Hasbro back Yo-Kai Watch as western launch plans fall in place

After murmurings that it would eventually do so, it has today been confirmed that LEVEL-5’s Yo-Kai Watch will head westward.

Dentsu Entertainment USA and TV Tokyo Corporation have partnered with Hasbro to bring the franchise to “new markets,” with the company to introduce an “innovative toy line” in 2016.

To steadily launch as a cross-platform experience, such partnership will also include “additional broadcasting, video game and merchandising relationships to be announced later this year.”

Yo-Kai Watch has been met with resounding popularity in Japan, where the animated series remains the top-rated show for children aged 4-12 years old on TV Tokyo and maintains the highest average household ratings. Its tale centers around a young boy who receives a special watch that allows him to discover and summon Yo-kai, or ghosts, that will help solve problems that he encounters.

“The Yo-Kai Watch franchise has been hugely successful and we are ready to bring the brand to new markets across multiple platforms,” comments LEVEL-5 president Akihiro Hino.

Hasbro Brands president John Frascotti adds, “We have seen the massive success of the YO-KAI WATCH franchise in Japan and are thrilled to be chosen to help expand the property to new markets. We look forward to creating exciting and innovative play experiences with this amazing property for kids to enjoy around the world.”