Japanese Traditional Arts Brand KENSHIN (ART OF WAR) Debuts Original IP “Samurai Animals” at Licensing Expo 2025 in Las Vegas
Japanese character content and fine arts brand KENSHIN Co., Ltd. (ART OF WAR) has announced it is set to make its international licensing trade show debut at Licensing Expo 2025, taking place from May 20–22 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas (International Pavilion, Booth S225-1).
The company will present its original IP “Samurai Animals” (https://samuraianimals.jp/), a unique property that fuses authentic samurai culture with the 12 animals of the Japanese zodiac. Known for its deep artistic roots and historical fidelity, ART OF WAR has been a leader in traditional Japanese craftsmanship and storytelling for over two decades.
“Samurai Animals” has already garnered international attention, having been nominated for the Character or Toy Brand Program category at the LIMA Licensing Awards 2015. With the global resurgence of interest in samurai and Japanese culture—most recently fueled by the success of the Hollywood series SHOGUN—the timing for its global debut is ideal.
A Bold IP Rooted in Culture and Character
“Samurai Animals” is an original, high-quality IP featuring stylized warrior characters inspired by Japanese history, mythology, and the spirit of the samurai. The characters—each based on a zodiac animal—come with defined roles such as strategist or ninja, and are woven into an epic narrative about a war for founding a nation.
Visually, the world of Samurai Animals is expressed through the traditional Japanese art of ink wash painting (sumi-e). While the original visuals are rendered in black and white, licensees will have the opportunity to adapt the designs with their own color palettes.
Looking for Partners at Licensing Expo 2025
At Licensing Expo 2025, ART OF WAR is actively seeking:
• Game developers, publishers, and planners
• Film, animation, and visual media producers
• Board game companies and book publishers
• IP scouts and content development partners
The company is especially interested in potential collaborations for game development, film/animation adaptations, and publishing projects that align with the brand’s rich storytelling and visual depth.
Objectives for Participation
• Initiate licensing and co-development discussions
• Build new industry relationships
• Introduce “Samurai Animals” to a global audience
• Exchange market insights
• Explore collaborative creative opportunities
Key Features of “Samurai Animals”
• Developed by ART OF WAR, a renowned art brand rooted in Japanese historical research
• Combines traditional culture with original, battle-ready characters
• Features 12 zodiac-based animal warriors + 2 secret characters
• Includes detailed character backstories and unique roles
• Epic narrative with adult appeal, adaptable for children
• Illustrated in sumi-e style with optional color adaptations for licensees
