Core Viewpoint - The global IP economy is experiencing a significant surge, with major IP operators like Sanrio, Bandai Namco, and Nintendo seeing their stock prices reach historical highs, while Disney also achieved a near three-year high [1] Group 1: Performance of Major IP Operators - Sanrio's Hello Kitty, Bandai Namco's Dragon Ball, One Piece, and Gundam, along with Nintendo's Mario and Pokémon, are among the most recognized IPs in China [1] - The stock prices of these IP operators have shown a strong upward trend over a considerable period, with Sanrio's stock rising since June 2022 and Bandai Namco and Nintendo experiencing over a decade of growth [1] - Tsuburaya Productions, known for Ultraman, saw its stock price increase by over 1000% from January 2022 to August 2023, driven by the success of Ultraman card games in China [1][2] Group 2: Characteristics of Classic IPs - Classic IPs possess a "cross-cycle" capability, remaining relevant despite significant societal changes and evolving consumer habits [2] - The development of new products such as cards, building blocks, and other merchandise around these classic IPs has created new growth opportunities [2] - Disney exemplifies the importance of both sustaining classic IPs and developing new ones, with its iconic Mickey Mouse and the continuous introduction of new IPs through films and merchandise [2] Group 3: Development of IP Industry in China - China's IP industry has seen rapid growth in recent years, with original IPs like Nezha and Bubble Mart's LABUBU gaining market recognition [3] - However, transitioning from recognized IPs to "classics" remains a challenge for the industry [3] - A systematic and gradual IP operation strategy, as seen in many Japanese classic IPs, is crucial for endowing IPs with "cross-cycle" capabilities [3]

Group 1 - The toy and trendy play industry in China is experiencing explosive growth during the 618 shopping festival, with six merchants surpassing 100 million yuan in sales and nearly 100 merchants exceeding 10 million yuan [1][2] - The top IP products, including Sanrio and Ultraman cards, are performing exceptionally well, indicating a strong demand for Japanese IP in the Chinese market [2][3] - The overall market for trendy toys is expanding, with over 2,400 stores achieving triple-digit growth compared to the previous year [1][2] Group 2 - Major Japanese companies like Bandai, Sanrio, and Tsuburaya have reported significant revenue from their IPs, with Bandai's Dragon Ball generating approximately 9.44 billion yuan, a 35.6% increase year-on-year [4][5] - Sanrio's revenue in China has surged to 816 million yuan, with IP licensing contributing significantly to its growth [5][7] - Tsuburaya's Ultraman IP has generated 260 million yuan in licensing revenue in China, highlighting the strong performance of card sales [7][19] Group 3 - The competitive landscape of the trendy toy market is intensifying, with over 100 stores closing in the first half of 2025, indicating a significant shakeout in the industry [15][16] - The trend of localization is evident, as companies like Sanrio and Bandai are focusing on developing original IPs and collaborating with local partners to enhance their market presence [21][29] - The shift from content output to collaborative ecosystem building is becoming a key strategy for Japanese IP companies in China, aiming for sustainable growth in the competitive market [29][30]