KADOKAWA has launched a new initiative called "Creating creators. Creating a place to create," to fundamentally strengthen its production system for anime and live-action works. As the first step, it has been announced that a new production base of approximately 4,300 square meters, "Studio One Base," which will consolidate anime production studios, will be opened in the fall of 2026 within Sunshine City in Ikebukuro, Tokyo.
As Japanese anime continues to expand both domestically and internationally, with an increasing number of works and larger-scale projects, production sites are facing challenges such as a shortage of creators and increasingly complex work, calling for the establishment of a sustainable production system. By physically consolidating multiple anime production studios, the facility aims to centralize back-office functions, speed up information sharing and collaboration, create an environment where creators can focus on production, strengthen know-how sharing between studios, and foster young talent. ENGI, Studio KADAN, Raging Bull, Belnox Films, and Chiptune will be located in the facility, with an expected employment capacity of approximately 400 people.
KADOKAWA, Toshima Ward, Tokyo, and Sunshine City will strengthen their collaboration to develop Ikebukuro into a world-class anime city, starting with the opening of Studio One Base.
Tsuyoshi Kikuchi, Executive Officer of KADOKAWA, commented, "Our mission in the anime industry is to create an environment where creators who will be responsible for the future of the industry can work with pride. By opening this new base, we will renew the image of anime production sites, streamline studio functions to increase productivity, and improve the treatment of creators, working to make it a place of creation that people can be proud of and that will be an aspirational career. In addition, by further strengthening our regional ties with Toshima Ward and Sunshine City, we will establish global IP creation capabilities by developing Ikebukuro into a 'world-class anime city'."
Toshima Ward Mayor Miyuki Takagiwa said, "I wholeheartedly welcome the opening of ADOKAWA's new anime production studio base. As a 'holy land of manga, anime, and cosplay,' Toshima Ward has been promoting a variety of initiatives, mainly centered on events. Through our collaboration with KADOKAWA, Ikebukuro will develop as a 'creative' hub for anime, and by working together to nurture young creators and revitalize industry and the region, I am confident that we will come a long way toward realizing the three principles of the Toshima Ward Basic Plan formulated by the ward last year: 'Everyone is always the main character,' 'Everyone is connected,' and 'An enviable town where encounters and smiles bloom.'"
Sunshine City President and CEO Hidemi Waki commented, "We are extremely honored that KADOKAWA's anime production studio will be moving into Sunshine City. Sunshine City has always offered a variety of entertainment with the catchphrase 'There's something interesting going on,' but with the opening of this huge anime production center, it will gain new appeal as a base for creating anime. Working together with Toshima Ward and KADOKAWA, we hope to bring about 'something interesting' for the local community and society, so that Toshima Ward and the Ikebukuro area will be further recognized as a mecca for anime, leading to further growth and increased value."
