Toei Animation has officially unveiled the first phase of its 10-year roadmap to transform into a worldwide entertainment leader. The legendary studio, which has shaped anime history for nearly seven decades, now seeks to evolve beyond Japan by creating original content for global audiences.

The company’s long-term vision emphasizes innovation, digital transformation, and global storytelling. With a goal to reach a market valuation of 500 billion yen (approximately 3.26 billion USD) within a decade, Toei aims to strengthen its creative ecosystem while expanding into new international markets.

Strengthening the Studio Ecosystem

At the heart of Toei’s plan is a significant expansion of its production capabilities. The studio intends to grow its flagship Oizumi Studio and hire hundreds of new key staff members to build what it calls the best production system in the industry.

Toei will also open two to three new studios across Asia within five years, initially supporting Japanese productions before transitioning into fully independent hubs of global content creation.

This move is part of Toei’s effort to address Japan’s growing animator shortage while also laying the foundation for a global animation network centered in Asia.

Embracing Digital Transformation

Toei Animation’s roadmap gives digital innovation a central role. The studio plans to strengthen its next-generation production systems by integrating VR, AR, XR, motion capture, and AI-driven tools.

By leveraging cutting-edge technology, Toei hopes to achieve higher video quality without increasing production strain on staff. The company’s digital division, covering CG, post-production, photography, and system design, will undergo a complete reorganization to align with global standards.

This transformation aims to position Toei as a hub of artistic and technical excellence in next-gen animation.

Empowering Creators and Fostering Original IP

Toei’s future success also depends on empowering its creators. Through its “Pro, Pro, Pro!!” initiative (Produce / Product / Project), the studio has introduced an internal system that encourages creators to pitch original ideas and short-form projects directly.

This approach fosters innovation and shortens the gap between artists and the content they create. The company also plans to help its creators gain public recognition through initiatives like the “Toei Animation Studio Exploration Team!” project, which gives fans behind-the-scenes insight into production.

In 2025, Toei launched two pilot projects and hosted the “Inagami Ue Original Art Exhibition,” marking new milestones in promoting internal talent.

Expanding and Strengthening IPs

Toei Animation will invest around 70 billion yen over five years to boost its intellectual property strategy. Nearly 30 billion yen will focus on the “Global IP-fication” of legendary titles like Dragon Ball and One Piece, expanding their global appeal.

Another 17.5 billion yen will go toward developing new IPs, while 11 billion yen will fund overseas projects to create original anime for global audiences.

The company aims to triple its IP output, targeting 40 new titles, with a majority produced outside Japan. This marks a major strategic shift as Toei begins developing anime not just for the world but also from the world.

Building a Global Network

Toei Animation’s international expansion is one of the most ambitious in anime history. The studio plans to invest 20 billion yen in overseas operations within five years, aiming for 120 billion yen in global sales by 2031.

The company’s plan identifies three key markets: North America, China, and Europe. North America will serve as a creative base for global audiences, China will act as a regional production hub, and Europe will lead co-productions and expansion into the Middle East and North Africa.

Toei also plans to establish a new regional headquarters in Dubai, targeting the Middle East as one of its fastest-growing markets.

This large-scale initiative reflects Toei’s mission to evolve from a Japanese icon into a truly international brand that creates, collaborates, and inspires across cultures.

The Future of Toei Animation

With its new strategy, Toei Animation is not just expanding its reach — it’s reshaping the global anime landscape. From creator-focused innovation to world-class digital production and global storytelling, the studio’s 10-year plan signals a new era for anime as a universal art form.

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