PALO ALTO, California — Toho’s planned acquisition of U.S. distribution company Gkids will give the Japanese movie studio ownership of a key player that has helped build anime’s popularity in North America through its work with the acclaimed Studio Ghibli.
Since its founding in 2008, Gkids has bought distribution rights to numerous films, starting with the European title “The Secret of Kells.” Its recent movies include “Look Back,” directed by Kiyotaka Oshiyama, which saw its North American release expanded after a strong initial showing this month.
