Toho, a major player in the Japanese entertainment industry, has announced its decision to acquire GKIDS, the renowned animation studio that has won an Academy Award. This agreement, revealed on Tuesday, allows Toho to enhance its presence in North America by integrating GKIDS’ well-established distribution and sales framework.
Founded in 2008, GKIDS has emerged as a significant contributor to animated films, known for its dedication to artist-driven projects. The studio has brought a number of critically acclaimed films to North American audiences, including “Song of the Sea,” “The Breadwinner,” and “Wolfwalkers.” GKIDS has also served as the key distributor for Studio Ghibli’s esteemed catalog in the U.S. market.
In a notable achievement, GKIDS secured its first Oscar for Best Animated Feature this past year for “The Boy and the Heron,” a film by legendary director Hayao Miyazaki. This milestone reflects the studio’s influence and commitment to quality animation throughout its years of operation.
Toho is well-known for its iconic franchises, including Godzilla and popular anime titles such as “My Hero Academia” and “Jujutsu Kaisen.” As part of its expansion strategy beyond Japan, the company has previously collaborated with GKIDS on various releases, including “Weathering With You” and “Spirited Away: Live on Stage.”
Hiro Matsuoka, president and CEO of Toho, expressed that GKIDS’ distinct standing in the U.S. aligns seamlessly with Toho’s strengths and long-term objectives. He stated that this partnership will bolster Toho’s aspirations to focus on animation, tap into international markets, and foster intellectual property development, all while delivering outstanding Japanese animated content to audiences worldwide.
Eric Beckman, the founder of GKIDS, will continue to lead the company as CEO, with Dave Jesteadt remaining as president. Both leaders have assured that operations will proceed as usual, but enhanced by the support of a legendary and compatible parent company.
The specifics of the financial arrangement have not been made public.
