Japanese animation film company Manga Entertainment has appointed Cheshire's Origin Creative to handle the design and marketing of its 16 new releases.

The agency has been briefed to produce packaging, advertising and promotional support materials for the company's new titles.

“For many, Manga is a brand synonymous with bringing Japanimation into the mainstream," said Origin's new business director, Duncan Slater. "We’re delighted to play our part in developing its success story."

Manga Entertainment has aggressively marketed Japanese animation for more than 10 years. It has released 200 titles including Akira, Ghost In The Shell and Blood The Last Vampire.