In celebration of its upcoming 70th anniversary in 2026, Toei Animation Co., Ltd. has officially announced the launch of a bold new original animation brand: ETERNA Animation. This initiative marks a significant step forward for the legendary studio, known globally for shaping the history of anime with decades of acclaimed work.
The announcement follows the studio’s recent achievement of having its short film Magic Candies—adapted from Heena Baek’s picture book—nominated for Best Animated Short Film at the 97th Academy Awards®. The recognition underscores Toei Animation’s continued relevance and artistic prowess on the world stage.
Through ETERNA Animation, Toei aims to establish a sustainable creative platform focused exclusively on original works. The new brand will also serve as a launchpad for emerging talent, supporting a next-generation model of animation production that champions fresh ideas, new voices, and artistic experimentation.
Guided by the motto, “We create free and unforgettable animation that stays in your heart,” ETERNA Animation is built upon five core values: Originality, Exclusivity, Artistry, Quality, and Decency. The name “ETERNA” itself—derived from the word “eternal”—reflects the brand’s commitment to creating emotionally resonant stories that remain with audiences long after the credits roll.
The brand’s inaugural project will be FOXING: Kitsuné-tsuki, a short film directed by Takeru Shinozuka in his commercial directorial debut. Scheduled for release in 2026, the film explores themes of isolation, fantasy, and self-confrontation, using poetic visuals to portray a young woman’s emotional journey toward liberation.
Shinozuka, born in 1994 and a graduate of Tokyo Zokei University, joined Toei Animation with a hands-on creative style, often overseeing storyboarding, direction, and character design himself. The film will be produced by Yoshihide Moriyama, whose credits include ELEMON, Tokyo 7th Sisters: Bokura wa Aozora ni Naru, and Ring ni Kakero. Moriyama aims to ensure that FOXING aligns with ETERNA’s vision while appealing to a global audience.
Toei Animation will officially debut FOXING: Kitsuné-tsuki at the 2025 Annecy International Animation Film Festival and Market. As part of the MIFA Talent Panel, the studio will showcase exclusive pre-production content—including concept art and character designs—in a special Work-in-Progress session. Both Shinozuka and Moriyama will be on hand to present the creative vision behind the film and to share Toei Animation’s broader ambitions for ETERNA.
With the launch of ETERNA Animation, Toei Animation signals not just a tribute to its storied past but a daring investment in the future of original animated storytelling.
