Toei CEO Fumio Yoshimura Outlines Global Expansion and Innovation Strategy
Japanese studio targets 50% international revenue share through local partnerships and new technology.
1Ambitious Global Revenue Growth
Toei Co is executing a $2 billion plan titled Toei New Wave to increase its international revenue share from 30% to 50% by 2033. CEO Fumio Yoshimura announced these upgrades during the Taiwan Creative Content Fest, emphasizing that the studio is modernizing its Tokyo and Kyoto facilities to support global production goals.
2Shifting to Local Models
Moving beyond simple content exports, Toei is adopting a local-first model by developing original stories with regional talent. This strategy aims to create more sustainable long-term revenue compared to traditional distribution. Recent collaborations include projects in Taiwan with Wowing Entertainment Group and partnerships in Thailand with M Studio for local features.
3Strategic Market Expansion
India has emerged as a primary focus for Toei due to its large population and growing middle class. The studio recently signed a distribution contract with a Disney affiliate to bring the Kamen Rider franchise to Indian audiences, building on decades of experience managing global brands like the Power Rangers series.
4Leveraging Cultural Similarities
Taiwan remains a critical market for Toei, where Japanese films captured a 26% box office share last year. Yoshimura highlighted that cultural alignment facilitates successful co-productions, such as the film Dear Stranger. The studio continues to prioritize these regional ties to ensure its intellectual property resonates deeply with diverse international demographics.
5Technological Workflow Upgrades
Toei is integrating generative AI into its daily operations to assist junior producers with budget estimations and background artwork creation. While the studio experiments with AI image generation, Yoshimura maintains that human creativity remains the core of their production philosophy, ensuring that technology serves as a tool rather than a replacement.
6Diversifying Entertainment Formats
The studio is expanding into microdrama and vertical content designed specifically for smartphone screens, such as the 30-episode series Meshimori Onna. These initiatives reflect Toei's commitment to reaching younger audiences through modern formats. By diversifying beyond traditional cinema, the company aims to capture attention in an increasingly fragmented global digital media landscape.
7Entry Into Gaming Sector
Toei is officially entering the gaming industry to further extend its intellectual property across borders. The studio plans to launch its first game, Hino, in spring 2027, followed by additional titles like Debug and Killa. These games will be distributed on major platforms including Steam, Nintendo, and Xbox to reach global users.
8Supporting International Productions
Beyond its own projects, Toei is assisting international productions filming in Japan by providing facilities and casting support. Leveraging Japan’s incentive schemes, the studio recently supported the U.S. indie thriller Iris. This service-oriented approach strengthens Toei's position as a central hub for global media collaboration within the Japanese creative ecosystem.