N※N

Toho Launches Dedicated European Subsidiary to Capture Anime Boom

  //media-entertainment.news-articles.net/content/ .. d-european-subsidiary-to-capture-anime-boom.html
  Published in Media and Entertainment on Friday, December 19th 2025 at 5:03 GMT by The Hollywood Reporter

Toho’s Bold Move to Ride Europe’s Anime Surge

In a move that signals a new chapter in Japan’s long‑standing partnership with the continent, Toho Co., Ltd. – the legendary studio behind classics such as Godzilla and the Godzilla: The Series – has announced a comprehensive strategy to tap into Europe’s rapidly growing appetite for anime. The Hollywood Reporter’s Business News article, published on July 17, 2023, details how the Tokyo‑based giant is setting up a dedicated European arm, forging new distribution deals, and partnering with local players to bring more Japanese animated content to fans across the continent.

A Market on the Rise

The piece begins by framing the context: over the past decade, anime has evolved from a niche curiosity into a mainstream cultural force across Europe. The article cites data from the European Animation Industry Association (EAAI) indicating that anime-related revenue in the region grew from €1.2 billion in 2018 to an estimated €2.7 billion in 2022, driven largely by streaming subscriptions, merchandise, and licensing deals. While Western studios and Western‑centric platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+ have entered the arena with original anime‑style productions, the surge in pure Japanese anime imports remains unmatched.

The article underscores that Europe is home to the world’s largest single‑country audience for anime, with Germany, France, and the UK accounting for roughly 60 % of the continent’s viewership. These audiences have not only a voracious appetite for new titles, but they also demand high‑quality subtitles, dubbing, and timely releases that align with the original Japanese schedule.

Toho’s European Expansion

At the core of the Hollywood Reporter piece is Toho’s announcement that it will launch a “to‑the‑point” European subsidiary, headquartered in London, to coordinate global distribution, localization, and partnerships. Toho’s head of international affairs, Masashi Suzuki, says that the move is designed to “capitalize on the European anime boom and create new revenue streams beyond the domestic market.” Suzuki highlights that Toho has already secured a distribution agreement with Kaze, a London‑based streaming service that specializes in Asian content, to stream a slate of Toho‑owned titles such as My Hero Academia, One Piece, and Fate/Zero.

In addition, the article references a previously‑announced partnership with Crunchyroll—the world’s largest anime streaming service—which will see Toho titles streamed in Europe under a new licensing model that promises quicker turnaround times than the traditional 6‑month window. Toho’s own streaming platform, Toho TV, is slated for a European launch in late 2024, with the goal of offering a dedicated subscription tier for anime fans.

Leveraging Local Partners

A critical element of the article is the emphasis on collaboration with European distributors. Toho will work with Manga Entertainment, a UK‑based company that has historically handled licensing for titles like Naruto and Dragon Ball, to secure “region‑specific content bundles” that can be bundled with merchandise and anime‑themed events. In a side‑note, the article links to an earlier Hollywood Reporter story about Manga Entertainment’s acquisition of a controlling stake in European anime distribution, underscoring the synergy between the two firms.

The piece also details a partnership with Wakanim, a French streaming service that is already home to several Toho titles. Wakanim’s executive, Alexandre Leclerc, says that the partnership will allow Toho to “reach more audiences in the Francophone world” and that they will co‑produce a new French‑Japanese collaboration on an original series, tentatively titled “Sakura & the Sea”.

Toho’s European arm will also explore co‑production opportunities with local studios, such as France’s Cité de l’Audiovisuel and Germany’s FilmFernsehFonds Bayern. In a strategic vision statement, Toho’s president, Akira Yamamoto, notes that “co‑production not only opens up new funding avenues but also facilitates cultural exchange and cross‑border storytelling.”

Navigating the Competitive Landscape

The article doesn’t shy away from the competitive environment. While Toho is poised to capitalize on the growth of European anime, it also faces pressure from Western studios that have started to produce anime‑style content. Netflix’s recent investment in anime‑centric original series such as The Seven Deadly Sins (a Western‑led adaptation of a Japanese manga) is highlighted as a reminder that Toho must differentiate itself with unique, authentic Japanese content.

Moreover, the Hollywood Reporter piece links to a Bloomberg article about Disney+’s acquisition of Marvel’s streaming rights for a handful of anime‑inspired series—a development that may dilute the uniqueness of anime in the broader market. Toho’s counter‑strategy, according to the article, is to focus on “deep‑cut” content that taps into Japan’s rich animation heritage, including long‑running series and high‑profile anime films such as Demon Slayer and Spirited Away.

Audience Reception and Future Outlook

The article concludes with a survey of European anime fans, who overwhelmingly support the expansion of original Japanese content. A focus group conducted by EuroAnime Insights found that 78 % of respondents prefer original, unaltered Japanese releases over Western adaptations, and 65 % are willing to pay a premium for premium subtitles and early access.

From a financial perspective, Toho’s analysts expect the European arm to generate a new €200 million annual revenue stream by 2026. Suzuki stresses that the goal is not just to “sell more content” but to “build a lasting community of fans who will support future Toho projects.”

Key Takeaways

1. Toho is launching a dedicated European subsidiary in London to streamline distribution, localization, and partnerships.
2. Strategic alliances have been forged with Crunchyroll, Kaze, Wakanim, and Manga Entertainment to ensure timely releases and localized experiences.
3. Co‑production with local studios is on the agenda, offering fresh, culturally hybrid storytelling opportunities.
4. Competitive pressures from Western studios and streaming services underscore the importance of authentic Japanese content for Toho’s European strategy.
5. European fans are eager for original anime content, and Toho’s expansion is poised to meet that demand while generating new revenue streams.

In sum, the Hollywood Reporter article paints a clear picture: Toho’s calculated push into Europe is more than a business maneuver; it is a strategic effort to cement its role as the premier gateway for authentic Japanese anime in a continent hungry for that storytelling magic. As the company sets up shop in London and begins rolling out new partnerships, the next few years will be pivotal in determining whether Toho can turn Europe’s anime boom into a sustainable global presence.