Variety is reporting that the Japan Entertainment Network (JEN), a joint venture of Turner Entertainment Network and the Itochu trading company, has created a group to develop anime for the U.S. market.  JEN delivers the Cartoon Network to nearly 5 million cable and satellite subscribers in Japan and has adapted Cartoon Network series such as the PowerPuff Girls for the Japanese market.

Now JEN plans to work with anime studios to develop two series a year targeting 6-11 year-olds, who form the core demographic for the Cartoon Network's daytime programming.  According to Variety the first project has not yet been announced, but JEN hopes to be able to produce two anime series for the U.S. market per year.