Strengthening Collaborations to Transform Ikebukuro into a World-Class Anime City

Ikebukuro's Transformation into a Global Anime Hub

In a groundbreaking initiative, KADOKAWA, together with Sunshine City and Toshima Ward, is set to launch a new anime production studio named "Studio One Base" within Ikebukuro's renowned Sunshine City. This strategic alliance aims to bolster the area's standing as a world-renowned Anime City by enhancing the synergy between entertainment and creativity.

Studio One Base Overview

Planned to open in the fall of 2026, the Studio One Base will aggregate KADOKAWA's animation studios into a single expansive hub. This consolidation will not only streamline back-office functions but also expedite information sharing and collaboration among creators. The goal is to foster an environment that allows creators to focus on their artistic work while enhancing knowledge transfer across studios and strengthening young talent development.

- Opening Year: 2026 (Planned)
- Location: Sunshine City, Ikebukuro
- Total Area: Approximately 1,400 tsubo
- Companies Involved: KADOKAWA, ENGI, Studio KADAN, Raising Bull, Bernox Films, Chip Tune
- Workforce: Around 400 employees

Market Background

The Japanese anime industry continues to experience a robust growth trend. According to data from the Japan Animation Association, the anime market is projected to reach ¥3.84 trillion in 2024, marking a remarkable increase of 14.8% from the previous year. Furthermore, the Japanese government aims to elevate the content industry's export value—encompassing anime, manga, films, and games—from ¥5.8 trillion in 2023 to ¥20 trillion by 2033. This will surely contribute to the anticipated growth within the anime sector.

In line with this growth trajectory, Sunshine City, Toshima Ward, and KADOKAWA have been actively engaged in hosting events such as the Ikebukuro Halloween Cosplay Festival, in collaboration with related organizations, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for over the years. This partnership has established a continuous foundation of trust through various anime-themed events and promotions, further enriching Ikebukuro's appeal.

The inception of the Studio One Base promises to add a new dimension to Ikebukuro's creative landscape. With this new production hub, Ikebukuro will not only maintain its stature as a place for entertainment and experiences but also emerge as a vital center for creating, nurturing, and promoting anime. The stakeholders are committed to enhancing their collaborative efforts to advance initiatives in talent scouting, development, and regional tourism.

Current Strengths and Activities of the Companies

Sunshine City has become a vibrant cultural landmark, drawing over 30 million visitors each year, thanks to its ongoing events that integrate anime and various Intellectual Property (IP) content. Facilities like the event halls and observation decks host exhibitions of original animation art and immersive experiences celebrating popular franchises. The shopping area features Japan's largest collection of character shops, drawing a substantial crowd through related merchandising and promotional strategies. In fact, the projected sales for 2024 are set to climb to ¥35.9 billion, surpassing previous records from the economic boom era.

Toshima Ward has been proactive in establishing itself as the