Toei Animation has officially introduced its new original animation label, ETERNA Animation, to global audiences with the international festival debut of its inaugural short film, FOXING: Kitsuné-tsuki. The announcement comes as the legendary Japanese animation studio celebrates its 70th anniversary in 2026, marking a new chapter focused on supporting original creators and storytelling beyond its established franchises.
The animated short is already gaining recognition on the festival circuit, securing official selections at several prestigious North American events, including the Fantasia International Film Festival, Indy Shorts International Film Festival, and the Regina International Film Festival & Awards. The early recognition highlights Toei Animation’s ambition to establish ETERNA Animation as a platform for emerging creative talent with global appeal.
FOXING: Kitsuné-tsuki begins its international festival journey
Directed by Takeru Shinozuka, FOXING: Kitsuné-tsuki marks both the filmmaker’s directorial debut and the first international release under the ETERNA Animation banner. Shinozuka previously contributed to acclaimed projects including Digimon Ghost Game as a character designer and ONE PIECE FAN LETTER as a key animator.
The animated short follows Shinano, a 26-year-old animator struggling with a fading sense of purpose. Her life changes when Koyami, a mysterious fox-masked figure created from her own drawings, begins to blur the line between imagination and reality. As the two worlds collide, Shinano is forced to confront forgotten dreams, lost ambitions, and questions surrounding her identity.
The film has been selected for the Satoshi Kon Award for Excellence in Animation competition at the Fantasia International Film Festival in Montreal. It has also earned an Official Selection at the Academy Award®-qualifying Indy Shorts International Film Festival, along with an Official Competition selection in the Animated Shorts category at the Regina International Film Festival & Awards.
ETERNA Animation reflects Toei’s long-term creative vision
According to producer Yoshihide Moriyama, FOXING: Kitsuné-tsuki embodies the creative philosophy behind ETERNA Animation.
“FOXING represents exactly the kind of original voice ETERNA Animation was created to support,”
Moriyama said in Toei Animation’s official announcement. He added,
“As Toei Animation celebrates its 70th anniversary, we are proud to introduce a new generation of creators to audiences around the world through ETERNA Animation. We are honored that Takeru Shinozuka’s directorial debut is beginning its journey on the international festival stage.”
Toei Animation explained that ETERNA Animation was established to discover, nurture, and empower the next generation of animation creators by providing creative freedom and opportunities for original storytelling. Best known for iconic franchises such as Dragon Ball, One Piece, Sailor Moon, Digimon, Slam Dunk, and Pretty Cure, the studio views the new label as a long-term investment in original works that can resonate with audiences worldwide.
