TOTAL LICENSING
From An ambitious global licensing program to several new projects, Toei Animation is setting the stage for a memorable year
2020 Is Already A Year to Remember For Toei Animation Europe Toei Animation Europe launches into 2020 with three highly-anticipated videogame debuts, two feature film releases, and a new television series. Following a record-setting 2019 that saw Toei Animation Europe’s reigning animated properties make headlines across the globe, it’s groundbreaking licensing initiatives maintain momentum in the new year. Dragon Ball once again looks to lead the gaming market with the January 17 launch of Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot video game. Developed by BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment and CyberConnect2, Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot is a multi-platform action RPG that features the story and environments set a vast open world set across the original Dragon Ball Z series. In 2018, BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment’s Dragon Ball FighterZ was one of the year’s most popular games and won and won “Best Fighting Game of the Year” at the prestigious E3 Game Awards. Fans and industry experts alike foresee another gaming hit for Dragon Ball. Alongside electronic gaming, Toei Animation Europe continues its partnership with Winning Moves for a second version of Dragon Ball Monopoly that will become available in February. Last year’s version, one of 2019 best sellers across EMEA, focused on Dragon Ball Z, while this year will feature characters and designs from Dragon Ball Super. Toys continue to be another top area for Dragon Ball. Bandai’s Dragon Star toy range, which was 2019’s #1 overall action figure and among the top 10 within the boy’s category (Source: The NPD Group 2019), expects to be on the best-selling lists once again. It’s current catalog of 17cm and 33cm figures will expand with new characters. Beyond the existing
28
figures, Bandai is preparing an updated figurine line-up for 2020 that will feature new range of 9cm figures that will come with an immersive diorama. In addition to toys, Toei Animation Europe licensee, Panini, will release a second set of Dragon Ball Super album stickers across EMEA, featuring new designs and visuals. Toei Animation Europe is also set to renew its partnerships with retailers across EMEA to advance their unique in-store promotions that were a hit with consumers in 2019. Dragon Ball fashion was everywhere last year, as world famous retailers went on board and launched large varieties of apparel and accessories: Primark, Bershka, Pull & Bear, Desigual, and LPP. Special displays for the launch of new Dragon Ball Z collections have been set up in stores like Célio in France and Uniqlo worldwide. In Spain, El Corté Inglés will maintain its dedicated retail space in Madrid that has been in operation since Fall/Winter 2019. The