1932
Toho Co., Ltd. is Founded
Founded in Tokyo by Ichizō Kobayashi, Toho began producing films and stage performances to share Japanese entertainment globally.
FROM JAPAN
TO THE WORLD
Based in Los Angeles Toho International drives Toho’s global business strategy—managing world-class IP, forging cross-industry partnerships, and growing beloved brands beyond Japan. We connect Toho’s creative heritage with today’s entertainment landscape, uniting fans and partners through innovation, collaboration, and storytelling.
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the legacy
1953
Toho International Established
Toho Co., Ltd. opens Toho International in Los Angeles, laying the foundation for Japanese films to reach audiences across the Americas.
1954
GODZILLA premieres in Japan
Gojira, the first film in the Godzilla franchise, premieres in Japan on November 3, directed by Ishirō Honda.
1956
Godzilla makes it’s U.S. Debut
Re-edited for American audiences and released as Godzilla, King of the Monsters!, the film introduces the world’s most iconic kaiju to the West.
1957
Rodan Takes Flight in color
Toho’s first color kaiju film, Rodan (1956), premieres in the U.S. showcasing groundbreaking effects and expanding the studio’s kaiju universe.
2016
Shin Godzilla
Reimagines a Legend
Shin Godzilla premieres in the U.S., offering a bold, critically acclaimed reboot that reintroduces the iconic creature to a new generation.
2023
Godzilla Minus One
Sets Records
Godzilla Minus One becomes the highest-grossing Japanese live-action film in U.S. history and wins an Academy Award ® for Best Visual Effects.
2023
Launch of Official Godzilla Store U.S.
The re-designed Godzilla.com launches with integrated e-commerce, offering exclusive merchandise direct from Japan to global fans.
2024
Aquisition of GKIDS
Acquired North American distributor GKIDS, joining longtime partners and expanding Toho’s global animation presence.
2024
Strategic Investment in Fifth Season
Toho International acquires a 25% stake in Fifth Season, strengthening its content production and distribution footprint in the U.S.
2025
Launch of Toho
Animation U.S. Store
Toho debuts its anime-focused online store, delivering authentic collectibles and apparel to fans of Japanese pop culture worldwide.
2026
Godzilla Minus Zero announced
Godzilla Minus Zero brings back Oscar®-winning filmmaker Takashi Yamazaki—confirmed for theatrical release in November 2026.
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