Octas Licensing Chief Mike Melby on Opanchu Usagi's Global Push
Mike Melby, who leads licensing at Octas, discusses Opanchu Usagi's expansion, its Call of Duty crossover, and his career at Viz and Crunchyroll.
Opanchu Usagi is moving beyond its Japanese roots, and Octas is helping steer that expansion. Mike Melby, who joined the licensing and merchandising company about three years ago to lead its efforts, spoke with Anime Herald in person at Anime Expo 2026 about the character's growing international profile.
Melby's résumé spans some of the biggest names in anime distribution. He spent roughly six years at Viz Media before moving to Crunchyroll, where he put in another six years helping form the company's consumer products team. He also consulted with Sentai along the way.
At Octas, he works alongside CEO James Shortino, formerly president of Crunchyroll Japan, and Victoria Holden, head of brand marketing, who previously led audience development at Crunchyroll for more than a decade.
Melby's connection to Japanese culture runs deep: he grew up in Korea and Japan for eleven years of his childhood. That background informs how he approaches licensing for a property like Opanchu Usagi, which has already crossed into unexpected territory with a collaboration in the Call of Duty universe.
He was also clear on one point: Opanchu Usagi is not a spiritual descendant of Pop Team Epic, despite any surface similarities fans might spot.
Quick answers
What does Mike Melby do at Octas?
He joined Octas about three years ago to lead licensing and merchandising.
Where did Mike Melby work before Octas?
He worked at Viz Media for about six years and at Crunchyroll for six years, where he helped form its consumer products team. He also consulted with Sentai.
Is Opanchu Usagi related to Pop Team Epic?
No. Mike Melby said Opanchu Usagi is not a spiritual descendant of Pop Team Epic.