Toei Animation Europe has announced the appointment of Akira Yamaguchi as its new Vice President, marking both a personal and professional milestone as she returns to the company where her global career began nearly two decades ago. The appointment was made by Ryuji Kochi, President of Toei Animation Europe, as part of the company’s ongoing commitment to leadership excellence and strategic establishment.
“We are delighted to welcome Akira Yamaguchi back to our leadership team during this milestone 20th anniversary of our European office,” said Kochi. “Her extensive experience and proven track record in the industry make her an invaluable asset to our company. We are confident that her vision will play a key role in driving our continued growth and success across the EMEA region.”
Having first joined Toei Animation Europe in 2005 during the Japan-based studio’s early expansion into the European market, Yamaguchi played a key role in bridging Japanese animation with Western audiences. Over the past 15 years across Europe, Canada and Japan, she has been an active player in business development within the animation and entertainment industries, with a unique ability to connect international markets.
Born in France to Japanese parents, Yamaguchi was raised in Paris, later moving to Canada, where she became a Canadian citizen. Fluent in Japanese, French and English, she brings a deep intercultural understanding and a strong passion for the content and entertainment industry, making her an invaluable asset in navigating the evolving global landscape of animation.
Her career has included pivotal roles in the international film and animation industry, including serving as the Japan Representative at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival, Toon Boom Animation, supporting the international distribution of Japanese animated films, including award-winning titles, and collaborating with studios and producers in both Japan and the West on content development and co-production strategies.
Yamaguchi has also contributed to video game industry expansions, assisting Japanese companies in their European and North American market entry. Most recently, she worked for the Canadian provincial government, where she led initiatives in foreign direct investment, focusing on creative industries and innovation sectors to build stronger ties between Japan and Western markets.
“Returning to Toei Animation Europe as Vice President is both an honor and a full-circle moment for me,” said Yamaguchi. “My time at Toei Animation Europe was the foundation of my journey in connecting Japan with Western entertainment markets. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to work across multiple sectors — from film and animation to video games and government investment — helping to facilitate growth between Japan and the West. I’m thrilled to bring this experience back to Toei Animation Europe, especially as we celebrate its 20th anniversary.”
In her new role, Yamaguchi will oversee strategic growth initiatives, international business development and regional partnerships, reinforcing Toei Animation’s position as a leader in the European animation market. Under her management, Laurent Bianchi, Director of the Sales and Business Affairs Division, and Isabelle Favre, Director of the Global Marketing and Content Division, will continue to play key roles in strengthening Toei Animation Europe’s presence and activities across the region.
With headquarters in Tokyo and sales offices in Los Angeles, Hong Kong and Paris, Toei Animation ranks amongst the world’s most prolific animation production studios. Its operations include animation development and production, as well as worldwide marketing and program licensing. Founded in 2004, Toei Animation Europe is in charge of the distribution and exploitation of Toei Animation’s series across Europe, Africa and the Middle East. Among its most famous series are Captain Harlock, Dragon Ball, Saint Seiya, Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon, Digimon and One Piece.
