It started in Hibiya, with the dream that great entertainment should belong to everyone. In 1932, in Hibiya, Tokyo, TOHO’s story began with the founding of TOHO Takarazuka Theater Co., Ltd. Two years later, in 1934, the Tokyo Takarazuka Theater opened its doors, bringing to life Ichizo Kobayashi’s vision to make inspiring entertainment accessible to everyone.
At the time, theater and revue performances were largely reserved for the wealthy and privileged. Determined to change that, Kobayashi established a modern business built on the principle of “Act with vivacity, modesty, fairness, and grace,” offering first-class entertainment at prices within reach of ordinary people.
It was a bold undertaking that sought to bring light and inspiration into everyday life. From that “flame of culture,” Hibiya grew into one of Japan’s leading entertainment districts, centered on theater and film.

From the wreckage of war, a legendary monster rose. Even during wartime, TOHO continued its production and exhibition activities. After the war ended in 1945, Japan faced immense loss. TOHO set out to create stories audiences had never seen before, offering a sense of hope in difficult times.
Yet the turmoil of the postwar years brought major challenges. The company was shaken by the TOHO Labor Disputes, one of the largest labor conflicts of the era. After difficult separations from directors and leading actors, TOHO rebuilt itself and entered a new chapter.
What emerged from that period were two landmarks of cinema: Godzilla, the 1954 special-effects masterpiece, and SEVEN SAMURAI, which captivated audiences around the world.
In 1963, TOHO achieved another major success with My Fair Lady, Japan’s first Broadway musical. Through these challenges and achievements, TOHO’s identity began to take shape.

To protect the films it loved, TOHO stepped away from making them, trusting the future would prove it right. In the 1970s, the rise of television brought sweeping change to the film industry, and the future of cinema was no longer certain. TOHO responded with a difficult decision: to move beyond its past successes and reshape its business. The company separated its on-site production unit and expanded into large-scale real estate development.
At first glance, these reforms may have seemed like a step away from film. In fact, they were a long-term strategy to build a stronger foundation for protecting cinema as a culture. By developing urban spaces and maintaining its theaters, TOHO created a resilient business base for the years ahead.
That strategy soon led to new successes, including the blockbuster Submersion of Japan, a large-scale social drama. Its momentum also carried over to the stage, leading eventually to the success of the musical Les Misérables. The determination and large-scale production model established during this era became a foundation for TOHO today.

What inspired audiences on the screen flowed into society, and films became phenomena. In the early 2000s, Japan’s long-standing film distribution system began to break down. As multiplex cinemas transformed the industry, TOHO made a decisive move to secure its future.
In 2003, the company acquired Virgin Cinemas Japan Ltd., launching a fundamental reform of one of TOHO’s greatest strengths: its exhibition network.
At the same time, TOHO delivered a series of era-defining mega-hits, including works from Studio Ghibli and Bayside Shakedown 2. Film evolved beyond theatrical release into intellectual property capable of becoming a social phenomenon.
By bringing each story to audiences in its most powerful form, TOHO moved beyond the role of a film distributor and began to reveal its true strength as a comprehensive entertainment company.

A dream that began in Hibiya now reaches the world. The story continues. Today, TOHO is once again in the midst of a major transformation. The unprecedented pandemic challenged the very foundations of the entertainment industry, prompting us to reflect on our purpose and the role we play in society.
The answer we found was continued evolution.
Our stage has expanded from Japan to the world. Film, Godzilla, theater, and anime have reached audiences far beyond Japan, connecting with fans across the globe. With a greater focus on building direct relationships with audiences worldwide, TOHO has advanced its global strategy and expanded its international presence.
The vision that Ichizo Kobayashi once pursued in Hibiya, to make entertainment accessible to everyone, has grown beyond national borders. Today, that vision continues to evolve as TOHO explores new opportunities and brings its stories to audiences around the world.