Chiru Labs, the creative force behind the popular Azuki NFT collection, has announced the acquisition of the domain Anime.com. The move is part of a broader strategy to expand its digital footprint and integrate more closely with the global anime community.
Acquisition Details
According to an official statement, Chiru Labs secured the domain from a third party. The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. The domain had previously been parked and was not associated with any major website or platform. Plans for Anime.com include creating a dedicated hub for anime fans, where they can access NFT content, community features, and original media.
Strategic Implications
Since its launch in 2022, the Azuki NFT collection has become one of the most recognizable anime-style avatar projects on Ethereum. The acquisition of Anime.com signals a shift from a pure NFT project to a broader anime IP platform. Chiru Labs has already expanded into tokens (Animecoin), physical merchandise, and real-world events. By owning the generically powerful domain Anime.com, the team can attract both crypto-native and mainstream anime audiences.
Industry Context
This acquisition aligns with a trend of NFT projects seeking long-term brand building beyond speculative trading. The domain gives Chiru Labs more control over content distribution, including manga, animation, games, and social experiences. Some analysts view this as preparation for a decentralized anime ecosystem that bridges blockchain with traditional entertainment.
As of press time, the Azuki floor price stands around 3.5 ETH, with trading volume recovering over the past 24 hours. Community sentiment on the acquisition is largely positive, with many expecting enhanced narrative value and user retention.