What Shirogumi does

Shirogumi Inc. (株式会社白組) is a privately held Japanese visual effects and animation studio founded in 1974 and headquartered in Tokyo's Sangenjaya district, with a secondary production facility in Chofu. The company operates as a full-service production house spanning 3DCG animation, 2D animation, stop-motion, VFX compositing, and hybrid live-action/CG productions, using standard industry tools (Autodesk Maya, 3ds Max, Houdini, Nuke, Blender) augmented by proprietary pipelines refined over 50 years and an integrated physical production facility at Chofu covering motion control photography, miniature sets, and physical model making.

Shirogumi generates revenue through project-based B2B creative services contracts with major Japanese and global entertainment companies. Its client roster spans film studios (Toho, Toei, Warner Bros. Japan), AAA game publishers (Capcom, Square Enix, Nintendo, Bandai Namco, Sega, FromSoftware, Konami, Koei Tecmo, The Pokémon Company), streaming platforms (Netflix, Amazon Studios), advertising agencies, animation co-producers (Shin-Ei Animation, Studio Ponoc), pachinko manufacturers (Heiwa, Universal Entertainment), and theme parks (Seibu Group). Deliverables include film VFX, full CGI animated features, game cinematics and trailers, TV anime, commercials, pachinko machine visuals, and attraction content. Pricing is negotiated per-project based on scope and complexity under multi-year contracts, with no consumer-facing pricing or direct-to-consumer channel.

The studio's competitive position is anchored by award-winning work — most notably the 96th Academy Award for Best Visual Effects on 'Godzilla -1.0' (2024), the first Oscar for a Japanese VFX studio — plus decades of Japan Academy Prizes, VFX-Japan Awards, and SIGGRAPH selections. It maintains differentiated capabilities across the full animation style spectrum (photoreal CG, cell-look anime, stop-motion, hybrid) and serves as a recurring co-development partner for globally distributed IP franchises including Godzilla, Pokémon, Final Fantasy, Monster Hunter, Sonic, Kamen Rider, and Doraemon.

Name

Shirogumi

Legal name

株式会社白組

Website

https://shirogumi.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1974

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Shirogumi is a Tokyo-based Japanese VFX and animation studio founded in 1974, providing project-based 3DCG, VFX, 2D animation, and stop-motion production services to film studios, AAA game publishers, streaming platforms, and advertisers across globally distributed franchises.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Animation and Visual Effects Services

NAICS

Motion Picture and Video Production (512110), Postproduction Services and Other Motion Picture and Video Industries (51219)

SIC

Services-Motion Picture & Video Tape Production (7812)

akta.pro primary industry

Animation Services for VFX (Creature/Character, Crowd, Simulation Support) (MPADAHAF)

akta.pro secondary industries

Simulation & FX Animation (Cloth, Hair, Particles) (MPAHACAH), CG Simulation & FX (Fluids, Fire/Smoke, Destruction, Crowds) (MPAHABAF), Animation Production (2D/3D/Stop-Motion) (MPAAAMAD), Animated Feature Film Production (MPADACAH)

Keywords

• Visual effects production
• CG animation services
• Game cinematics production
• Feature film VFX
• Commercial animation production

Headquarters

HQ city

Tokyo

HQ country

Japan

HQ region

Asia

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Project-Based VFX and Animation Services: Shirogumi generates revenue primarily through contract-based creative production services for film, television, game, and commercial projects. Clients commission specific deliverables (VFX sequences, cutscenes, full animations, commercials) under project contracts. Revenue is derived from service fees tied to project scope, complexity, and production timelines.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Shirogumi is a B2B animation and visual effects studio providing project-based production services for film, television, video games, commercials, and themed entertainment. Its deliverables include VFX sequences for live-action feature films, full CGI animated films, cutscenes and trailers for video games, television anime production, TV and web commercials, pachinko/gaming machine visuals, and attraction content. The studio produces work across a full range of techniques — 3DCG, 2D/cell-look animation, stop-motion, and hybrid live-action/CG — operating from its integrated Sangenjaya HQ and Chofu Studio in Tokyo.

Product overview

Shirogumi Inc. (株式会社白組) is a Japanese VFX and animation studio established in 1974, specializing in multi-technique visual content production including CG animation, VFX, 2D animation, and stop-motion. The company operates as a production studio offering services across four core areas: Film VFX Services (theatrical feature films with CGI and compositing), Game Cinematics (cutscenes and trailers for video games), Commercial Production (TV/web commercials), and Television Animation (TV series). Their portfolio spans major franchises including Pokémon, Monster Hunter, Final Fantasy, Sonic, Kamen Rider, Godzilla, and Ultraman. The studio has collaborated with international streaming platforms like Netflix and works with clients including Capcom, Square Enix, Bandai Namco, Nintendo, Toei, and Toho.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• NMDチーム (NMD Team): 新規コンテンツ事業部 - セルルック調の映像制作を行うチーム。アニメーション作品、ゲーム、遊技機などの映像制作から、マンガ、フィギュア開発など幅広いメディアでの企画開発も行っている。

Products and services

• Film VFX Services Visual effects production for theatrical feature films, including CGI, compositing, and digital post-production for live-action and animated films. Targeted at film studios, production committees, and streaming platforms.
• Game Cinematics Production Cutscene, trailer, and opening movie production for video games, involving real-time rendering, 3DCG animation, and cinematic storytelling. Targeted at video game publishers including Capcom, Square Enix, Nintendo, Sega, Konami, FromSoftware, Bandai Namco, and Koei Tecmo.
• Commercial (CM) Production Television and web commercial production using CG, VFX, 2D animation, and stop-motion techniques for clients across various industries. Targeted at advertising agencies and brand clients.
• Television Animation Production Full animation production for TV series, including 2D and 3DCG hybrid animation, character animation, and broadcast-quality deliverables. Targeted at anime production committees, IP holders, and broadcasters.
• 3DCG Animation Services 3DCG animation services including character animation, environmental modeling, rigging, lighting, and compositing for film, game, commercial, and streaming media. Targeted at film studios, game publishers, and brands requiring cinematic-quality animation.
• Stop-Motion Animation Production Physical stop-motion animation production using miniature models and puppetry techniques (including kamikiri/立体アニメーション paper-cut stop-motion) for commercials and films. Targeted at advertisers, filmmakers, and animation production committees.
• Streaming Platform VFX Production Visual effects production for Netflix, streaming, and digital distribution content, including films and series. Targeted at streaming platforms and digital-first content producers.
• Full CGI Animated Feature Film Production Full CGI animated feature film production including character animation, environmental modeling, rigging, lighting, rendering, and compositing through to theatrical release deliverables. Targeted at anime studios, film production companies, and IP holders.
• Attraction and Themed Entertainment Content Immersive theater and amusement attraction visual content production, including ride films, themed attraction visuals, and pre-show content for theme parks. Targeted at theme park operators, amusement facility developers, and entertainment venues.
• Pachinko/Gaming Machine Content Character design, planning, and video production for pachinko, pachislot, and arcade gaming machine products. Targeted at pachinko and gaming machine manufacturers in Japan.

Quantifiable outcome

• 96th Academy Award for Best Visual Effects for 'Godzilla -1.0' (2024)
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers29 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

21 partnerships are on record, tiered core, minor and major.

• NetflixcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 13 May 2026Netflix is a key strategic partner for Shirogumi's streaming and VFX production. Shirogumi provides VFX and visual effects production for Netflix exclusives, including the 'Human Vapor' series (premiering July 2 as an 8-episode series), '新幹線大爆破' (Netflix film), '匿名の恋人たち' (Netflix series), and '喧嘩独学' (Netflix series streaming from June 2026). Netflix provides global distribution and exclusive streaming rights in exchange for Shirogumi's VFX/animation production.
• Toei Company / 東映coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 3 April 2026Toei announced a global expansion of the Kamen Rider franchise for its 55th anniversary, with Shirogumi collaborating on animated Kamen Rider projects. Shirogumi's involvement positions the franchise for simultaneous global release alongside Japan. Toei is also developing a full CG animated Kamen Rider film with Shirogumi (as evidenced by Shirogumi's active recruitment page for Kamen Rider film staff).
• AniplexminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 3 April 2026Aniplex is listed as a collaboration partner in Toei's Kamen Rider global expansion initiative alongside Shirogumi, suggesting involvement in anime production or distribution for Kamen Rider animated projects.
• Toho / 東宝coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerToho is Shirogumi's key partner for major film productions, including VFX work on 'Godzilla -1.0' (2023) — which won the Academy Award for Best Visual Effects — 'Shin Ultraman' (2022), 'GHOSTBOOK おばけずかん' (2022), and other Toho-distributed films. Shirogumi has worked on numerous Toho theatrical releases across multiple decades.
• Shin-Ei Animation / シンエイ動画majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerShin-Ei Animation is Shirogumi's co-production partner for the 'Crayon Shin-chan' 3DCG feature film series, including 'Shin Chan: Super Duper Battle! ~Flying Sushi~' (2023). Shirogumi provides 3DCG production expertise while Shin-Ei handles traditional animation and production management.
• Capcom / カプコンcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCapcom is a long-standing major client for Shirogumi's game cinematics production. Shirogumi has produced cutscenes and promotional videos for multiple Capcom franchises including Monster Hunter (WORLD, ICEBORNE, WILDS), PRAGMATA, and others. Shirogumi is credited as the production studio for cinematics and visual content.
• Square Enix / スクウェア・エニックスcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSquare Enix is a key client for Shirogumi's game cinematics production, including direction and animation for FINAL FANTASY XVI (2023) and background/lighting work for FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH (2024).
• The Pokémon Company / ポケモンcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Pokémon Company is a major recurring client for Shirogumi. Shirogumi has produced numerous projects for Pokémon across 2022–2026 including trailers (Scarlet/Violet), promotional videos (Pokémon Champions, Pokémon Sleep), concept movies (Legends Z-A), and the short series 'Shika Pokedex'. The relationship spans game advertising, TV commercials, and streaming content.
• Nintendo / 任天堂majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNintendo is a key partner for whom Shirogumi has produced cinematic animation for major game titles including 'The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom' (2023).
• Studio Ponoc / スタジオポノックmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerStudio Ponoc (founded by former Studio Ghibli producer) engaged Shirogumi as CG production partner for the feature film 'Roof-top Rajar' (屋根裏のラジャー, 2023), a full 3DCG animated feature released by Ponoc.
• Seibu Group / 西武園ゆうえんちminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerShirogumi co-directed and produced the visual content for the 'Godzilla: The Ride — Great Monster Summit Battle' (ゴジラ・ザ・ライド 大怪獣頂上決戦) attraction at Seibu Park amusement park, which won the VFX-Japan Award 2023 Short Film Category.
• Amazon Studios / Amazon Content ServicesmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerShirogumi provided VFX production (partial) for Amazon Studios' film 'Silent Service' (沈黙の艦隊, 2023), a film adaptation of the manga series produced with Amazon Studios.
• Toei / 東映coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerShirogumi provided VFX production for Toei's 'Shin Kamen Rider' (2023) directed by Hideaki Anno, produced by Toei and Khara. Shirogumi is also developing a full CG animated Kamen Rider film with Toei.
• Bandai Namco Entertainment / バンダイナムコエンターテインメントcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBandai Namco Entertainment is a major client for Shirogumi across multiple projects including the 'Idolmaster Million Live!' anime (as planner, producer, and IP holder), BLUE PROTOCOL game cinematics (with Bandai Namco Studios/Online), and ELDEN RING NIGHTREIGN launch trailer (with co-publisher Bandai Namco Entertainment).
• Warner Bros. Japan / ワーナー・ブラザース映画majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerWarner Bros. Japan is a key film distribution partner. Shirogumi produced 3DCG animation and VFX for Warner Bros.-distributed films including 'TANG' (2022), 'Onmyoji 0' (陰陽師0, 2024), and 'はたらく細胞' (Cells at Work!, 2024).
• Heiwa /平和minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHeiwa (平和) is a pachinko machine manufacturer for whom Shirogumi provides character design, planning, and video production for the 'Sengoku Otome' (戦国乙女) pachinko series, including the Legend Battle (2022) and subsequent entries.
• Universal Entertainment / ユニバーサルエンターテインメントminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUniversal Entertainment is a gaming machine manufacturer for whom Shirogumi provides character design and video production for 'Etotama' pachinko series (Etotama 2, 神祭, 2024) and 'Ragnador' (eラグナドール, 2026).
• Konami Digital Entertainment / コナミデジタルエンタテインメントminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerKonami engaged Shirogumi for planning, direction, and video production on the 'SILENT HILL f' teaser trailer (2022).
• Sega / セガmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSega is a key client for game cinematics and promotional videos. Shirogumi produced trailers for 'Sonic Frontiers' (2022) and 'Sonic Rumble' Godzilla collaboration (2025), and directed the opening movie for 'Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds' (2025).
• Wright Flyer Studios × Key / ライトフライヤースタジオ × KeyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerWright Flyer Studios (a subsidiary of Animate) and Key (visual novel studio, subsidiary of Visual Arts) engaged Shirogumi for storyboard, layout, and body motion work on the game/visual novel adaptation 'Heaven Burns Red' (2025).
• FromSoftware / フロム・ソフトウェアmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFromSoftware engaged Shirogumi for CGI production on the 'ELDEN RING NIGHTREIGN' launch trailer (2025), co-published with Bandai Namco Entertainment.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Digital Frontier: Tokyo-based CG and VFX studio serving Japanese film, game, and advertising clients with capabilities overlapping Shirogumi's CG, VFX, and commercial production work.
• Studio Colorido: Tokyo-based animation studio producing hybrid 2D/3D features (Penguin Highway, Drifting Home, A Whisker Away). Comparable mid-sized Japanese animation studio working across film and streaming with similar style versatility.
• Polygon Pictures: Tokyo-based CG animation studio known for the Godzilla anime trilogy on Netflix, Knights of Sidonia, and Ajin. Closely matches Shirogumi's CG-feature and streaming-cinematic service offering.
• Sanzigen (Sakura Wars studio): Japanese studio specializing in 3DCG anime series (Sakura Wars franchise, BanG Dream!) and game cinematics. Comparable to Shirogumi's game-cinematics and CG-anime production work.
• Oriental Light and Magic (OLM): Japan's largest animation and VFX studio, credited on Pokémon, the recent CG Detective Pikachu films, and many VFX-driven live-action Japanese features. Most direct comparable to Shirogumi as a full-service Japanese animation and VFX vendor serving the same entertainment client base.
• Marza Animation Planet: SEGA-owned CG animation studio producing CG features (Space Pirate Captain Harlock) and game cinematics. Directly comparable as a Japanese CG-focused animation and game-cinematics services studio.

Emerging players

• MAPPA: Fast-growing Tokyo anime studio (Jujutsu Kaisen, Chainsaw Man, Attack on Titan Final Season). Competes with Shirogumi for premium anime production slots with major Japanese IP holders and streamers.
• Wit Studio: Tokyo animation studio (Spy x Family, Ranking of Kings, Attack on Titan earlier seasons). Comparable mid-sized Japanese anime production services competitor with growing streaming and international footprint.

Broad incumbents

• Industrial Light & Magic (ILM): Global VFX industry leader operating across film, streaming, and themed entertainment. Sets the international quality and pricing benchmark against which Shirogumi competes for premium VFX assignments from global clients.
• Production I.G: Established Japanese animation studio with VFX capability (Ghost in the Shell, PSYCHO-PASS, Attack on Titan). Overlaps with Shirogumi in feature animation and selected VFX work but operates a much wider IP-driven anime portfolio.

Market position

Strengths1 record

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/SHIROGUMI_INC
• YouTubevimeo.com/shirogumi

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 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 Shirogumi