Toei Animation, the renowned studio behind global hits like One Piece and Dragon Ball, recently released its annual securities report for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2025. The report offers a rare look into the inner workings of one of Japan’s most successful animation studios, shedding light on employee compensation, company growth, and future plans involving cutting-edge technology.
According to the report, Toei’s average annual salary reached 8,273,416 yen, which is approximately $57,000 USD. This marks a slight increase from the previous year’s average of 8,131,481 yen. The company also reported a robust net income of 23.6 billion yen (around $164 million), showcasing strong profitability in a competitive and evolving industry.
Entertainment Companies Toei Animation Outperformed in Net Income (2024)
| Company | Industry | 2024 Net Income (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Toei Animation | Anime & Media | $164 million |
| Roku | Streaming Devices | $145 million |
| Hasbro | Toys & Entertainment | $130 million |
| AMC Networks | Cable TV | $110 million |
| Snap Inc. | Social/Entertainment | $86 million |
| Spotify | Music Streaming | $70 million |
| Lionsgate | Film & TV Production | $58 million |
The workforce behind Toei’s successes remains relatively stable. As of March 31, 2025, the company employed 696 staff members directly, with a broader group of 960 people when including its subsidiaries.
The average employee is nearly 40 years old and has been with the company for over eight years. This combination of experience and long-term commitment suggests a workplace that values expertise and employee retention, critical factors in maintaining quality across long-running franchises.
Toei Animation continues to draw income from a range of business avenues. These include domestic and international anime distribution, Blu-ray and home video sales, and merchandise licensing, including for video games.
However, the report also acknowledged certain risks that come with such a global presence. Challenges such as copyright infringement, rapid shifts in technology, and the unpredictable nature of overseas markets are noted as key concerns for future operations.
What stands out most in this year’s report is Toei’s exploration of new technologies. The studio revealed that it is actively examining the use of computer graphics (CG) and artificial intelligence (AI) in various stages of anime production.
While these tools are not yet fully integrated into their current workflows, Toei expressed serious interest in using AI for tasks like storyboarding, in-between animation, coloring, and background art. This follows the studio’s investment in Preferred Networks earlier this year and the launch of the ETERNA brand, which aims to create new styles of animation beyond traditional methods.
In addition, Toei’s strategic partnership with South Korea’s CJ ENM, announced in 2021, continues to play an important role in its international strategy. Under this collaboration, projects such as the fully AI-animated Cat Biggie have been produced, indicating a growing interest in blending technology with storytelling on a global scale.
Toei Animation’s 2024 report paints a picture of a company firmly rooted in tradition but ready to adapt. With strong financials, competitive salaries, a stable workforce, and a forward-thinking approach to technology, Toei appears well-positioned to continue leading the anime industry both in Japan and around the world.
