On Monday, Toho announced plans to invest ¥120 billion over the next 3 years in a global expansion of many of their IPs, with ¥15 billion designated to the Godzilla franchise. This expansion is being called “Mid-Term Plan 2028” in which Toho seeks to transform itself into a worldwide entertainment company with more overseas presence and international revenue growth by 2032 (Toho’s 100th anniversary).
This pivotal phase in Toho’s greater “Long-Term Vision 2032” plan, which was announced in April 2022, comes in the wake of an expected slowdown of interest in domestic markets while demand for Japanese film and pop culture in international markets continues to grow at rapid rates. In terms of Godzilla specifically, Toho has stated, “GODZILLA will evolve from a visual content business into a broader IP-driven brand, strengthening its market presence.”
While not many details are known, Kaiju United has been provided with all the available information for what Toho has planned. Here’s what we know so far:
Merchandise: It’s safe to say that collectors have been more than happy with the abundance of figures, clothes, and other merchandise of the Godzilla franchise, and that will continue to be the case as Toho plans to expand licensing opportunities and in-house product development. Expect more collaborations too, such as the Godzilla x Fortnite event.
Events & Amusement: Toho aims to launch new amusement rides that allow a wider range of people to experience Godzilla like never before.
Retail: Under this expansion initiative, Toho has recently opened two new Godzilla stores in Shibuya and Daiba, however, it is still unclear if there are plans for international Godzilla stores at this time.
Games: People who have been begging for a Godzilla game akin to Destroy All Monsters Melee and Save The Earth may get their wishes granted as Toho has announced plans for Godzilla console games as well as more mobile games.
Godzilla Minus One Sequel + Visual Content Development: We all know that Takashi Yamazaki is going to be making the next Godzilla film, which was confirmed on Monday to be a sequel to Godzilla Minus One. Not only that, but fans can expect more visual content made for TV and online platforms.
As we reach an unprecedented new era with Godzilla seemingly everywhere in the global pop culture osmosis, KU is excited to see what comes next from Toho. Not everything listed here is a guarantee, as said by the company, but there seems to be some intriguing things on the horizon. Stay tuned for additional news and developments as Toho enters this new era in the next few years. What are you most excited to see happen? Let us know!
