Toho Cinemas, a leading name in the Japanese exhibition industry, is significantly enhancing its partnership with Imax, the renowned provider of premium cinematic formats. This collaboration has resulted in the signing of a transformative agreement that will see the introduction of six advanced Imax theaters equipped with cutting-edge laser systems across Japan.
This expanded alliance includes the addition of two new Imax venues in the bustling Tokyo market, while also strategically targeting suburban regions such as Utsunomiya, Nisshin, Toyama, and Motosu. This move aims to make the Imax experience more accessible to audiences in less urbanized areas.
A notable aspect of this agreement is the arrangement for Toho Cinemas Hibiya, which will feature two Imax systems within the same complex. This setup marks a groundbreaking achievement, being the first of its kind outside of North America. The second Imax system at Hibiya will replace an existing premium large format theater, showcasing Toho’s commitment to elevating the cinematic experience for its patrons.
The new Tokyo locations, together with venues in Utsunomiya and Nisshin, are expected to open their doors by the end of this year. Meanwhile, the theaters in Toyama and Motosu are slated for launch in the first half of 2026. Additionally, the agreement includes plans to upgrade one previously contracted venue to the latest Imax laser specifications.
Ikeda Takayuki, the CEO of Toho Cinemas, shared insights into the company’s vision. He stated, “In Japan, we are currently producing a large number of Japanese films and animation to be seen in the Imax format. We have been looking for a long time to bring this premier visual experience to as huge an audience as possible.” His enthusiasm underscores the growing demand for high-quality cinematic experiences in the country.
The dual-Imax system arrangement at Hibiya is particularly notable, with Ikeda describing it as “almost unheard of in the world.” He emphasized Toho’s dedication to providing the finest cinema experience to movie enthusiasts throughout Japan, showcasing the company’s ambition to lead in the premium cinema space.
This latest agreement positions Toho Cinemas as Imax’s largest exhibition partner in Japan. The two companies previously collaborated on nine locations, and with the addition of the six new theaters, there are plans for seven more systems to be launched by the end of 2026. The partnership has already demonstrated commercial success; in 2024, three of the top four highest-grossing Imax venues in Japan operated under Toho Cinemas.
Rich Gelfond, the CEO of Imax, highlighted the strategic significance of this partnership, as well as the collaboration on film production with Toho Group, which he referred to as “a global entertainment powerhouse.” Gelfond noted, “We are on pace to deliver more signings for Imax systems in Japan this year than ever,” adding that securing a commitment from a strategic partner like Toho underscores their strength in this vital market.
This expansion comes at a time when Imax is experiencing remarkable growth in Japan. The company has already sealed agreements for 11 new and upgraded locations this year, nearing its previous record of 12 set in 2023. Currently, Imax operates 53 theaters in Japan, with an additional 17 on the way. Notably, Japan ranked as the third highest-grossing market globally for Imax in 2024.
Toho’s film distribution division has played a crucial role in the success of Imax’s Japanese-language releases. The company has produced or distributed 17 of the top 20 highest-grossing Japanese titles in Imax, showcasing the effectiveness of their collaboration in the local market. The anime genre, in particular, has proven to be a lucrative segment, with blockbuster titles such as “Demon Slayer” (2021), “Suzume” (2022), and “The Boy and The Heron” (2023) achieving impressive box office results both domestically and internationally.
Looking ahead, Toho and Imax are already setting their sights on upcoming releases that could become major hits. The highly anticipated sequel to “Demon Slayer” is scheduled for release in July, following a re-release of the original film in May. Recently, the North American re-release of Studio Ghibli’s classic “Princess Mononoke” by Toho’s Gkids achieved a remarkable milestone, generating the highest domestic opening ever for a local language title in Imax, with a box office total of $4.1 million.
All six of the new locations across Japan will be equipped with Imax’s advanced laser technology. This premium offering includes features such as 4K laser projection, specialized lenses crafted for optimal viewing, and proprietary systems designed to enhance brightness, resolution, contrast, and color range. The incorporation of this technology ensures that audiences will enjoy an unparalleled viewing experience, further solidifying Imax’s reputation as the leader in premium cinema formats.
As Toho Cinemas and Imax continue to expand their partnership, the future looks promising for the cinematic landscape in Japan. With a focus on delivering high-quality content and an immersive viewing experience, both companies are set to redefine how moviegoers experience film, ensuring that the magic of cinema continues to thrive in the years to come. Their commitment to innovation and audience engagement will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping the future of movie-going in Japan, making this collaboration a significant development in the entertainment industry.
