TOHO, the Japanese entertainment conglomerate renowned for its Godzilla franchise and extensive anime productions, has significantly expanded its global presence by acquiring UK-based distributor Anime Limited. Concurrently, the company announced its plans to establish a European regional headquarters in London before the end of the year. This strategic move aims to solidify TOHO’s capabilities in film distribution, home video, TV sales, merchandise, and licensing across the UK and France, while also extending its reach into other key European markets through a new alliance with PLAION PICTURES.
A Strategic Acquisition to Dominate the European Anime Market
The acquisition of Anime Limited, a prominent distributor based in Glasgow, Scotland, and with offices in Paris, marks a pivotal step in TOHO’s long-term management strategy, “TOHO VISION 2032”. Anime Limited, founded in late 2012 by Andrew Partridge, has been instrumental in bringing Japanese animation to the UK and France through theatrical screenings, home video releases, TV airings, and digital platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime.
Anime Limited will become a subsidiary of TOHO Global, TOHO’s overseas business division. Andrew Partridge, founder and Managing Director of Anime Limited, along with the entire staff, will remain with the company, ensuring continuity and leveraging their established expertise in the European market. This acquisition provides TOHO with immediate, robust distribution and licensing capabilities in crucial European territories.
Establishing a European Hub in London
In tandem with the acquisition, TOHO is setting up a European regional headquarters in London. This new London-based entity, established in April 2024 and fully owned by TOHO Global Inc., is poised to be the central hub for the group’s European strategy. TOHO is injecting £16 million into this UK subsidiary, elevating its capital base and making it a specified subsidiary. The funds are earmarked for acquiring operating companies and providing working capital, demonstrating TOHO’s commitment to substantial growth in the region.
Broader Global Expansion Under “TOHO VISION 2032”
This European expansion is a key component of TOHO’s ambitious “TOHO VISION 2032” strategy, which prioritizes animation and international market development. The company aims to increase its international sales share from the current 10% to 30% by its 100th anniversary in 2032.
Significant Investments and Prior Acquisitions
TOHO has earmarked approximately US$830 million (¥120 billion) over the next three years for new content and strategic initiatives, including M&A activities. Around US$490 million (¥70 billion) is dedicated to developing content across movies, animation, digital games, and theatrical plays, with a specific focus on scaling the Godzilla franchise with over US$100 million (¥15 billion) in investment.
This European move follows a series of other significant international and animation-focused acquisitions by TOHO:
- GKIDS Acquisition (October 2024): TOHO acquired GKIDS, a leading North American animation producer and distributor known for handling Studio Ghibli films and securing numerous Academy Award nominations. This acquisition bolstered TOHO’s distribution capabilities in the crucial North American market.
- Science SARU Acquisition (May 2024): TOHO acquired the acclaimed animation studio Science SARU, known for works like Devilman Crybaby and Japan Sinks: 2020, to strengthen its in-house animation production capabilities.
- Studio Orange Investment (January 2025): TOHO is set to acquire a 19.7% stake in the CG animation studio Orange, known for Trigun Stampede and BEASTARS, to further enhance animation quality and secure talent.
- TOHO Entertainment Asia Pte. Ltd. (November 2024): The company also launched a new subsidiary in Singapore, further expanding its reach into the Asian market.
Strategic Alliance with PLAION PICTURES
Further solidifying its European strategy, TOHO has formed a strategic alliance with PLAION PICTURES, a German film publishing subsidiary of the PLAION Group. This partnership will enable TOHO to extend its distribution capabilities into Germany, Italy, and other European markets. PLAION PICTURES had previously acquired Anime Limited in October 2022, highlighting the existing relationships within the industry that TOHO is now leveraging.
The Expanding European Anime Market
The timing of TOHO’s significant investment in Europe is strategic, given the rapid growth of the anime market in the region. The European anime market was estimated at approximately US$4.77 billion in 2024 and is projected to nearly double, reaching US$9.05 billion by 2030. This robust growth underscores the immense potential TOHO aims to tap into with its comprehensive European strategy.
By acquiring an established player like Anime Limited, setting up a dedicated European HQ, and forging key alliances, TOHO is positioning itself to be a dominant force in the rapidly expanding global anime industry, fulfilling its vision of delivering diverse and inspiring entertainment experiences worldwide.
