The Toho Group has just released its Mid-Term Plan 2028, which includes a $105 million (approx. ¥15 billion) investment focused on expanding the Godzilla franchise. The move is part of a wider initiative to strengthen the company’s content and IP development ahead of its 100th anniversary in 2032. The three-year plan (FY2026–2028) builds on the success of Godzilla Minus One, which won the Oscar for Best Visual Effects in 2024 and performed well at the international box office. Toho aims to further develop the Godzilla brand through new productions and broader global distribution. The company plans to allocate around $490 million (approx. ¥70 billion) for planning and producing a range of projects, including films, animation, theatrical plays, and digital games. An additional $840 million (approx. ¥120 billion) is earmarked for growth-focused investments such as acquisitions and the development of new theater locations. Most recently, Toho purchased leading animation distribution company GKIDS last October; the next month, it announced director Takashi Yamazaki was returning to helm a new Godzilla live-action film. Animation remains a key driver for the company, which plans to double the number of employees at Toho Animation by 2032. Toho also plans to deliver a diverse lineup of approximately 200 titles over the three-year period; the company intends to hire around 200 new employees over the next three years to support these initiatives, reflecting an increased focus on talent development. The Mid-Term Plan 2028 is designed to deepen audience engagement globally, with a focus on creating content that connects across cultures. The studio's broader goal is to evolve into an entertainment company recognized and appreciated by fans around the world. Source: Toho Group Dan Sarto is Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Animation World Network.