Toei Animation and CR motion+ (Nigeria) Join Forces to Produce Animated Short “The Storyteller: The Dawn of Legend”

◆Toei Animation’s First Joint Project with an African Animation Studio

Toei Animation is partnering with Nigerian animation studio CR motion+ to co-produce an animated short, “The Storyteller: The Dawn of Legend” (working title). The film is a spin-off of “Trials of the Spear,” a popular webtoon series created by Comic Republic. This marks Toei Animation’s first-ever collaboration with an African animation studio.

◆Strategic Vision and Background

Nigeria boasts Africa’s largest population, at more than 200 million, and features a robust, rapidly maturing entertainment industry that ranks among the global leaders in annual film production. In Nigeria, animation has rapidly emerged as a stable and highly sought-after career path for creative professionals.　Given the passionate fan base for Japanese anime across the continent, this collaborative production aims to build on that momentum and cultivate a unique new category of “Anime of Nigerian Origin.” Toei Animation expects this initiative to unlock emerging markets and expand the global footprint of Japanese animation.

This partnership was established with support from the TAIDO Project—led by Arc & Beyond* (a nonprofit association established by Sony Group)—and JETRO (Japan External Trade Organization). Sony Pictures Entertainment is also exploring opportunities to support the expansion of the initiative.

＊For more information about Arc & Beyond:

“Arc & Beyond,” a Non-profit Organization Established by the Sony Group, Announces Call for Co-creation Partners to Address Social Issues – Arc&Beyond

https://arc-beyond.org/en/news/press-en/177/

◆About CR motion+

Based in Lagos, Nigeria, CR motion+ was founded in 2024 as the dedicated animation division of Comic Republic, a premier African entertainment company specializing in original IP creation and management. The studio produces both 2D and 3D CG animation, with notable credits including the animated short “Trials of the Spear”, adapted from Comic Republic’s webtoon of the same name.

◆Production Overview and Prospects

Toei Animation will oversee pre-production and production management, while CR motion+ will handle core animation production. The 20-minute short film is slated for completion in spring 2027, with plans to premiere at international film festivals to build global awareness and test market viability.

◆Production Staff

Producers: Takashi Washio (Toei Animation), Jide Martin (CR motion+)

Writer: Ichiro Takano

Production Manager: Megumi Okawa

◆Synopsis

An ancient spirit, Akarigbere, returns from centuries of slumber to present-day Lagos, Nigeria. As a storyteller who once passed down history to his people, he tries to tell the story of a hero, Dayo Dawaru—setting off a grand adventure—but in the busy megacity of Lagos, nobody listens. He is nearly hit by cars and kicked out of an open-air market. Desperate, Akarigbere continues telling Dayo’s story to anyone who will listen, remaining dutiful to his mission…

「Release information about this matter from the related companies」

・ A&B

https://arc-beyond.org/en/news/press-en/2028/

・JETRO

https://www.jetro.go.jp/en/news/releases/2026/ee52ba4f1590a5da.html

Media Contact Information

・Toei Animation

　tacr-project@toei-anim.co.jp

・CR motion+

　Eduvie Martin

　eduviemartin@thecomicrepublic.com

・TAIDO Team Arc & Beyond