What Studio Ghibli does

Studio Ghibli (株式会社スタジオジブリ) is a privately held Japanese animation film studio founded in Tokyo in 1985 by Hayao Miyazaki, Isao Takahata, and Toshio Suzuki. The studio produces hand-drawn (cel) animated feature and short films, anchored by an iconographic catalog of 28+ titles including Spirited Away (2001 Academy Award for Best Animated Feature), Princess Mononoke, My Neighbor Totoro, and The Boy and the Heron (2024 Academy Award for Best Animated Feature; Honorary Palme d'Or at Cannes 2024). Core technology remains traditional hand-drawn animation with 4K digital restoration applied to legacy titles for theatrical re-release rather than generative or AI-assisted production.

The company operates an integrated commercial ecosystem spanning five revenue streams: theatrical distribution in Japan via Toho (東宝); home-video (Blu-ray, DVD, 4K UHD) distribution via Walt Disney Japan; ticketed physical venues — Ghibli Museum Mitaka (opened 2001) and Ghibli Park (ジブリパーク, opened November 2022 in Aichi Prefecture); licensed merchandise and retail via Donguri Republic (どんぐり共和国) stores, with a first US standalone store opening June 23, 2026 in Torrance, California; and traveling exhibitions such as 'Friday Roadshow and Ghibli' and 'Zen and Ghibli' staged across Japan, Paris, Switzerland, Korea, and a forthcoming Abu Dhabi engagement (2027). International reach in North America extends through an annual Ghibli Fest via GKIDS and Fathom Events plus IMAX 4K restorations. Recent go-to-market emphasis is on monetizing the catalog (4K UHD home video and IMAX re-releases), park-exclusive short-film IP, and direct retail expansion into the US market.

Customer segments are predominantly B2C, split across general audience families (primary), anime collectors and enthusiasts, and international anime fans. Distribution is multi-channel but partnership-dependent — Nippon Television (NTV) is the core Japanese broadcast and exhibition partner, with NTV executive Yoda Kenichi assuming the Studio Ghibli presidency on June 22, 2026 following Fukuta Hiroyuki's transition, formalizing the operational bond with NTV Holdings. Revenue is not publicly disclosed. The studio has approximately 101–250 employees and is organized around wholly-owned subsidiaries operating the Ghibli Museum and Ghibli Park.

Name

Studio Ghibli

Legal name

株式会社スタジオジブリ

Website

https://ghibli.jp

Company type

Private

Founded year

1985

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Studio Ghibli is a privately held Japanese animation film studio founded in 1985 that produces hand-drawn animated feature films and shorts, operates the Ghibli Museum and Ghibli Park, and monetizes a global film catalog through theatrical distribution, home video, retail (Donguri Republic), and traveling exhibitions for families and international anime fans.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Animation Film Production

NAICS

Motion Picture and Video Production (512110), Motion Picture and Video Distribution (51212)

SIC

Services-Motion Picture & Video Tape Production (7812)

akta.pro primary industry

Animated Feature Film Production (MPADACAH)

akta.pro secondary industries

Anime Production (MPADACAF), Studio Tours & Visitor Experiences (MPADAIAL)

Keywords

• Hand-drawn animation
• Animated feature films
• Anime production studio
• Themed entertainment venues
• Character merchandise licensing

Headquarters

HQ city

Tokyo

HQ country

Japan

HQ region

Asia

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Theatrical Film Distribution: Original theatrical releases distributed primarily through Toho (東宝) in Japan, with international distribution through various partners. Major releases generate box office revenue, with legacy titles periodically re-released in IMAX and special formats.
2. Home Video Sales (Blu-ray/DVD/4K UHD): Physical media sales through Walt Disney Japan, including theatrical re-releases, classic catalog titles, and special edition releases. Revenue from sale of Blu-ray, DVD, and 4K UHD products.
3. Ghibli Park and Museum: Ticket revenue from Ghibli Park theme park (Aichi Prefecture) and the Ghibli Museum Mitaka, both operated by the studio. Also includes related merchandise sales within these venues.
4. Merchandise Licensing and Retail: Licensing of Studio Ghibli intellectual property for merchandise including toys, figures, apparel, accessories, and collectibles. Distribution through Donguri Republic stores (Japan) and international retail partners.
5. Exhibition and Event Revenue: Traveling exhibitions such as 'Friday Roadshow and Ghibli Exhibition' and 'Zen and Ghibli' generate revenue through ticket sales at museums and galleries across Japan.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Studio Ghibli is a Japanese animation film studio that produces hand-drawn animated feature films and short films directed by founders Hayao Miyazaki and others. The studio also operates the Ghibli Museum in Mitaka, Tokyo and Ghibli Park in Aichi Prefecture, and licenses its intellectual property for merchandise sold through Donguri Republic retail stores and exhibition partners worldwide. Its catalog spans 28+ feature films distributed theatrically, on home video, and through premium-format re-releases including 4K IMAX restorations.

Product overview

Studio Ghibli is a Japanese animation film studio founded in 1985 by Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata. The company's product portfolio includes theatrical feature films (long-form animations such as Spirited Away, Princess Mononoke, My Neighbor Totoro, and 25+ other titles), original short films (including Ghibli Park-exclusive content), physical media releases in 4K/Blu-ray formats, traveling exhibitions, theme park attractions (Ghibli Park), a dedicated museum (Ghibli Museum), and licensed merchandise through Donguri Republic retail stores. The studio operates distribution partnerships with Disney (for home video), NTV (for broadcast content), GKIDS (for North American theatrical releases), and Toho (for theatrical distribution in Japan). Recent activities include 4K digital restoration releases of classic titles for IMAX theatrical re-release, new film production following 2023's The Boy and the Heron, and expansion of Ghibli Park with new attractions.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Spirited Away (千と千尋の神隠し) 2001 fantasy film directed by Hayao Miyazaki about a young girl trapped in a bathhouse for spirits; Academy Award winner for Best Animated Feature, distributed theatrically and on home video worldwide.
• My Neighbor Totoro (となりのトトロ) 1988 family film following two sisters who encounter forest spirits in rural Japan; widely considered Studio Ghibli's signature title and globally distributed through theatrical and home video channels.
• Princess Mononoke (もののけ姫) 1997 epic fantasy feature directed by Hayao Miyazaki exploring the conflict between nature spirits and human industrial progress; available as theatrical re-releases and home video including a 2026 4K UHD + Blu-ray set.
• Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (風の谷のナウシカ) 1984 post-apocalyptic fantasy set in a world of toxic jungles and warring nations; part of the Studio Ghibli catalog and distributed theatrically and on home video worldwide.
• Castle in the Sky (天空の城ラピュタ) 1986 adventure film about a young boy and girl searching for a legendary floating castle; Studio Ghibli's first feature under the studio's own banner.
• Kiki's Delivery Service (魔女の宅急便) 1989 feature film directed by Hayao Miyazaki about a 13-year-old witch who sets up a delivery service in a seaside town; re-released in 4K digital remaster IMAX format in 2026.
• Grave of the Fireflies (火垂るの墓) 1988 drama directed by Isao Takahata depicting siblings struggling to survive during and after the 1945 firebombing of Kobe; widely regarded as one of the studio's most acclaimed works.
• Howl's Moving Castle (ハウルの動く城) 2004 fantasy feature directed by Hayao Miyazaki about a young woman transformed into an old woman who seeks refuge with a wizard; distributed theatrically and on home video worldwide.
• Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea (崖の上のポニョ) 2008 fantasy feature about a goldfish princess who dreams of becoming human; notable for being made entirely without CGI and distributed theatrically worldwide.
• Ghibli Park (ジブリパーク) Outdoor theme park in Aichi Prefecture featuring recreations of locations from Studio Ghibli films including Witches Valley, Dondoko Forest, and Yes! Areas with themed buildings such as Howl's Moving Castle; open to visiting public with ticketed admission and on-site merchandise sales.
• Ghibli Museum Mitaka (三鷹の森ジブリ美術館) Museum in Mitaka, Tokyo dedicated to Studio Ghibli works; features exclusive short films, rotating exhibitions, a rooftop garden with the Robot Soldier from Laputa, a cafe, and museum-exclusive merchandise.
• Donguri Republic (Donguri Kyowakoku) Official Studio Ghibli retail chain selling officially licensed merchandise including toys, figures, apparel, accessories, and collectibles; first U.S. standalone store opened June 23, 2026 in Torrance, California, featuring 400+ products.
• A Night in the Witch's Valley (魔女の谷の夜) Studio Ghibli's first original short animation created exclusively for Ghibli Park, set in the Witch's Valley area; directed by Goro Miyazaki and Akihiko Yamashita, scheduled to screen from July 8, 2026 at the Grand Warehouse Orion Theater.

Named customers1 record

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature1 record

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Manarat Al Saadiyat (Abu Dhabi)minorGTM or Marketing Partner · 4 June 2027Hosting the World of Studio Ghibli exhibition in Abu Dhabi, postponed to June-August 2027 due to scheduling changes.
• Nippon Television (日本テレビ放送網)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 22 June 2026NTV serves as a core strategic partner for Studio Ghibli, handling event co-production, exhibition organization, and content distribution through Friday Roadshow broadcasts. The relationship has been strengthened with NTV executive Yoda Kenichi becoming Studio Ghibli's new president.
• Walt Disney JapancoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorWalt Disney Japan handles physical media distribution (Blu-ray, DVD, 4K UHD) for Studio Ghibli catalog titles in Japan. Also conducts seasonal campaigns (summer/winter) offering promotional items with purchases.
• GKIDS and Fathom EventscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorGKIDS handles North American theatrical distribution while Fathom Events organizes the annual Ghibli Fest - special theatrical screenings of Ghibli films in IMAX and premium formats.
• IMAX CorporationcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorIMAX has expanded collaboration with Studio Ghibli to release more titles in new 4K restorations, with veteran animator Atsushi Okui overseeing the restoration work.
• Toho (東宝)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorToho serves as the primary theatrical distributor for Studio Ghibli films in Japan, handling release and exhibition coordination.
• KDDI (au)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerKDDI's au brand sponsors the Friday Roadshow and Ghibli Exhibition, providing AR experiences as part of the exhibition.
• au (KDDI)minorGTM or Marketing Partnerau (KDDI) serves as a special sponsor for the Friday Roadshow and Ghibli Exhibition, providing AR experiences and technology support.
• 丸眞 (Marushin)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerMarushin produces towel products and merchandise featuring Ghibli characters, holding official partner status with Ghibli Park. Created studio's first-ever TV commercial with Ghibli involvement.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights7 records

Direct peers

• Pixar Animation Studios: Pixar produces premium computer-animated feature films with auteur-driven storytelling, directly comparable to Studio Ghibli's model of producing high-quality, director-led animated features. Both studios operate within larger corporate structures (Pixar within Disney; Ghibli closely tied to NTV) and command premium box office.
• Illumination Entertainment: Illumination (Universal) produces computer-animated feature films (Despicable Me, Minions) for global family audiences. Directly comparable as a feature-animation studio competing for the same theatrical and home video dollars, though its style and IP monetization differ.
• Sanrio Company: Sanrio operates a similar integrated IP-plus-experiential-plus-retail business model: character IP (Hello Kitty), theme parks (Sanrio Puroland), and global merchandise retail. The Donguri Republic / Ghibli Park combination mirrors Sanrio's IP-to-physical-asset strategy.
• Toei Animation: Toei Animation is a major Japanese animation studio producing both feature films and long-running TV series (Dragon Ball, One Piece, Sailor Moon). Comparable as a Japanese animation peer with both feature film and serialized output, plus international distribution reach.
• Kyoto Animation: Kyoto Animation is a Japanese studio known for high-quality TV animation and feature films (Violet Evergarden, A Silent Voice, The Girl Who Leapt Through Time-era aesthetic). Comparable as a quality-focused Japanese animation studio competing for similar audiences, though smaller and primarily TV-focused.
• Production I.G: Production I.G is a Japanese animation studio producing feature films and TV series (Ghost in the Shell, Attack on Titan, Psycho-Pass). Comparable as a Japanese animation studio with feature film capability and global distribution, though more focused on TV/serialized output than Ghibli's feature-film-first model.
• Sunrise (Bandai Namco Filmworks): Sunrise, now part of Bandai Namco Filmworks, produces major Japanese animation franchises (Gundam, Code Geass) with deep IP and merchandise monetization. Comparable as a Japanese animation studio with strong IP-to-merchandise pipelines and global recognition, though primarily serialized rather than feature-film driven.

Broad incumbents

• Walt Disney Animation Studios: Disney Animation is a larger, established incumbent producing animated feature films within a much broader media portfolio (parks, streaming, merchandise). Comparable as a fellow premium animation studio, though Ghibli's niche hand-drawn focus and Japanese cultural specificity differentiate it.
• DreamWorks Animation: DreamWorks Animation produces premium animated feature films within Universal's broader media portfolio (Shrek, Kung Fu Panda, How to Train Your Dragon). Comparable as a major animation studio competing in the global family theatrical market, though broader in scope and CGI-focused.

Emerging players

• MAPPA: MAPPA is a Japanese animation studio (Jujutsu Kaisen, Attack on Titan Final Season, Chainsaw Man) that has rapidly scaled feature and TV production. Comparable as a Japanese animation peer competing for top-tier talent and global audience attention, though more digitally oriented and TV-focused.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/jp_ghibli
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/studio-ghibli

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 records

Subsidiaries2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Studio Ghibli