Japanese animation studio Gaina has been acquired by Creator's X, an AI-focused venture established last year. The acquisition marks Gaina's departure from the Kinoshita Group, which held full ownership since 2018. In line with the ownership change, the studio officially rebranded as BENTEN Film on August 1, 2025.

The terms of the transaction have not been disclosed. Gaina will now operate under the Creator's X group of companies, continuing its business from its existing headquarters in Kichijoji, Tokyo. Company president Yoshinori Asao remains in his role.

The new name, BENTEN Film, draws inspiration from Benzaiten, the deity of art and wisdom enshrined at Inokashira Benzaiten near the studio's founding location. In a company statement, the studio noted that the name reflects both its creative origins and a broader vision that extends beyond animation into film and other visual media. The new logo incorporates a flowing motif symbolizing water and fabric, alongside a traditional Japanese scarlet color meant to evoke passion and strength.

Originally established in 2014 in Fukushima under the name Fukushima Gainax by former Gainax member Yoshinori Asao, the studio underwent reorganization and relocation following its 2018 acquisition by the Kinoshita Group. Gaina went on to produce titles such as Piano no Mori (Forest of Piano) and Grendizer U, while also announcing projects including Aoki Uru (Uru in Blue), a spiritual successor to Ouritsu Uchuugun: Honneamise no Tsubasa (Royal Space Force: The Wings of Honneamise), and a tentative Top wo Nerae 3 (Gunbuster 3).

The studio's name and early association with the now-defunct Gainax—known for Shinseiki Evangelion (Neon Genesis Evangelion), Fushigi no Umi no Nadia (Nadia: The Secret of Blue Water), and Top wo Nerae! Gunbuster (Gunbuster)—reflected shared creative roots but not a financial relationship. Gainax ceased operations and filed for bankruptcy in 2024.

Creator's X was founded in February 2024 and positions itself as a next-generation animation company leveraging AI tools to streamline production. In December 2024, it acquired K&K Design, a studio focused on animation for gaming machines. That same month, it raised 110 million yen (approximately US$742,725) in capital through a third-party allocation to XTech Ventures and Terada Warehouse, citing M&A and AI tool development as intended uses of the funds.

Source: PR Times, Animation Business Journal