RisingJoy is turning heads this winter by pledging a massive wave of AI‑driven vertical anime, a move that could reshape how short‑form animation is made and consumed.
AI Production Meets Mobile‑First Storytelling
The Singapore‑based studio announced it will roll out 20 brand‑new AI‑generated vertical titles before the close of Q1 2027, two of which debut in January. By combining these with the six already released this year, RisingJoy’s AI catalog will total 30 series. The AI tools power about 80% of the workflow, from character rigging to background rendering, while the in‑house creative team polishes scripts, voice work, and final edits.
Why Vertical Anime?
Designed for a 9:16 smartphone screen, vertical anime caters to Gen Z’s short‑attention habits. Platforms like TikTok already host billions of short‑form viewers, making this format a natural fit for mobile streaming services such as RisingJoy’s own RJOY, which launched in Japan and the U.S.
Traditional broadcast titles also feel the pressure; major studios are trimming episodes to 5‑6 minutes to stay relevant. This shift underscores the growing importance of bite‑sized storytelling.
Strategic Partnerships Amplify Reach
RisingJoy’s recent memorandum with NTT DOCOMO Studio & Live will let the studio license DOCOMO’s catalog on a title‑by‑title basis, expanding its library beyond AI‑generated works. The deal also opens doors to Japan’s vast telecom network, further boosting distribution.
Meanwhile, rival Ryuu is championing a 100% human‑made vertical anime platform, highlighting a split in the industry between AI‑enhanced pipelines and fully handcrafted productions.
Current AI Titles and Upcoming Releases
Six AI vertical series have already hit the market: Addicted to the Dark Boss, Hide My Secret in the Moonlight, In the Devil’s Hand, Last Order from the Revenge Club, Locked Away I Became Unbreakable and Modern Cinderella Behind the Lies. Two of these are adaptations of RisingJoy’s micro‑drama hits. Four more titles are slated for release by the end of 2026, paving the way for the larger 2027 slate.
With over 100 million views on recent releases and three shows surpassing a billion views, RisingJoy believes the niche vertical anime audience, though smaller, is fiercely loyal—a perfect breeding ground for new franchises.
What This Means for Anime Fans
Fans can expect a flood of fresh, AI‑enhanced stories optimized for mobile consumption, alongside traditional powerhouses like Netflix’s One Piece reboot and One‑Punch Man Season 3 Part 2. Whether you embrace the AI wave or prefer hand‑drawn art, the coming winter season promises a diverse lineup that reflects the industry’s rapid evolution.
For more updates on RisingJoy’s releases, keep an eye on their official channels and the news section of MyAnimeThoughts.
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