Samurai Animals Debuts Globally at Licensing Expo 2025 in Las Vegas
KENSHIN Co., Ltd., operating under the brand identity ART OF WAR, is proud to announce the successful global debut of its original character-based IP, Samurai Animals, a franchise that merges Japanese samurai culture with Eastern zodiac mythology, at Licensing Expo 2025, held from May 20–22 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas.
This marked the first appearance of Samurai Animals at the world’s premier licensing trade show. The IP captured the attention of visitors from a wide range of industries, including film, publishing, games, and consumer products. Kenshin held numerous productive meetings with companies considering adaptation and licensing opportunities.
While many inquiries came from U.S.-based firms, the brand also attracted serious interest from international players, including a legacy British publisher and a major Indian entertainment company. The IP’s core concept, narrative depth, and philosophical underpinning were highly praised, resonating especially strongly with creative professionals who engaged in spirited and extended discussions well beyond their scheduled meeting times.
In addition to its compelling storytelling, Samurai Animals garnered media attention with a feature article in the Summer 2025 issue of Total Licensing. With this coverage and an eye-catching presence at the event, Samurai Animals achieved a successful debut in Las Vegas.
The booth itself was a visual highlight of the show, featuring traditional sumi-e (ink wash) art created by Japanese artists. At the center stood the majestic generals of Samurai Animals: the calm yet fierce White Tiger and the enigmatic Blue Dragon, symbolizing the psychological tension and ideological contrast between two rival factions. The Blue Dragon sat upon a throne, gazing intently at a crystal with a distant, contemplative look, while the White Tiger stood poised with quiet determination. Beneath their gaze, their loyal warriors — Black Wall and Silver Axe — faced each other, as if the spark of battle were about to ignite.
The booth design effectively conveyed the rich, immersive universe of Samurai Animals, leaving a powerful impression on attendees and underscoring the brand’s high-quality storytelling and creative vision.
With the momentum gained from Las Vegas, Kenshin is planning various initiatives to accelerate the international growth of Samurai Animals following its successful debut at Licensing Expo 2025. The company is actively seeking strategic partnerships to further develop the IP through collaborative projects that maximize mutual creative and commercial potential.
