In a significant development poised to reshape a segment of the anime world, industry titan TMS Entertainment Co., Ltd. has announced its full integration of subsidiary company, Telecom Animation Film Co., Ltd. This strategic move, revealed in a recent merger notice, signifies the dissolution of Telecom, with all its valuable animation rights and ongoing responsibilities being seamlessly transferred to TMS Entertainment.
Telecom Animation Film, established on May 19, 1975, has long been a respected name in the industry, often operating from within its parent company’s offices. Over the decades, Telecom has played a pivotal role in bringing many beloved productions to life in collaboration with TMS. Their impressive portfolio includes contributions to several iconic ‘Lupin the 3rd’ films and television seasons, as well as popular modern titles such as ‘Tower of God’, ‘The Seven Deadly Sins: Four Knights of the Apocalypse’, and ‘Blue Box’.
The decision comes as TMS’s corporate website indicated that Telecom had faced financial challenges, reporting a final loss of 346 million yen for the fiscal year ending March 2025.
TMS Entertainment itself boasts a rich history, having been formed from the merger of Tokyo Movie Shinsa and textile company Kyokuichi under the Sega umbrella. As a powerhouse in animation, TMS manages a diverse range of major anime franchises, including the ever-popular ‘Lupin the 3rd’, ‘Detective Conan’, and ‘Anpanman’. This integration is set to consolidate creative forces and streamline production under one formidable banner, promising exciting prospects for future anime projects.