Fuji TV has officially launched its new Webtoon label, TOON8, at 00:00 JST on June 5, marking the company’s full-scale entry into the rapidly growing Webtoon industry. Through partnerships with four leading creators of hit content, TOON8 will develop original Webtoon titles for release on LINE Manga. A new Fuji TV original IP begins here.
■A New Webtoon Label from Fuji TV
Originating in Korea, Webtoons are rapidly gaining prominence in the global marketplace. With their smartphone-optimized vertical-scroll, full-color format and their suitability for screen adaptations and broader IP development, Webtoons are attracting attention as a form of entertainment that continues to grow globally. Recognizing this tremendous potential, Fuji TV launched its new label, TOON8.
The label’s name merges “TOON,” evoking the world of Webtoons and manga, with “8,” the iconic channel number associated with Fuji TV.
In Japan, the number 8 is written as the kanji character “八.” Because its shape widens toward the bottom, it is considered a lucky symbol of growth and prosperity.
The name TOON8 reflects our hope that a single story, filled with limitless potential, will continue to expand and eventually reach audiences around the world.
By combining the storytelling expertise Fuji TV has cultivated through years of film and television production, with the planning and production capabilities of four companies at the forefront of the Webtoon industry, the label aims to create a new generation of stories.
■Fuji TV Partners with Four Leading Webtoon Content Creators
Joining Fuji TV in the launch of TOON8 are four companies that are each leaders in their respective genres within the Webtoon industry. No9 Inc., the creator behind hit male-oriented contemporary battle fantasy titles has established itself as a leading force in the genre. Whomor inc., which attracts a broad readership through battle fantasy titles, LOCKER ROOM inc., which has captured the hearts of readers with its romance titles, and C-Route, inc., known for romance fantasy titles that have garnered strong support among female readers.
Bringing together the unique strengths of all four companies, TOON8 will deliver new works across a diverse range of genres—including romance, action, fantasy, and mystery—featuring the immersive storytelling and dynamic pacing that are hallmarks of the Webtoon format. Through TOON8, Fuji TV will continue to pursue IP development that extends beyond traditional boundaries, expanding into areas such as broadcasting, streaming, live events, music, and social media.
Using stories born from Webtoons as a starting point, the company aims to create new entertainment experiences for readers and audiences both in Japan and around the world. Fuji TV is driving the creation of new value by combining its ability to develop original IP, its strength in delivering content across a diverse range of media platforms, and a framework for expanding that value through collaboration with external partners.
Going forward, Fuji TV will continue to unlock the potential of IP through co-creation with a wide range of partners, while fostering opportunities for people to come together, connect, and share experiences through content.
■Comment from Marin Sakaue, IP Business, Fuji Television Network, Inc.
The unique Webtoon reading experience—defined by its vertical-scroll, full-color format—is becoming increasingly established among Japanese readers, particularly those in their 20s and 30s. In this growing market, we see tremendous potential in combining the storytelling expertise that Fuji TV has cultivated over many years with the exceptional production capabilities of four companies at the forefront of the industry. TOON8 is more than just a Webtoon label. It is a project designed to deliver a single story through multiple touchpoints, integrating with music, television programming, and live events. We hope audiences will look forward to the new IP that will emerge from this project.
TOON８ (Official X)
https://x.com/Toon8_20260605