The Godzilla Global Takeover Has Begun, Backed by ¥120 Billion and a Monster Strategy
Toho doubles down on anime, games, and a sequel to Godzilla Minus One
Toho Co., the studio behind the kaiju film series Godzilla and the hit anime Jujutsu Kaisen, plans to invest ¥120 billion (approx. $800 million) over the next three years to accelerate its global expansion. The move comes in response to rising international demand for Japanese films and anime. Toho also plans to explore deals and initiatives related to content and intellectual property.
According to the medium-term business plan announced on April 14, Toho will invest approximately ¥70 billion into developing content including films, anime, and mobile games. As part of its "Godzilla Strategy," ¥15 billion will go toward expanding the franchise into home video games, merchandise, and attractions, while also moving forward with a sequel to the Academy Award-winning Godzilla Minus One.
Toho, one of Japan’s leading content providers, also handles properties like My Hero Academia and works from Studio Ghibli. In spring 2026, the company plans to launch a new membership service called TOHO-ONE, a digital platform offering access to movies, theater, merchandise, and games.
This initiative marks a strategic shift toward overseas markets as domestic growth is expected to slow in the coming decades due to Japan’s aging population. Toho stated in its release that it aims to increase its overseas sales ratio from the current 10% to 30% by its 100th anniversary in 2032.
Fueled by the success of Godzilla Minus One and several anime hits, Toho posted record earnings for the fiscal year ending February 2025, with sales exceeding ¥313 billion and operating profit hitting ¥64.7 billion.
Source: Bloomberg JP
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