Yasuo Matsuo has launched IP Bay , a new global studio dedicated to adapting Japanese literary properties for Western screens. The company is making its market debut at the Cannes Film Market , where Japan is the 2026 Country of Honor. Matsuo will serve as chair. He is the founder of Cloverway, a U.S.-based licensing agency that spent more than 15 years as Toei Animation’s North American representative, introducing “ Dragon Ball Z ,” “Sailor Moon” and “Saint Seiya” to U.S. and Latin American markets. His son Jun Matsuo joins as IP Bay as CEO, responsible for publisher engagement, title curation, business and legal operations, and serving as the primary link between IP Bay and Japan’s major publishing houses. Frankie Seratch, a New York-based film producer, co-founded the company and leads its U.S. operations from New York and Los Angeles. Popular on Variety IP Bay is structured with operating teams embedded on both sides of the Pacific.…