Crunchyroll, the popular anime streaming service owned by Sony, has recently announced a restructuring that will result in a number of employees being laid off. This move is part of a strategic shift to focus on high-growth markets outside the U.S., such as India, Brazil, and Mexico.
The exact number of layoffs has not been disclosed, but Crunchyroll’s president, Rahul Purini, shared the news in a memo to staff members. The company currently has over 1,000 employees spread across 13 offices in nine countries. The layoffs are not a cost-cutting measure but rather a realignment of resources to better serve the growing international anime fandom.
Purini emphasized the importance of regional empowerment and announced plans to build engineering hubs in the U.S., Mexico, and India. Additionally, Crunchyroll will be expanding its offerings beyond anime to include collectibles, merchandise, and manga. The company also has plans to launch a digital manga service later this year and is gearing up for the release of the anime movie “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle.”
Despite the layoffs, Crunchyroll remains committed to providing a comprehensive fan experience. The company had more than 17 million paid monthly subscribers as of the first quarter of 2025. Crunchyroll is a joint venture between Sony Pictures Entertainment and Aniplex, both subsidiaries of Sony Group.
In his memo, Purini expressed gratitude to the departing employees for their contributions and assured them of support during the transition. He encouraged the remaining team members to show grace, respect, and kindness to one another during this challenging time.
Overall, Crunchyroll is optimistic about the future and believes that these organizational changes will position the company for continued success in serving anime fans worldwide. The company is dedicated to staying at the forefront of the anime industry and providing top-quality content to its loyal fanbase.
