DLE Inc. (株式会社ディー・エル・イー, Kabushikigaisha Dī Eru Ī) (Dream Link Entertainment) is a Tokyo-based animation and entertainment company founded in 2001 by former Sony executive producer Ryuta Shiiki. DLE has gained notoriety in Japan for their flagship animated television and film series Eagle Talon, a surreal sitcom created entirely in Flash animation by popular creator Frogman (a.k.a. Ryo Ono). DLE has now produced over 30 properties and has business and creative partners in Shanghai, United Arab Emirates, Thailand, Singapore, India and North America where Hasbro is a stakeholder.
On May 11, 2019 it was announced by the studio that Asahi Broadcasting Corporation acquired 51.96% of their shares for 2.772 billion yen (about US$25.21 million) which made them a subsidiary of the company.[1]
History
Dream Link Entertainment was established on December 27, 2001.[2]
In 2015, DLE acquired the license to the fashion show, Tokyo Girls Collection. The first TGC show under DLE's management was held in September 2015. On September 1, 2016, DLE fully acquired W-Media, the original owners of Tokyo Girls Collection, in a full M&A.[3]
On October 6, 2016, DLE partnered with Toho Cinemas to start Japan's first "eSports in cinema" tournament event called Gamers Battle Club.[4] The event was held in Roppongi Hills' Toho Cinemas, and featured comedians and Japanese idols as participants. The second Gamers Battle Club was held on February 4, 2017.
Tokyo Girls Collection
In June 2015, DLE purchased the license to Tokyo Girls Collection, the largest fashion show/event within Japan from the event's owner company, Branding, Inc. The first TGC produced by DLE was held on September 27, 2015.
Works
DLE began as a Flash Animation anime company, but has since ventured into the live-action, music, and events businesses.
Eagle Talon The Movie: The Chancellor Only Lives Twice! (2007) Won the Best Animation Award at the New York International Independent Film and Video Festival in 2008.[5]
Eagle Talon The Movie 2: The Black Tea That Loved Me (2008)
