ADK Holdings

One of Japan's top three advertising agency groups, with particular strength in anime/entertainment content and a growing global footprint under Krafton ownership

ADK Holdings (formerly Asatsu-DK) is one of Japan's largest advertising and marketing communications groups, providing integrated services spanning creative, media planning and buying, digital marketing, content production, and promotional activities. The company serves a wide range of domestic and international clients across consumer goods, entertainment, automotive, and other sectors, leveraging deep expertise in the Japanese and broader Asian media landscape. ADK is particularly notable for its strength in anime and entertainment content, which became a strategic focal point following its acquisition by Bain Capital in 2018 after a contentious buyout from WPP. The company operates across multiple disciplines including brand strategy, performance marketing, social media, and event marketing, making it a comprehensive partner for advertisers seeking reach in Japan and Asia. In a significant strategic development, South Korean gaming company Krafton — best known for the PUBG franchise — invested approximately $500 million to acquire ADK Holdings, forging a global alliance centered on animation, gaming, and content IP. Under Krafton's ownership, ADK is positioned to expand its content and entertainment capabilities, bridging Japanese animation expertise with Krafton's global gaming platform, while continuing to operate its core advertising and marketing communications business.