Japanese entertainment giant Toho Co., Ltd. has officially launched its new subsidiary, Toho Entertainment Asia (TEA), in Singapore. The operation, which began on November 1, marks a significant step in the company’s strategic expansion into the growing Asian market.
The new Singapore-based subsidiary will focus on IP licensing, visual content distribution, product merchandising, and marketing initiatives. Additionally, this expansion is part of Toho’s broader “TOHO VISION 2032” corporate strategy, which identifies “Content & IP,” “International Expansion,” and “Animation” as key growth areas.
Furthermore, TEA’s establishment follows Toho’s recent string of strategic investments, including stakes in Thailand’s IGLOO STUDIO, U.S.-based FIFTH SEASON, and the acquisition of North American anime distributor GKIDS. The company aims to leverage its experience from Japanese and North American markets to better serve diverse Asian audiences.
Koji Ueda, CEO of Toho Global Inc., expressed optimism about the expansion: “Our IPs, including Godzilla, have already gained significant recognition across Asian markets. With our new Singapore entity, we aim to better understand and serve the specific needs of fans in each market.”
In addition, the Singapore operation will work alongside Toho’s existing international network, including Toho International Inc. in North America and parent company Toho Global Inc., established in October 2023. This strategic positioning in Singapore, chosen for its status as a hub for Japanese companies, is expected to enhance Toho’s ability to develop region-specific content and merchandise strategies.
Through this expansion, Toho aims to strengthen its global presence and create deeper connections with Asian audiences while focusing on popular properties like Godzilla and TOHO animation titles.