Japanese film powerhouse Toho Co. is ramping up its global expansion with a new Singapore subsidiary, marking its second major overseas push following its North American venture.
The company launched Toho Entertainment Asia in February, tapping Hiroshi Ueda to lead the operation as CEO. The Singapore unit aims to develop licensing and marketing businesses across Asia, with a focus on the company’s Godzilla franchise and animation portfolio.
The move follows Toho’s recent acquisition spree, including deals for U.S.-based film distributor GKIDS and stakes in Thailand’s IGLOO STUDIO and American content company FIFTH SEASON. These investments align with the company’s TOHO VISION 2032 strategy, which emphasizes international growth and animation development.
The expansion comes after Toho’s success with “Godzilla 1.0” in North America last year through its U.S. subsidiary. The company restructured its international operations in 2023, creating TOHO Global as an umbrella for its overseas ventures.
Industry analysts note that establishing local subsidiaries helps Japanese content companies better understand regional market dynamics and reduce risks associated with direct market entry.
