Toei Animation Launches Eterna Animation Brand for Original Productions

Get ready for some exciting new animation from a legendary studio! Toei Animation, the powerhouse behind countless iconic shows, has just announced a fresh initiative called Eterna Animation. This new creative label is all about diving into original, in-house productions.

Unveiled as the studio gears up for its big 70th anniversary bash in 2026, Eterna Animation signals a bold move. Toei isn’t just resting on its laurels; they’re pushing forward, focusing on creative innovation and expanding their reach globally.

This announcement comes hot on the heels of international praise for Amedama (also known as Magic Candies), a short film based on a picture book by Heena Baek. Amedama snagged a nomination for Best Animated Short Film at the 97th Academy Awards, reinforcing Toei Animation’s reputation for incredible storytelling and artistic flair. Eterna aims to build on that momentum!

What is Eterna Animation All About?

With Eterna Animation, Toei Animation is carving out a dedicated space for consistently creating original works driven by creativity and artistic passion. The brand is built on five key values: Originality, Exclusivity, Artistry, Quality, and Decency. Their goal? To deliver animation that really connects with viewers, resonates deeply, and stays in their hearts for years to come.

Besides focusing on expressive storytelling, this new brand is also committed to nurturing emerging talent and sparking fresh creative hook-ups across different generations of artists.

The First Project: Foxing: Kitsuné-tsuki

Kicking things off under the Eterna Animation banner is a short film titled Foxing: Kitsuné-tsuki. This project is directed by Takeru Shinozuka, marking his commercial directorial debut. It’s expected to be finished in 2026 and explores themes of isolation, fantasy, and finding self-liberation in a modern setting.

Takeru Shinozuka is a graduate of Tokyo Zokei University who joined Toei Animation and quickly made a name for himself with his unique “all-in-one” production style – meaning he handles the direction, storyboarding, and character design himself! Foxing: Kitsuné-tsuki is set to showcase his poetic and visually driven approach to exploring character psychology.

The film is produced by Yoshihide Moriyama. Yoshihide Moriyama‘s impressive list of past works includes titles like Elemon, Tokyo 7th Sisters, and Ring ni Kakero. His role is key in shaping Foxing: Kitsuné-tsuki to align with Eterna’s artistic vision while also ensuring it hits the mark for an international audience.

Key Staff on Foxing: Kitsuné-tsuki

Role	Name	Notes
Director	Takeru Shinozuka	Commercial directorial debut, handles direction, storyboarding, character design
Producer	Yoshihide Moriyama	Past works include Elemon, Tokyo 7th Sisters, Ring ni Kakero

Global Debut Set for Annecy 2025

The world will get its first look at Foxing: Kitsuné-tsuki at the prestigious 2025 Annecy International Animation Film Festival and Market. It will be featured as part of the MIFA Talent Panel.

Director Takeru Shinozuka and producer Yoshihide Moriyama will be there to present early peeks at the project, including visual boards and character concepts. They’ll also chat about the creative goals driving both the film and the broader vision behind the Eterna brand.

Looking Ahead

With the launch of Eterna Animation, Toei Animation is clearly positioning itself at the forefront of creating original animation aimed at a global audience. They are dedicated to crafting stories that not only show off incredible artistic vision but also help define the studio’s legacy for many years to come.

Want to know more? Check out the official Eterna Animation platforms: