Joel Kuwahara, Bento Box Entertainment’s co-founder and president of production, has stepped down from his position after 16 years, reports Variety. His last day at the Fox-owned animation studio was Friday (Sept. 12). He and the studio both decided not to renew his contract, and have parted on good terms, according to the trade report.
“As Bento Box Entertainment further integrates into Fox Entertainment Studios, the award-winning animation house enters a new chapter in its journey of creative excellence,” said Fernando Szew, president and head of Fox Entertainment Studios. “While Joel Kuwahara steps away from his role, his vision as one of the founders of Bento Box and his dedication greatly contributed to its success. We wish him well in his future pursuits.”
“Bento Box started as an idea and no way did we ever think it’d grow to become what it currently is,” Kuwhara wrote on Instagram. “We are so very lucky. Lucky for the gigs that came our way, the talented artists that filled our studios and thankful for the love and support of friends, family and the fans of our shows. I am truly humbled in this moment.”
Kuwahara, co-founded Bento Box, one of the most influential TV animation studios of the past two decades, with Scott Greenberg and Mark McJimsey in 2009. McJimsey left Bento Box in 2016 and Greenberg exited in 2003. Fox acquired Bento Box six years ago after the Disney-21st Century Fox merger.
Kuwahara executive produces Fox and Bento Box’s popular and critical hit Bob’s Burgers, which has been nominated for 16 and won two Primetime Emmys. Created by Loren Bouchard, the show will celebrate its 300th episode this month, and has been renewed for four more seasons (through Season 19).
Prior to founding Bento Box, Kuwahara worked as a producer for The Simpsons and also produced 2007’s The Simpsons Movie in 2007. He has also held leadership positions at Warner Brothers Animation, Sony Animation and Icebox.com.
Bento Box also provides animation for the Fox series Krapopolis, Universal Basic Guys, Grimsburg and The Great North, as well as Hazbin Hotel (Prime Video), Central Park (Apple TV+, Duncanville (Fox) and Hoops (Netflix). Bento Box and Kuwahara received Animation Magazine’s Studio of the Year Award at the 2024 World Animation Summit.
