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Dragon Ball, One Piece Studio Is Making a $2 Billion Move to Expand Anime's Global Reach
Even if you’ve never heard of Japan’s Toei Company, chances are you’re familiar with some of the iconic titles they’ve helped bring to life. As the majority shareholder of Toei Animation, Toei has played a key role in producing some of the most beloved anime of all time, including Dragon Ball, Sailor Moon, One Piece, and Slam Dunk. On the live-action side, the company is also behind the long-running Super Sentai series—which was adapted internationally into Power Rangers—as well as the Kamen Rider franchise and other popular Japanese superhero shows.
Until now, Toei has primarily relied on licensing its films and TV shows to other companies for international distribution. But that’s changing. In a recent interview with Deadline, Toei President and CEO Fumio Yoshimura outlined ambitious plans to take a more hands-on approach to global expansion. Rather than just licensing content, Toei now aims to produce and distribute its own works directly in overseas markets. Backed by a $2 billion investment strategy, the company plans to upgrade its production facilities, pursue international co-productions, and significantly grow its presence—especially in the anime space.
Toei’s Animation Roots
Superheroes, Samurai, And A Deep Live-Action Legacy
Toei has been a major force in Japanese entertainment since 1951, producing everything from feature films to TV dramas. But it truly made its mark in animation after acquiring a small studio in 1956, which became Toei Doga—later renamed Toei Animation. Just two years later, it released The White Snake Enchantress, Japan’s first full-color animated feature film. That landmark debut kicked off decades of influential anime, with Toei aiming early on to become the “Disney of the East.”
Toei’s impact goes far beyond animation. Its live-action catalog is vast, especially in the tokusatsu genre (special effects-driven superhero shows). The company introduced the Kamen Rider series in 1971, followed by Super Sentai in 1975. Both franchises continue to thrive today. Add in a wide range of classic samurai and yakuza films, and it’s clear Toei’s content library spans genres, generations, and global fanbases. Now, with its eyes firmly on the international stage, Toei is ready to share even more of its legacy with the world.
Toei’s $2 Billion Bet On Anime’s Global Future
TOEI NEW WAVE 2033: A Global Blueprint
Building on their legacy, President and CEO Fumio Yoshimura has set bold plans in motion to expand Toei’s global presence—starting with anime. In the interview with Deadline, he discussed a $2 billion investment strategy focused on upgrading Toei’s Tokyo and Kyoto studios, boosting production capacity, and developing more international co-productions. With iconic titles like Dragon Ball, One Piece, Sailor Moon, and Slam Dunk already beloved worldwide, Yoshimura wants Toei to take full control of how its anime reaches international audiences.
This effort is part of Toei’s long-term vision, TOEI NEW WAVE 2033, which aims to turn the company into a global entertainment leader by the end of the decade. One of its main goals is to grow overseas revenue to 50% of total sales. To do that, Toei is doubling down on anime while expanding its reach through streaming, digital platforms, and international collaborations.
A Global Era Begins For Japan’s Storytelling Giant
What Toei aims to do mirrors the path rival studio Toho has taken in the U.S. Toho has expanded its international reach in recent years—notably with Godzilla Minus One—and solidified its position by acquiring GKIDS, a major North American distributor of Japanese animation. Toei, which licensed The First Slam Dunk to GKIDS in 2023, has traditionally relied on third-party partners for overseas releases. Now, it’s shifting toward a more direct, self-managed approach to global distribution, aiming to build the kind of infrastructure Toho already has in place.
Related
Despite Recent Oscar Loss, Dragon Ball’s Studio Is Ready to Expand Its Reach In the U.S.
Although Toei Animation, the studio that created Dragon Ball, did not receive an Oscar this year, the company still has ambitious plans for 2025.
As if to show how serious they are about reaching global audiences, Toei recently launched an official English-language X (formerly Twitter) account for the Kamen Rider series—one of their longest-running and most iconic franchises. The move sparked buzz among fans, with many wondering if this signals a wider rollout of Kamen Rider content on international streaming platforms.
Whether it’s anime, superheroes, or theatrical films, Toei’s latest steps make one thing clear: they’re no longer content with being a behind-the-scenes name in international markets—they want to lead the charge. And with a legacy spanning over 70 years and a $2 billion plan in play, they’re just getting started.
Source: Deadline
