Yasuo Matsuo, known for his role in bringing 'Dragon Ball Z' to Western audiences, has launched IP Bay, a global studio focused on adapting Japanese literary properties for Western screens, marking its debut at the Cannes Film Market where Japan is the 2026 Country of Honor.
Leadership and Structure
Matsuo will act as chair of IP Bay, building on his experience as the founder of Cloverway, the U.S.-based licensing agency that introduced major anime series to the U.S. and Latin American markets. His son, Jun Matsuo, joins as CEO, overseeing publisher engagement, title curation, business and legal operations, and acting as the primary liaison between IP Bay and Japan's major publishers.
Co-founded by Frankie Seratch, a New York-based film producer, IP Bay operates with teams on both sides of the Pacific. The Japanese staff collaborates directly with local publishers and authors, while the Hollywood team manages packaging, financing, and production partnerships. Projects in development span romance, drama, horror, action, and fantasy genres.
Financial Incentives and Industry Support
As a Japan-incorporated entity, IP Bay offers a 50% production cash rebate to its Hollywood partners. The studio's Japan operations are supported by Sakamoto Shinji, a cabinet officer within the Cool Japan Public-Private Platform, which oversees Japan's national content export strategy.
When I founded Cloverway in 1991, very few people in the West understood what Japanese animation could become, and very few in Hollywood understood what it meant to work with a Japanese author. — Yasuo Matsuo
The Future of Adaptations
Jun Matsuo emphasizes the importance of respecting the source material, stating that IP Bay puts the author at the center of every decision to ensure faithful adaptations. He notes that Hollywood's recent successes with titles like 'One Piece', 'Demon Slayer', 'Chainsaw Man', and 'Jujutsu Kaisen' demonstrate a shift towards more authentic adaptations.
Seratch, who recently executive produced 'Recluse', premiering at the 2026 Tribeca Festival, underscored IP Bay's mission as not just bridging but harboring Japanese stories for global audiences.
Global Presence and Expansion
IP Bay's strategic positioning with offices in Hyogo, Tokyo, New York, and Los Angeles ensures it remains at the forefront of the international adaptation market. Matsuo expresses confidence in the new leadership team, stating, "The next generation is here. Jun and Frankie are taking responsibility for this work, building on what we started at Cloverway."
Source: https://variety.com/2026/film/markets-festivals/dragon-ball-z-yasuo-matsuo-ip-bay-1236747229/
