For nearly seven decades, Toei Animation has been a powerhouse of the anime industry, shaping generations of fans with massive titles such as Dragon Ball, One Piece, and Sailor Moon. Since its founding in 1956, the studio has played a crucial role in popularizing Japanese animation worldwide. With an extensive catalog of animated hits that span multiple genres and styles, including action, adventure, and fantasy, the studio has built a legacy that’s impossible to overlook.
As Toei Animation approaches its 70th anniversary in 2026, the studio is looking ahead with ambitious plans for the future. With international acclaim, including a recent Academy Award nomination for the short film, Magic Candies, Toei is positioning itself for a new era of animation. This moment marks a milestone that celebrates every past achievement while also looking forward to what is to come, reflecting the studio’s commitment to innovation and creativity in storytelling.
Toei Animation Is Establishing ETERNA Animation
ETERNA Animation Has a Clear Vision for the Future
With its eyes set on the future, Toei Animation has launched a new brand, ETERNA Animation, aimed at developing original, in-house productions that push the boundaries of what animation can achieve. Its name is derived from the word “eternal,” reflecting a commitment to producing stories that strongly resonate with audiences and remain long-lasting. The brand’s official slogan is, “We create free and unforgettable animation that stays in your heart,” reflecting their mission to deliver emotional and artistically rich works.
At the core of ETERNA Animation are five guiding principles: Originality, Exclusivity, Artistry, Quality, and Decency. These values will shape the studio’s approach as it aims to “deliver new stories, spotlight new voices, and explore expressive new forms of animation with artistic freedom and lasting emotional impact.” ETERNA represents much more than a label; it encapsulates a creative initiative designed to nurture emerging talent and offer a platform for risk-taking, visionary storytelling. After celebrating nearly 70 years of great achievements, Toei Animation looks ahead with the establishment of a new, daring studio that honors its past while also looking toward the next era of animation.
However, this announcement also s controversy surrounding Toei Animation’s exploration of AI, which drew backlash from both fans and industry professionals. Many criticized the move as a threat to artistic integrity and job security. Toei planned to integrate AI into various aspects of production, including storyboarding, coloring, and background generation. In response to the backlash, Toei clarified that AI is not currently in use but reaffirmed its intention to adopt it in the future. The establishment of ETERNA could be a direct response and a way of saving face; however, its emphasis on creativity and emotional storytelling can’t be ignored.
Eterna Animation’s First Project Is Already Planned Out
Visuals for Eterna’s First Original Short Film Are Refreshing and Exciting
Kicking off the ETERNA Animation label is an original short film, FOXING: Kitsuné-tsuki, scheduled for release in 2026. The project marks the commercial debut of Takeru Shinozuka, a rising talent within Toei Animation, known for his “unique hands-on approach, consistently managing direction, storyboards, and character design himself.” This short film will explore universal themes of isolation, identity, and emotional growth in a way that blends fantasy with contemporary society. It’s an ambitious first project that aligns perfectly with ETERNA’s commitment to artistry and emotional depth.
The project is daring, visually eye-catching, and set to create waves in the industry as Toei shifts to support visionary creators and produce content that is original and excitingly new.
The film will be produced by industry veteran Yoshihide Moriyama, whose work includes titles such as ELEMON and Tokyo 7th Sisters. With FOXING: Kitsuné-tsuki, Moriyama aims to capture the spirit of ETERNA’s founding principles while creating a story that resonates universally. The project is daring, visually eye-catching, and as a debut title, FOXING sets the stage for what ETERNA Animation hopes to achieve, paving the way for more fresh and emotional storytelling where originality is the goal.
As Toei Animation approaches its 70th anniversary, the establishment of ETERNA Animation signifies more than a celebration of the studio’s past; it represents a bold declaration of what is yet to come. With a clear creative philosophy, a promising debut project, and a goal to nurture new voices, ETERNA is positioning itself at the forefront of the anime industry’s future. ETERNA Animation’s belief in the power of storytelling ushers in a future where creativity and emotional resonance take center stage.
