Toei Animation is branching out from its Tokyo hub. With a brand-new Osaka Studio, the legendary creator of One Piece and Dragon Ball is preparing to reshape regional anime production—while tapping into Kansai’s rich pool of creative talent.
Story Synopsis
On August 26, 2025, Toei Animation confirmed the establishment of a new branch in Osaka City. Unlike a simple satellite office, the Osaka Studio is designed as a true creative base, intended to rival its Tokyo operations in scope.
The studio will begin by handling background art, gradually expanding to other production areas as it grows. This move represents a strategic effort to decentralize anime production away from Tokyo and experiment with more flexible, innovative workflows.
Publication or Announcement Details
- Announcement Date: August 26, 2025
- Location: Osaka City, Japan
- Initial Role: Focused on background animation, with long-term plans to broaden into full production work
- Purpose: Address industry labor shortages, foster fresh creative talent in Kansai, and establish a second major production hub outside Tokyo
- Leadership: Spearheaded by Kiichiro Yamada, Executive Director and Head of Production
Character / Key Figure Summaries
- Kiichiro Yamada
Yamada emphasized that the Osaka Studio is not just about expansion but about innovation and breaking stereotypes. By starting from scratch, the studio can avoid the constraints of legacy production pipelines and experiment with fresh approaches. - Osaka Studio Team
Currently forming, the team will start with background art specialists before expanding into a full creative unit. The long-term vision is to nurture collaboration with local schools and artists, creating a sustainable regional talent hub.
Did You Know?
- The anime industry remains heavily centralized in Tokyo; Toei’s Osaka Studio is a rare and deliberate decentralization move.
- Japan’s labor shortage in anime production—exacerbated by tight schedules and growing global demand—has motivated studios to rethink hiring models.
- Toei’s choice of Osaka provides access to universities and art schools in Kansai, cultivating a steady pipeline of local creators.
- Building the studio from scratch allows Toei to implement modern workflows without being tied down by outdated systems.
With the Osaka Studio’s launch, Toei Animation is taking a bold step toward decentralization and innovation—reshaping the way anime is produced in Japan.
