partnership Manager at Marubeni.
You’re new to BLE – welcome! Why have you decided to exhibit?
Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, Marubeni leverages our global network of manufacturers, logistic expertise, and local resources. We have over 130 offices with more than 800 employees outside Japan) to facilitate rights holders’ needs. As an international agency for Japanese anime and manga licensors, we are excited to introduce anticipated projects to the global licensees at BLE.
Why do you consider BLE to be an unmissable part of your yearly show/networking calendar?
We are based in Dusseldorf, Germany. Our teams are in Tokyo, L.A., and San Paulo. Since our business launched in 2023, we have exhibited at CCXP, Licensing EXPO in Vegas, Anime EXPO in LA, AnimagiC in Germany. BLE is our first trade show in the UK. We are still new to the industry; we are actively exploring opportunities in different territories with different crowds. The UK is a growing market for anime and manga. We are not to miss this opportunity.
What will make your stand at BLE 2024 a must-visit for attendees?
There will be everything from modern classics like Attack On Titan and cult-favourites like Neon Genesis Evangelio to the up-and-coming Blue Lock. We are trying to offer some of the most exciting projects both old and new.
Which property/brand/franchise will be your main focus at this year’s event?
Evangelion, and we are hoping to confirm one more masterpiece classic title at BLE.
What do you hope to have achieved by the end of the three days?
We’d like to meet many licensees and retailers from different business categories: collectibles, food & beverage, apparel, hobbies and toys, gaming accessories, cosmetics, sports, and many more.
What do you think are the biggest challenges and opportunities the licensing sector faces overthe coming months and into 2025? How are you capitalising upon/mitigating these?
The economy and trends. We are planning to bring the EC platform of Japanese pop culture merchandise to the European market, currently Tokyo Otaku Modes core market is the US. We’d like to partner with local retailers here in Europe who could appreciate something new, something exciting from Japan. We are aiming to introduce Tokyo Otaku Mode brand through a shop-in-shop approach. We truly hope the current consumers’ appetite for Japanese pop culture remains strong and grows stronger.
Are you launching new brands, products and announcing any news at BLE?
There is a cult-classic anime title we are adding for BLE.
Please feel free to walk into our booth D-130. We are all excited to meet you!
