Aniplex Inc. , formerly known as Sony Pictures Entertainment Music Publishing Inc. and Sony Pictures Entertainment Visual Works Inc. and Sony Music Entertainment Visual Works Inc., is a Japanese anime and music production and distribution enterprise owned by Sony Music Entertainment Japan and established in September 1995. Aniplex has been involved in the planning, production and distribution of several anime series, such as Fullmetal Alchemist, Blood: The Last Vampire, Birdy the Mighty, Angel Beats! and Rurouni Kenshin. Additionally, Aniplex produces and distributes music and soundtrack... records, including the original soundtracks for all of Sony Computer Entertainment's computer and video games. Aniplex is also involved in retail merchandising, producing toys, games, stationery, food and other items featuring popular characters. Aniplex also puts together events to promote their anime franchises. For example, in 2005 Aniplex held the Fullmetal Alchemist Festival which began with the Fullmetal Alchemist Tour at Universal Studios Japan. Originally known as Sony Pictures Entertainment Visual Works Inc.
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