According to the Anime News Network (via Japan’s Moon Phase Comments), GDH, the parent company of top anime studio Gonzo (Samurai Seven, Afro Samurai, Witchblade) has announced a restructuring that will result in a reduction of its annual anime output from eight to four.  Gonzo plans to combine its four internal studios into one production division and then gradually reduce its output by 50%.  No specific series were mentioned as potential cuts.  The announcement from GDH is further evidence of problems in the anime market in Japan, something that Gonzo’s Arthur Smith talked about in a letter to American anime consumers (see “An Open Letter to the American Anime Community”).

These developments come on the heels of a takeover of GDH/Gonzo by the investment firm Iwakaze Capital (see “Gonzo Parent Accepts Take-Over Offer”).  As the Anime News Network has pointed out, Gonzo has a number of anime series currently in production (or planned) including Linebarrels of Iron and Rosario & Vampire Capu2, The Tower of Druaga, Slap Up Party, Shangri-La, and Alive.