TV Tokyo Holdings has outlined its future anime business strategy, identifying Naruto, BLEACH, and Black Clover as key franchises that will drive the company’s global growth in the coming years.
The plans were revealed as part of the company’s first-quarter financial results for the fiscal year ending March 2027, highlighting how some of anime’s biggest series remain central to its long-term licensing and international expansion strategy.
Naruto to Lead Major 25th Anniversary Expansion
At the center of TV Tokyo’s plans is Naruto, which will celebrate the 25th anniversary of its anime adaptation in 2027. Since premiering in 2002, the franchise has grown into one of the world’s most recognizable anime series through Naruto, Naruto Shippuden, and Boruto: Naruto Next Generations, with broadcasts and streaming available in more than 145 countries and regions.
Rather than focusing solely on television broadcasts, TV Tokyo plans to further expand Naruto through a wide range of licensing initiatives. These include video games, merchandise, overseas theme park attractions, stage productions, music festivals, and even Kabuki performances.
The company also highlighted several major collaborations featuring the franchise, including Naruto Mobile, Naruto X Boruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm Connections, as well as crossover events with Fortnite, PUBG, and Knives Out. Looking ahead, TV Tokyo confirmed that a dedicated Naruto Card Game is scheduled to launch in 2027, while a Naruto-themed area recently opened at Parc Spirou Provence in France as part of its growing international presence.
BLEACH’s Final Cour Continues Global Rollout
TV Tokyo also emphasized the ongoing success of BLEACH: Thousand-Year Blood War – The Calamity (Kashin-tan), the final cour of the anime’s concluding story arc, which began airing in July 2026.
Ahead of its television premiere, the series received theatrical advance screenings across multiple countries, including Japan, the United States, Canada, France, Australia, and South Korea. The company noted that the international screenings attracted large audiences, reflecting its continued strategy of promoting major anime releases on a global scale rather than focusing solely on the domestic market.
Black Clover Returns This October
Another major title in TV Tokyo’s future lineup is Black Clover, with the long-awaited 2nd Season scheduled to premiere during the October 2026 anime season.
The broadcaster noted that the original television anime ran for 170 episodes, while the 2023 anime film received a worldwide release on Netflix. With the franchise returning to television after several years, TV Tokyo expects Black Clover to play an increasingly important role in its international anime business.
Naruto Tops TV Tokyo’s Anime Revenue Ranking
TV Tokyo also shared its first-quarter revenue ranking for anime titles, giving fans a glimpse into which franchises currently generate the most value for the company.
The ranking is as follows:
- Naruto
- Boruto
- Yu-Gi-Oh!
- Pokémon
- Black Clover
The results highlight Naruto’s continued dominance within TV Tokyo’s anime rights business, with both Naruto and its sequel Boruto occupying the top two positions. Long-running franchises such as Yu-Gi-Oh! and Pokémon also remain major contributors, while Black Clover rounds out the top five ahead of its television return later this year.
TV Tokyo Continues to Invest in Global Anime Franchises
The latest business presentation shows that TV Tokyo intends to strengthen both established and ongoing anime properties rather than relying solely on new series. By expanding licensing opportunities, launching anniversary projects, and supporting worldwide releases, the company aims to increase the value of its most recognizable intellectual properties across global markets.
With Naruto’s 25th anniversary, the final chapter of BLEACH: Thousand-Year Blood War, and the return of Black Clover, TV Tokyo is positioning three of its biggest anime franchises at the center of its future growth strategy. Bookmark Otaku Mantra for more anime news and updates!
Source: Gamebiz
