Our Interview w/ Diana Qiao

Our Anime Show

In this engaging conversation, Diana Qiao, CEO of Otaku, shares her journey from being an intellectual property attorney to leading a successful anime merchandise brand. The discussion delves into the intricacies of licensing, the unique approach Otaku takes in creating products that resonate with fans, and the challenges faced in the anime merchandise industry. Diana emphasizes the importance of quality, creativity, and understanding consumer behavior, while also expressing her aspirations for Otaku's future growth and community engagement.

Our Anime Show Socials: 📷 Instagram - @ouranimeshow https://www.instagram.com/ouranimeshow/ 🎥 TikTok - @ouranimeshow https://www.tiktok.com/@ouranimeshow Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Otaku and Diana Qiao 01:54 The Journey of Starting Otaku 05:24 Understanding Intellectual Property and Licensing 10:24 What Makes Otaku Unique 14:45 Diana's Transition from Lawyer to Entrepreneur 19:55 Current Roles and Responsibilities at Otaku 21:17 Managing Creative Projects and Collaborations 22:08 Navigating the Licensing Process 24:49 Understanding the Role of Sub-Licensees 26:49 The Importance of Approval Reps 28:32 The Production Committee's Influence 30:09 The Challenges of Timelines and Approvals 32:21 Overcoming Language and Cultural Barriers 35:50 Choosing Which IPs to License 39:20 Consumer Behavior Among Anime Fans 43:09 Feedback and Product Development 45:12 Customer Feedback and Product Development 51:31 Navigating Licensing and Product Categories 01:00:16 Future Aspirations for Otaku Products Takeaways: - Diana and her husband started Otaku during the pandemic, driven by their passion for anime. - Intellectual property is crucial in the anime merchandise industry, requiring proper licensing. - Otaku aims to create products that fans genuinely love and connect with. - Diana's background as an IP attorney has greatly influenced her approach to business. - Consumer behavior shows that anime fans prioritize price and aesthetics over official status. - Feedback from fans is essential for product improvement and development. - Diana emphasizes the importance of quality in merchandise to satisfy discerning anime fans. - Otaku's future plans include expanding product lines and engaging with the anime community at conventions. - The anime merchandise market is competitive, with many players vying for attention. - Diana's journey reflects the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship in a niche market.