Akira Yamaguchi returns to Toei Animation Europe as vice president

Toei Animation Europe has announced the appointment of Akira Yamaguchi as its new vice president. She will be returning to the company where her global career began nearly two decades ago. The appointment was made by Toei Animation Europe president Ryuji Kochi as part of the company’s ongoing commitment to leadership excellence and strategic establishment.

Having first joined Toei Animation Europe in 2005 during its 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 an ability to connect international markets.

In her new role, Yamaguchi will oversee strategic growth initiatives, international business development, and regional partnerships, reinforcing Toei Animation’s position in the European animation market. Under her management, sales and business division director Laurent Bianchi and global marketing and content division director Isabelle Favre will continue to play key roles in strengthening Toei Animation Europe’s presence and activities across the region.

“We are delighted to welcome Yamaguchi back to our leadership team during this milestone 20th anniversary of our European office. 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,” mentioned Kochi. 

Yamaguchi said, “Returning to Toei Animation Europe as vice president is both an honour and a full-circle moment for me. 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.”

Her career includes roles in the international film and animation industry, including serving as the Japan representative at the Annecy International Animation 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. She 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.