Toho Animation Studio

Established in August 2017 as IANDA, a joint venture between game developer ILCA and the studio Anima, this entity began with an experimental goal to merge interactive storytelling with traditional animation. The trajectory changed sharply in 2019 when Toho acquired an equity stake, leading to a rebranding as TIA (Toho International Animation). By September 2022, the parent company secured controlling interest and officially renamed the operation Toho Animation Studio to cement its role as a dedicated production arm for high-quality animated content.

The studio currently operates out of Shinjuku, Tokyo, focusing on serialized television narratives and theatrical films that blend cinematic spectacle with character-driven plots. Recent productions include Snowball Earth, which has been greenlit for a second season, and The Apothecary Diaries, generating significant buzz with upcoming movie adaptations and third-season announcements. Unlike independent contractors such as MAPPA, this studio functions as an internal house owned by one of Japan's oldest film distributors, allowing it to take calculated risks on original properties that might be too expensive for smaller entities.

Market expansion remains a priority following a 2025 announcement targeting a 200% increase in anime production capacity. A 2026 strategy aims for "anime mass production" with a quota of 30 seasons per year by 2032. In December 2025, the brand further solidified its global footprint by acquiring the UK-based distributor Anime Limited to establish a European headquarters in London. This structural advantage provides immediate access to Toho's theater chains and streaming partnerships while maintaining a focus on detailed character designs and fluid motion graphics. [edit]