Japanese entertainment giant TOHO has taken the anime industry by surprise again by acquiring a significant stake in Studio Orange, the creative powerhouse behind Trigun Stampede and Beastars. TOHO announced it will purchase 19.7% of Orange’s shares in January 2025. This partnership aims to elevate the quality of both studios’ works, strengthen global collaborations, and expand their production capabilities. Though financial details remain undisclosed, the move shows TOHO’s growing interest in leading anime innovation and storytelling.
Studio Orange has consistently pushed the boundaries of CGI in anime. Their groundbreaking work on Haruko Ishikawa’s Land of the Lustrous and Paru Itagaki’s Beastars proves their reputation for striking, character-driven stories. This partnership with TOHO has the potential to redefine what is possible in anime production.
TOHO’s Strategic Investments in Animation Studios
TOHO’s Bold Moves to Dominate Anime Production
TOHO’s stake in Studio Orange is part of a broader strategy to consolidate its influence in the anime industry. Earlier this year, TOHO fully acquired North American distributor GKIDS, making sure that they have access to high-profile titles like Makoto Shinkai’s Weathering With You. TOHO’s involvement with GKIDS proves its dedication to international expansion, bridging the gap between Japanese animation and Western audiences.
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TOHO has also taken significant stakes in other important studios. In June TOHO acquired the critically acclaimed studio Science SARU, known for works like Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken!, solidifying its role as one of the most important Japanese entertainment companies. By forming subsidiaries like TOHO Animation STUDIO, the company is not only diversifying its portfolio but also making sure that its creative projects have top-tier resources and success.
Studio Orange’s Growth and Global Vision
What TOHO’s Investment Means for Studio Orange
For Studio Orange, the partnership with TOHO is a huge step towards more global recognition. The studio’s resume includes acclaimed works like Netflix’s Godzilla Singular Point and the upcoming anime adaptation of Scott Westerfield’s Leviathan series, set for a 2025 release. By collaborating with TOHO, Orange gains access to new resources, enabling them to explore ambitious storytelling and cutting-edge CGI.
This investment also shows Orange’s commitment to nurturing talent both within and beyond Japan. With TOHO’s backing, Studio Orange can expand its workforce and secure top-tier talent, creating opportunities for groundbreaking collaborations. Fans can expect Orange to continue pushing creative boundaries while delivering the high-quality storytelling that has become its trademark. With Studio Orange poised to benefit from TOHO‘s expertise and resources, this partnership promises to shape the future of anime production in amazing ways.
Source: Anime News Network
