Japan's Biggest Production Company Toho Is Expanding Its Operations as They Come to Hollywood
Toho is the biggest movie production company in Japan, they own the Godzilla franchise, and they are looking to expand their operations in America. This is all happening as Godzilla: King of the Monsters is about to hit theaters.
According to Variety, the company has been given “injected with $14 million, through a share issue subscribed to by the parent company.” This money will be used to set up shop in Hollywood so that it can start developing more projects for American audiences.
The Los Angeles move appears related to a so-called breakthrough strategy also described within the Vision 2021 plan. This foresees an enhanced character business centered on Toho’s iconic Godzilla creation, and an accelerated international strategy. “We will work toward the full implementation of JAPAN IP (Japanese entertainment content by Toho and others) on a global scale,” it says.
There aren’t really any details of what exactly Toho is planing, but it’s said that Legendary Entertainment’s license to use the Godzilla IP will soon expire. But as long as Legendary continues to make Godzilla films they will retain the rights. Toho is an investor in these films, and I imagine they aren’t going to stop being made anytime soon.
Toho is also linked to upcoming films such as Detective Pikachu, Monster Hunters, and Bad Robot’s live-action adaptation of the anime film Your Name.