Bento Box Entertainment Co-Founder Joel Kuwahara Steps Down

Joel Kuwahara, the co-founder and president of production at Bento Box Entertainment, is stepping down from his role at the Fox-owned animation studio. Kuwahara and Fox/Bento Box are parting ways amicably, with both parties deciding not to renew his contract. His last day at the company is today, Sept. 12.

Fernando Szew, president and head of Fox Entertainment Studios, commented on Kuwahara’s departure, stating, “As Bento Box Entertainment further integrates into Fox Entertainment Studios, the award-winning animation house enters a new chapter in its journey of creative excellence. While Joel Kuwahara steps away from his role, his vision as one of the founders of Bento Box and his dedication greatly contributed to its success. We wish him well in his future pursuits.”

Kuwahara co-founded Bento Box in 2009 alongside Scott Greenberg and Mark McJimsey. Following Kuwahara’s departure, none of the original founders remain at the company, with McJimsey leaving in 2016 and Greenberg in 2023. Fox acquired Bento Box in 2019 after the Disney-21st Century Fox merger.

Throughout his career, Kuwahara has been a prominent figure in the animation industry. He has served as an executive producer on the popular Fox series “Bob’s Burgers,” which recently received a renewal for four additional seasons, extending the show through Season 19. Prior to his time at Bento Box, Kuwahara worked as a producer for “The Simpsons” at Film Roman and produced “The Simpsons Movie” in 2007. He has also held positions at Warner Brothers Animation, Sony Animation, and Icebox.com.

In addition to “Bob’s Burgers,” Bento Box is known for providing animation for various other series, including Fox’s “Krapopolis,” “Universal Basic Guys,” “Grimsburg,” and “The Great North,” as well as the Prime Video series “Hazbin Hotel.” The studio’s portfolio also includes projects like “Central Park” for Apple TV+, “Duncanville” for Fox, and “Hoops” for Netflix.

Kuwahara’s departure marks a significant transition for Bento Box Entertainment, as the studio continues to uphold its reputation for delivering high-quality animated content. As the company moves forward under new leadership, it remains committed to maintaining its legacy of creative excellence in the ever-evolving landscape of animation.