Major Anime Producer Invests Significantly in Studio Behind Trigun Stampede and Beastars

The Japanese entertainment titan TOHO has once again made waves in the anime industry by announcing its acquisition of a substantial 19.7% stake in Studio Orange, the visionary studio responsible for popular titles like Trigun Stampede and Beastars. This strategic move, set to finalize in January 2025, is designed to enhance the creative output of both studios, strengthen international partnerships, and expand their production capabilities significantly. While the financial specifics of this investment remain undisclosed, it underscores TOHO’s commitment to leading innovation in anime storytelling.

Studio Orange is well-known for redefining CGI usage within the anime landscape. With celebrated works such as Land of the Lustrous and Beastars, the studio is revered for its captivating, character-driven narratives. This alliance with TOHO represents an exciting opportunity to expand the horizons of anime production.

TOHO’s Strategic Investments in Animation Studios

TOHO’s Bold Moves to Dominate Anime Production

Vash and the Nebraska family from Trigun Stampede

Legoshi from Beastars season 2 key visual

TOHO’s stake in Studio Orange is not an isolated venture; it is part of a robust strategy aimed at solidifying its foothold in the anime sector. Earlier this year, TOHO completed the acquisition of North American distributor GKIDS, gaining access to notable titles such as Makoto Shinkai’s Weathering With You. This partnership with GKIDS emphasizes TOHO’s aspirations for international growth, effectively bridging the connection between Japanese animation and Western audiences.

Moreover, TOHO has invested significantly in various other prominent animation studios, showcasing its ambition to lead the industry.

Studio Orange’s Growth and Global Vision

What TOHO’s Investment Means for Studio Orange

Land of the Lustrous Anime Cover Art featuring Diamond and two other characters with yellow hair.

For Studio Orange, forming a partnership with TOHO signals a significant leap towards broader global recognition. The studio’s repertoire includes acclaimed projects such as Netflix’s Godzilla Singular Point and an eagerly anticipated anime adaptation of Scott Westerfeld’s Leviathan, set to debut in 2025. Collaborating with TOHO allows Studio Orange to tap into new resources that can facilitate ambitious narratives and cutting-edge CGI technologies.

This investment reflects Studio Orange’s dedication to cultivating talent beyond Japan’s borders. With TOHO’s support, Orange is well-positioned to expand its workforce and attract top-tier talent, paving the way for innovative collaborations. Fans can look forward to more groundbreaking and high-quality storytelling from Studio Orange, as this partnership is poised to shape the future of anime production in remarkable ways.

Source: Anime News Network

Source & Images