How to identify the right rights holder for a title

The right rights holder is the company authorized to grant your specific category of rights in your territory. Finding it takes a little detective work, but a few reliable clues point the way.

Read the copyright notice. Official products, streaming credits, and websites show a line such as "©Creator/Publisher・Committee." It names the owners.
Check the official website. Many anime sites list a licensing contact or credits for the committee members.
Look at existing licensed products in your market. Packaging often names the licensor or agent.
Search for regional agents. Trade show directories (such as those for Licensing Expo or AnimeJapan) and industry databases list agents and their properties.
Ask directly and specifically. When you contact a company, say what you want to make, where, and through which channels, and ask whether they handle those rights or can direct you.
Verify before paying anything. Request confirmation of their authority, and treat unusually easy "deals" from unknown intermediaries with caution (see 7.4).

Remember that one title can have different rights holders for different categories and regions, so confirm the match for your exact plan.