The ability to turn a user’s selfie into an anime character has turbocharged the Meitu app to the top of Japan’s download rankings over the past week, spurring a big jump in the company’s shares. Hong ...

In China, the photo app Meitu is a go-to tool for retouching selfies. Its cutesy filters—think petals, pearly skin, and dramatic blush—have long been staples of social-media feeds in China. It’s only ...