When we talk about the origins of Japanese animation, Toei Animation stands as the foundation of it all.Founded in 1956, Toei Animation (originally Toei Doga) is Japan’s oldest anime studio —a pioneer that turned anime from small experiments into a worldwide phenomenon.From Dragon Ball and One Piece to Sailor Moon and Pretty Cure,Toei has created stories that have shaped childhoods across the globe for over six decades.
From Japan’s “Disney Dream” to Global Legacy
When Toei Animation was founded, its mission was clear:to become “the Disney of Japan.”
The studio began by focusing on theatrical animation,and in 1958, it released The Tale of the White Serpent (Hakujaden),the first full-color feature-length anime film ever produced in Japan.This film marked the birth of Japanese animation as an industry.
Through the 1960s to 1980s, Toei expanded into television and created many cultural landmarks —from GeGeGe no Kitaro and Mazinger Z to Candy Candy —laying the foundation for both the shonen (boys’) and shojo (girls’) genres that define anime today.
| Year | Title | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 1958 | The Tale of the White Serpent | The first Japanese color feature-length anime film — the starting point of Japan’s animation history. |
| 1986 | Dragon Ball | A global action-adventure icon that inspired generations of creators and fans. |
| 1992 | Sailor Moon | A groundbreaking magical girl series that redefined female heroism. |
| 1999 | One Piece | Japan’s longest-running adventure anime — a tale of friendship, freedom, and dreams on the open sea. |
| 2004 | Pretty Cure (Precure) | A modern magical girl series emphasizing courage, teamwork, and empowerment. |
| 2018 | Dragon Ball Super: Broly | A high-quality film that connected classic fans with a new generation. |
Balancing Scale and Craftsmanship
Toei Animation’s strength lies in its ability to balance quantity and quality.While producing multiple long-running series simultaneously,it maintains creative consistency through strong production pipelines and dedicated teams.
Anchored by franchises like Dragon Ball, One Piece, and Pretty Cure,Toei established a sustainable model that merges entertainment and business excellence.Its proactive digitalization and early embrace of global streaming platforms like Netflix and Crunchyroll further expanded its worldwide influence.
Continues to Evolve
Despite being Japan’s oldest animation company, Toei never stops innovating.
In recent years, it has invested in young creators, new studios, and cutting-edge CG and AI technologies.The studio is also venturing into original projects and international collaborations , signaling a bold transformation from legacy brand to a studio for the next 100 years.
Why the World Loves Toei Animation
- Home to iconic anime franchises loved worldwide
- Combines long-term serial storytelling with consistent quality
- Pioneered Japan’s animation industry and influenced global culture
- Continues to evolve through digital innovation and global expansion
- Symbolizes the power of imagination — turning childhood dreams into lasting legacies
Toei Animation remains a symbol of hope, adventure, and creativity , proving that great stories never fade — they simply evolve.
FAQ
Q1: When was Toei Animation founded?
A: In 1956, under the name Toei Doga.
Q2: What are Toei Animation’s most famous works?
A: Dragon Ball, One Piece, Sailor Moon, and Pretty Cure.
Q3: Where is Toei Animation located?
A: The main studio is in Nerima, Tokyo, Japan.
Q4: Why is it called Japan’s oldest anime studio?
A: Because it has continuously produced animation since the 1950s, starting with The Tale of the White Serpent.
Q5: What series are still ongoing today?
A: One Piece and Pretty Cure continue to air with new seasons and films.
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