Press Release:
June 5, 2025 / Toei Animation Co., Ltd. (Head Office: Nakano, Tokyo; President: Katsuhiro Takagi / TSE4816) proudly announces the launch of a new original animation brand, ETERNA Animation, in anticipation of the studio’s 70th anniversary in 2026.
The announcement follows a milestone moment for Toei Animation: its short film Magic Candies (based on the original picture book by Heena Baek) was nominated for the 97th Academy Awards® in the Best Animated Short Film category, further cementing the studio’s global reputation for excellence in animated storytelling and artistic achievement.
Building upon this and many other accomplishments over the decades, Toei Animation is now embarking on a bold new challenge. Through ETERNA Animation, the company will establish a sustainable creative platform dedicated to the ongoing production of original works. The initiative also places a strong focus on discovering and nurturing emerging creative talents as part of a next-generation animation project model.
About ETERNA Animation
The Brand’s Promise: “We create free and unforgettable animation that stays in your heart.”
The brand name “ETERNA” (meaning “eternal”) reflects Toei Animation’s aspiration to create works that linger deeply in the hearts and memories of viewers. Guided by five core creative values—Originality, Exclusivity, Artistry, Quality, and Decency—the brand seeks to deliver new stories, spotlight new voices, and explore expressive new forms of animation with artistic freedom and lasting emotional impact.
Debut title: “FOXING: Kitsuné-tsuki”
The first title under the ETERNA Animation label is the short film FOXING: Kitsuné-tsuki, directed by Takeru Shinozuka in his commercial directorial debut, with a targeted release in 2026.
The story explores universal themes such as isolation, fantasy, and the confrontation of the self in contemporary society. It poetically and visually depicts the protagonist’s emotional transformation as she journeys toward personal liberation.
Shinozuka, born in 1994, graduated from Tokyo Zokei University and joined Toei Animation thereafter. He has earned attention within the studio for his unique hands-on approach, consistently managing direction, storyboards, and character design himself.
The producer of the film is Yoshihide Moriyama, whose diverse credits include ELEMON, Tokyo 7th Sisters: Bokura wa Aozora ni Naru, and Ring ni Kakero series. Moriyama is committed to realizing the film in line with the ideals of ETERNA Animation while cultivating it as a work that resonates globally.
FOXING: Kitsuné-tsuki will be introduced to the world at the MIFA Talent Panel during the Annecy International Animation Film Festival and Market 2025. The session will present pre-production materials, including visual boards and character design, as a world-first Work-in-Progress presentation. Director Shinozuka and producer Moriyama will appear on stage to share the project’s creative background, the vision behind ETERNA Animation, and Toei Animation’s ambitions for the future of original animation.
ETERNA Animation – “FOXING: Kitsuné-tsuki” Credit Information:
Director: Takeru Shinozuka (Toei Animation)
Production: Toei Animation
Produced by: Toei Animation
Official Website Information:
- ETERNA Animation Website: www.toei-anim.co.jp/eterna_animation/
- ETERNA Animation “X”: www.x.com/eterna_anim/
- ETERNA Animation Instagram: www.instagram.com/eterna_animation/
©TOEI ANIMATION Co., Ltd.
About Toei Animation Inc.
Toei Animation Inc., headquartered in Los Angeles, is the North American subsidiary of Toei Animation Co., Ltd. (Tokyo Stock Exchange: 4816). Since its establishment in 2004, the company has managed licensing, distribution, and promotional efforts for global franchises such as Dragon Ball, ONE PIECE, Sailor Moon, and Digimon throughout North America.
In addition to supporting theatrical releases and original productions, the company has expanded its strategic partnerships with streaming platforms, broadcasters, and merchandise licensees. Serving as a vital bridge between Japan and the U.S., Toei Animation Inc. delivers compelling animation content to fans across generations.
Toei Animation Inc. Website: www.toei-animation-usa.com
Parent Company: www.toei-anim.co.jp
