Danica Davidson
October 16, 2024 
There are some changes in the anime business world as TOHO is completely acquiring GKIDS, a North American animation distributor that works with Studio Ghibli titles, other anime, and animation from outside of Japan. The amount of money involved has not been made public. Going forward, GKIDS is set to be a wholly-owned subsidiary of TOHO International.
This is happening as part of TOHO’s work to expand its reach.
GKIDS founder and CEO Eric Beckman, along with GKIDS President Dave Jesteadt, put out the following statement:
“GKIDS will continue to operate as we always have – with the same team, the same passion, and the same mission – but now with the backing of a highly complementary and legendary parent company. We are truly thrilled to be joining forces with the esteemed and storied TOHO, home to Godzilla and Akira Kurosawa, as well as blockbuster anime franchises like My Hero Academia and Jujutsu Kaisen. This partnership will empower us to bring even more amazing films to North American and global audiences, while we continue to champion animation as a cinematic artform and push the limits of what the medium is capable of.”
Hiro Matsuoka, the president and CEO of TOHO, also put out a statement:
“Through their hard work, vision, and integrity, GKIDS has built a unique position in the US market, which dovetails perfectly with TOHO’s own strengths and strategic mission. This partnership accelerates TOHO’s goals to prioritize animation, develop international markets, and support IP creation, while bringing exceptional Japanese and animated content to global audiences.”
This comes a few months after TOHO purchased all shares of Science SARU.
In the past TOHO and GKIDS have coordinated together on titles like Weathering with You.
Nomura Securities Co., Ltd., Nishimura & Asahi, ACF Investment Bank, and Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton LLP all worked in different ways as advisers for the business move.
Source: ANN
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Danica Davidson is the author of the bestselling Manga Art for Beginners with artist Melanie Westin, plus its sequel, Manga Art for Everyone, and the first-of-its-kind manga chalk book Chalk Art Manga, both illustrated by professional Japanese mangaka Rena Saiya. Check out her other comics and books at www.danicadavidson.com.
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