KADOKAWA to Open Massive Anime Production Hub “Studio One Base” in Ikebukuro, Tokyo in Fall 2026

KADOKAWA announced plans to open a large scale anime production hub called Studio One Base in Ikebukuro, Tokyo in fall 2026, as part of a new initiative to strengthen its animation and live action production capabilities.

The company revealed on March 5 that it has launched a new vision titled Creating Creators. Creating Studios., aimed at fundamentally enhancing its production structure in both animation and live action fields. As the first step in this initiative, multiple animation production studios will be consolidated into a new facility of approximately 1,400 tsubo (4628.09㎡) located inside Sunshine City in Ikebukuro.

KADOKAWA Launches New Production Strategy

In April 2025, KADOKAWA established a new Studio Business Division to oversee animation and film production studios across the company. Since then, the company has worked to improve working environments and strengthen recruitment and talent development systems. These efforts include consolidating back office functions, enhancing employee benefits, and conducting joint recruitment activities across studios.

The new facility Studio One Base is designed to accelerate these initiatives. By physically bringing together several animation studios, the hub will enable faster information sharing and stronger collaboration between studios. The company also aims to create an environment where creators can focus on production while strengthening knowledge sharing and developing young talent across studios.

KADOKAWA also explained that the project is intended to strengthen cooperation with local partners in order to develop Ikebukuro into a world class anime city where entertainment and creation coexist.

Growing Global Anime Market Behind the Initiative

The company cited the continued growth of Japan’s animation market as the background for the project. According to data released by the Association of Japanese Animations, the animation industry reached 3.8407 trillion yen in 2024, a 14.8 percent increase from the previous year and the highest level on record.

The Japanese government has also positioned the content industry including anime, manga, films, and games as a core national industry. It has set a goal to expand Japan’s content exports from 5.8 trillion yen in 2023 to 20 trillion yen by 2033, suggesting further growth for the anime market in the years ahead.

With the launch of Studio One Base as a starting point, Ikebukuro is expected to evolve beyond a center where people watch, enjoy, and experience entertainment, becoming a hub where anime is created, nurtured, and shared with the world.

KADOKAWA plans to further strengthen partnerships in a wide range of fields including talent discovery, creator development, and tourism promotion as part of efforts to establish Ikebukuro as a globally recognized anime city.

Comments from KADOKAWA, Toshima City, and Sunshine City

Takeshi Kikuchi, Executive Officer and Chief Studio Officer at KADOKAWA, commented:

We are very pleased to announce the opening of our new production hub Studio One Base. Our mission is to create an environment in the animation industry where the creators who will shape the future can work with pride. By opening this new hub, we aim to reorganize production sites, streamline studio functions, and improve productivity while also enhancing the treatment of creators. We will also strengthen cooperation with Toshima City and Sunshine City to develop Ikebukuro into a world class anime city and establish strong global IP creation capabilities.

Miyuki Takagiwa, Mayor of Toshima City, said:
We warmly welcome KADOKAWA’s new animation production studio. Toshima City has promoted many initiatives centered on events as a sacred place for manga, anime, and cosplay. Through our partnership with KADOKAWA, Ikebukuro will also develop as a hub where anime is created. By working together on the development of young creators and the revitalization of industry and the community, we believe this initiative will help realize the three core values of the Toshima City Basic Concept: a city where everyone plays a leading role, a community where people are connected, and a place filled with encounters and smiles.

Hidemi Waki, President and CEO of Sunshine City Corporation, commented:
We are honored that KADOKAWA’s animation production studio will be located in Sunshine City. Under our slogan Something interesting, Sunshine City has long offered a variety of entertainment experiences. The opening of this large scale anime production hub will add a new attraction as a place where anime is created. Working together with Toshima City and KADOKAWA, we hope to further strengthen Ikebukuro’s reputation as an anime destination while contributing to the continued growth and value of the area.

Overview of Studio One Base

Opening Schedule
Fall 2026 planned

Location
Office floors inside Sunshine City, Ikebukuro, Tokyo

Total Floor Area
Approximately 1,400 tsubo

Companies Located in the Facility
KADOKAWA Corporation related departments
ENGI Co., Ltd.
Studio KADAN Co., Ltd.
RagingBull Inc.
BELLNOX FILMS Co., Ltd.
chiptune, Inc.

Number of Employees
Approximately 400

Source : ORICON NEWS