As the animation powerhouse approaches its 70th anniversary next year, Toei Animation has announced the establishment of ETERNA Animation. This is a new brand dedicated to original animated works. This announcement comes shortly after Toei Animation’s short film Magic Candies, based on Heena Baek’s picture book, received a nomination for Best Animated Short Film at the 97th Academy Awards. The nomination highlights the studio’s continuing global recognition for creative storytelling and visual artistry.
ETERNA Animation aims to represent Toei’s vision of cultivating a sustainable production platform focused on original animation. As part of this effort, the brand aims to spotlight emerging creative voices and develop next-generation talent in the animation industry.
The name “ETERNA” is derived from the word “eternal”, reflecting the brand’s ambition to produce animation that leaves a lasting emotional impact. Toei Animation has outlined five core principles for the brand: Originality, Exclusivity, Artistry, Quality, and Decency; which will guide its future projects and creative direction.
The brand’s first project will be FOXING: Kitsuné-tsuki, a short film currently in production with a planned release in 2026. The film marks the commercial directorial debut of Takeru Shinozuka, who also serves as storyboard artist and character designer.
The story of FOXING: Kitsuné-tsuki focuses on themes of isolation, fantasy, and self-discovery, as it portrays a young woman’s emotional transformation as she searches for freedom in a modern world. The film is being produced by Yoshihide Moriyama, whose previous credits include ELEMON, Tokyo 7th Sisters: Bokura wa Aozora ni Naru, and the Ring ni Kakero series. Moriyama is steering the production in line with ETERNA’s guiding philosophy, aiming to create a work that resonates on a global scale.
Toei Animation will present FOXING: Kitsuné-tsuki at the MIFA Talent Panel during the Annecy International Animation Film Festival and Market in 2025. The session will feature a Work-in-Progress showcase, including visual boards and character designs. Director Shinozuka and producer Moriyama will participate in the panel, offering insights into the development of the project and the broader vision behind ETERNA Animation.
