The Tokyopop organization ironically started as a magazine with that name. Back in 1996 the company wasn't involved in television production at all. Eventually it got into the business of licensing Japanese manga comics, and from there it started to license Japanese animated television shows.
The company was able to attract several top properties, even though it remained more geared toward print publication. Vampire Princess Miyu and Twelve Kingdoms were two of the bigger television draws that the company was involved with, though their licensing power has waned in more recent years.
Interestingly, Tokyopop has received praise as well as criticism when it comes to licensing and distributing television shows. A number of editorial changes were made to the Initial D anime. Several characters received different names, and some content was toned down for American audiences. The company claimed that these edits were necessary in order to market the series to a younger audience in America. In Japan, the show was geared toward more of a mature demographic.
Despite any complaints, the company was able to license the Initial D: Extra Stage spin off show as well as the Initial D: Second Stage sequel. All three of these properties continue to be popular both in the United States as well as Japan.
Tokyopop was at one point interested in a variety of more dramatic and comedic series. They licensed Marmalade Boy, which has overtones very different from those found in action shows like Initial D. They eventually licensed the rights to the Marmalade Boy film as well.
