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The
deal gives Toho an established North American distributor and
sales operation in GKIDS, which has become a force in animation
since its founding in 2008. As producer and distributor of
artist-driven animation, GKIDS has brought acclaimed films like
“Song of the Sea,” “The Breadwinner” and “Wolfwalkers” to North
American audiences and operated as the domestic stewards of the
Studio Ghibli catalog.
After 13 best animated feature Oscar nominations, GKIDS won the
award earlier this year for Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli’s
“The Boy and the Heron.”
Toho, meanwhile, is home to internationally recognized brands,
from Godzilla to popular anime franchises like “My Hero
Academia” and “Jujutsu Kaisen.” The company is hoping to grow
and expand outside of Japan and had already worked with GKIDS
for years, on releases like “Weathering With You” and “Spirited
Away: Live on Stage.”
Toho president and CEO Hiro Matsuoka said in a statement that
GKIDS’ unique position in the U.S. market, “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.”
GKIDS founder Eric Beckman will remain CEO, and Dave Jesteadt
will stay president. Both said that the company will continue to
operate as they have, “but now with the backing of a highly
complementary and legendary parent company.”
The financial terms were not disclosed.
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