Toei’s Digimon Data Squad Arrives in Germany

TOKYO, December 3: Digimon Data Squad, the fifth season of Toei Animation’s animated series Digimon, has launched on Germany’s RTL II.

The Digimon franchise already has broadcast deals in more than 40 countries throughout Europe, the Americas and Asia. Toei Animation has also announced that it is seeking to expand the show’s licensing program for the fifth installment of the series. The existing licensing program has retailed approximately $72 million in merchandising sales for Japan alone.

The series follows Marcus and Agumon as they challenge the menacing Digimon from the Digital World who break into the human world to cause trouble. For their efforts, the pair is inducted into DATS (Data Squad), a special investigation unit called in to ensure planetary safety. Being a reformed schoolyard punk, Marcus learns to channel his belligerence toward the evil Digimon, and to work as a team to help protect the human world from ruin.

“We are delighted to have forged this important association with RTL II that will ensure significant added broadcast coverage throughout the territory,” said Kanji Kazahaya, the director of the international department at Toei. “The popularity of Digimon continues to build and we are confident that the series will attract new generations of fans which is the hallmark of a successful evergreen property.”

—By Ned Berke