- Business
- Toei Company, Ltd. is a Japan-based entertainment company primarily engaged in the production, distribution, and marketing of theatrical movies, television dramas, anime, and direct-to-video content. The company manufactures and distributes motion pictures, television films, digital video discs (DVDs), and Blu-ray discs, and operates direct-managed movie theaters and cinema complexes primarily in Japan. Its main products and service offerings include film and video production; television drama production; anime production through its majority-owned subsidiary Toei Animation; video game development; film distribution; video content sales and licensing; advertising agency services related to media content; event planning related to character franchises; and real estate leasing including cinema complexes and redevelopment projects. The company’s major entertainment franchises include well-known series such as Kamen Rider, Super Sentai, and Power Rangers. Toei also holds significant assets such as studios in Tokyo and Kyoto and shares in several television stations. Founded in 1949 and headquartered in Kyōbashi, Chūō, Tokyo, Toei serves Japan and international markets including North America and Asia.
Recent major changes include enhanced operational restructuring and the establishment of new marketing, motion picture programming, and TV/video-on-demand planning and sales units to strengthen content development and revenue streams. Toei has expanded its event-related business with increasing sales from live events linked to its popular franchises and collaborations, such as co-hosting events like ONE PIECE EMOTION with Toei Animation. The company has pursued international expansion by establishing an International Division for production and strategy, strengthening overseas producer training, and advancing film and television rights sales abroad, including Asia and North America. It has undertaken redevelopment projects for key assets like Toei Hall in Ginza and Toei Kyoto Studio Park to support diversified business growth. Additionally, Toei has accelerated investments in digital and video technologies, human capital, and real estate to reinforce its management foundation. Its 2024-2025 fiscal period showed growth in both film-related sales and operating profit, driven by domestic and international content distribution and strong franchise merchandising, progressing under the mid- to long-term vision "TOEI NEW WAVE 2033" aimed at maximizing visual content revenue.
The company operates in five core business segments: image-related (film and TV production and sales); distribution-related (theater operations); event-related (character merchandising and cultural events); tourism and real estate (leasing and facility operation); and construction and interior decoration. Toei employs over 430 staff directly and consolidates nearly 1,800 employees including subsidiaries. It is listed on the Prime Market of the Tokyo Stock Exchange under ticker 9605.T. Its primary subsidiary, Toei Animation, focuses on animation production, licensing, and marketing, contributing significantly to group revenue with acclaimed global titles such as Dragon Ball and One Piece.
Overall, Toei Company, Ltd. stands as a diversified entertainment enterprise leveraging strong content IP, expanding international presence, and evolving business units to sustain growth in the global media and entertainment industry.