Toei Animation Presents ETERNA Animation to Boost Original Stories
Toei Animation is preparing to celebrate its 70th anniversary in 2026 with an exciting initiative: the launch of its own original animation label called ETERNA Animation. This new label will serve as a creative platform to develop its own projects, with the goal of discovering and nurturing new creative voices within the industry. It's not just about commercial products, but about works with an authorial stamp, with a more artistic and personal focus. And no, you don't need to be an animation expert to appreciate it! 🎬
A Short Film with Kitsunes, Solitude, and Lots of Atmosphere
The first project from ETERNA Animation is titled FOXING: Kitsuné-tsuki, a short film that combines fantasy and deep human emotions. Directed by Takeru Shinozuka and produced by Yoshihide Moriyama, the story centers on themes like isolation and confronting oneself within a modern society. The premiere is scheduled for 2026, but it has already begun generating buzz after its presentation at the Annecy Animation Festival, during the MIFA Talent Panel session.
Careful Visual Design and Presentation at Annecy
During the presentation, pre-production materials such as visual boards and character designs were shown, reflecting a very careful aesthetic. Although still in process, the use of tools like Blender or Maya for layout and base modeling is suggested, and possibly Adobe After Effects or Nuke for final compositions. The color palette and designs make it clear that the intention is not just to narrate, but to convey sensations, something that fits well with the visual tastes of the foro3d.com audience.
ETERNA as a Bet on Emerging Talent
Beyond the short film, what's interesting is ETERNA Animation's intention as a platform. Toei doesn't want to stick to known franchises; it wants to expand its horizons and give space to new creators, with stories that can step outside the typical. This move reminds us of how some Western studios are creating subdivisions for more experimental content. Not everything will be Dragon Ball and golden knights, it seems.
A magical fox, introspection, and a promising future. Although there's still time before seeing the final result, FOXING: Kitsuné-tsuki looks like an artistic exercise more than a blockbuster. The curious thing is that, amid so much self-exploration and Japanese symbolism, the kitsune will probably look at us from the screen wondering why so many renders fail right before the deadline. Things in 3D, you know! 🦊
With this initiative, Toei Animation is taking a significant step toward innovation and support for new talents in the animation industry. And remember, if something doesn't turn out as expected, you can always blame the tight deadlines! 😉