Past Projects

Market Development & Human Resource Development

ACA Cinema Project 2020

Sponsored by the Agency for Cultural Affairs, Government of Japan

Project Overview

With the aim of encouraging domestic film production on an international level, and to strengthen Japanese film promotions overseas, the “ACA Cinema Project” will organize several events including special screenings of Japanese film series in New York, and curational matching events in Berlin. In collaboration with local industry professionals and educational institutions, the project will also conduct a short-term workshop in New York to expand the network for Japanese filmmakers in the United States and improve domestic film production qualities.

Project Content

■Japanese Film Series at Japan Society
The Japanese Film Series at Japan Society will be showing current and classic Japanese films from 2000 to 2020, including some New York premieres. The series aim to ignite new perspectives from Japanese films and widen the range of audiences in New York. Simultaneously, symposiums with related themes will be held, creating opportunities for filmmakers from each country to mingle, and encourage more Japanese film studies in the United States.

■Script Development Workshop
A short-term Script Development Workshop will be held in New York targeting young Japanese filmmakers. The workshop aims to educate and support the activities of ambitious Japanese filmmakers who’d like to build their career overseas. *Due to concerns over the spread of COVID-19, a short-term Script Development Workshop will be held online this time.

■Measures to Strengthen the Promotion of Japanese Films in Overseas Film Festivals and Markets
A curational matching event will be held at the Berlinale European Film Market (EFM) to trigger a cycle of Japanese film screenings at overseas film festivals and cinematheques.

■Theatrical Screenings in New York
The ACA Cinema Project will reach its destination by constructing a scheme to screen current Japanese films in New York’s art house theaters, stimulating Japanese film companies to show more films overseas.

ACA Cinema Project 2021

Sponsored by the Agency for Cultural Affairs, Government of Japan

Project Overview

The ACA Cinema Project is an initiative to screen Japanese films in countries with a highly developed cinema culture in North America. By providing human resource exchanges such as organizing international and diverse workshops, etc., it creates and promotes opportunities for new creative activities as well as increasing film talent and improving the appeal and diversity of Japanese films.

Project Content

■Japanese Film Series at Japan Society
The Japanese Film Series at Japan Society will be showing current and classic Japanese films　including some New York premieres. The series aim to create opportunities to view Japanese films from new perspectives and broaden the range of audiences in New York. Simultaneously, symposiums with related themes will be held, creating opportunities for filmmakers from each country to mingle, and encouraging more Japanese film studies in the United States.
*Due to concerns over the spread of COVID-19, it will be held mainly online this time.

■Script Development Workshop
A short-term script development workshop will be held in New York targeting young Japanese filmmakers. The workshop aims to educate and support the activities of ambitious Japanese filmmakers who’d like to build their career overseas.
*Due to concerns over the spread of COVID-19, the script development workshop will be held online this time.

■Measures to Strengthen the Promotion of Japanese Films in Overseas Film Festivals and Markets
Creating catalogues for Japanese films that will be screen in overseas and doing a survey will be done to trigger a cycle of Japanese film screenings at overseas film festivals and cinematheques.
*Due to concerns over the spread of COVID-19, it will be executed only online this time.

■Theatrical Screenings in New York
The ACA Cinema Project will reach its destination by screening Japanese films in New York’s art-house theaters, stimulating Japanese film companies to show more films overseas.

ARTS for the future! (Project to Support the Enhancement of Cultural Arts Activities to Overcome the COVID‐19 Pandemic)

Sponsored by the Agency for Cultural Affairs, Government of Japan

This project will support the efforts of cultural arts organizations that have been forced to curtail their activities due to the COVID‐19 pandemic to strengthen the sustainability of their activities and encourage innovation in cultural arts activities during the “new normal” while actively holding performances after carrying out sufficient COVID countermeasures and getting a wide range of stakeholders the promotion of their activities.

JAPAN MEDIA ARTS FESTIVAL OVERSEAS PROMOTION

Sponsored by the Agency for Cultural Affairs, Government of Japan

The Agency for Cultural Affairs, Government of Japan organizes participation in various overseas media arts festivals etc. The aim is to introduce outstanding works in such fields as media art, video, the websites, videogames, animation and comics. Exhibitions, screenings, presentations and so on are arranged at overseas media arts festivals and other facilities with their focus on award-winning works from the Japan Media Arts Festival.

Works Presented Abroad

The project for participation in overseas media arts festivals commenced in 2009, and was implemented at 83 festivals and media arts-related facilities and institutions in 31 countries around the globe up through 2017. Japan Media Arts Festival overseas exhibitions were also held at 14 festivals in 14 countries throughout 2018.

Japan Media Arts Festival

The Japan Media Arts Festival is a comprehensive festival of Media Arts (Media Geijutsu in Japanese) that honors outstanding works from a diverse range of media – from animation and comics to media art and games. The festival gives awards in each of its four divisions: Art, Entertainment, Animation, and Manga. It also provides a platform for appreciation of the award-winning and other notable works. Since its inception in 1997, the festival has recognized significant works of high artistry and creativity, and in addition to a yearly Exhibition of Award-Winning Works, has held other events, such as symposiums, screenings, and showcases.

The 22nd Festival received 4,384 entries from 102 countries and regions around the world, demonstrating continuing evolution as an established annual international festival. Award-Winning Works are exhibited both within Japan and abroad through various projects and events organized by The Agency for Cultural Affairs, Government of Japan which aims to develop and promote the creation of Media Arts by focusing primarily on the new generation of artists. The festival aims to look further into the next generation.

Organizer: Japan Media Arts Festival Executive Committee

JAPAN MEDIA ARTS FESTIVAL OVERSEAS PROMOTION

Sponsored by the Agency for Cultural Affairs, Government of Japan

With the aim of showing Japan’s high level of contemporary art and entertainments, award-winning works of Media Art, Animation, Games, and Manga from the Japan Media Arts Festival are exhibited and showed at international festivals.

Official website: https://jmaf-promote.jp/global/en/

J-LOD (Japan content LOcalization and Distribution) Subsidy (2018)

Sponsored by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry

The purpose of this project is to make use of the J-LOD subsidy (approx. 3 billion yen), based on METI’s budget for FY2018, and via the following guidelines:
1) Support businesses carrying out localization and promotion when expanding content, etc., overseas,
2) Support businesses producing prototype videos, etc., as plans and development for content with the aim of overseas expansion,
3) Support businesses developing highly advanced content, etc., using digital technology,
promote the overseas expansion of Japanese content, magnify that overseas expansion within related industries through the creation of a Japan boom, and promote foreign tourism into Japan, all with the goal of creating a sustainable ecosystem for the content industry. Adhering to 1), 2), and 3), the purpose of this subsidy is to provide a portion of the required expenses, reducing the monetary burden of a project.

1) Support businesses carrying out localization and promotion when expanding content, etc., overseas.
The application period began on February 18, 2019. Businesses focusing on content or carrying out the localization and promotion of content may make effective use of this with regard to overseas expansion.

2) Support businesses producing prototype videos, etc., as plans and development for content with the aim of overseas expansion.
The application period began on March 15, 2019. Businesses creating prototype videos, etc., as plans and development for content with the aim of overseas expansion.

3) Support businesses developing highly advanced content, etc., using digital technology.

< 1 >　Subsidies for the creation of highly advanced content using digital technology that will be spread throughout the world (application period began on April 10, 2019).
To reduce the monetary burden on companies and organizations creating highly advanced content using digital technology that will be made public and spread throughout the world, we will subsidize a portion of the expenses required for them to carry out a particular project.
< 2 > -1　Support for the development and demonstration of content distribution systems using blockchain technology (application period began on April 18, 2019).
To reduce the monetary burden on companies and organizations developing content distribution systems using blockchain technology, we will subsidize a portion of the expenses required for them to carry out a particular project.
< 2 > -2　Support for the development and demonstration of systems that contribute to productivity improvements related to content creation (application period began April 23, 2019).
To reduce the monetary burden on companies and organizations developing systems that improve productivity and efficiency related to content creation using digital technology, we will subsidize a portion of the expenses required for them to carry out a particular project.

J-LOD (Japan content LOcalization and Distribution) Subsidy (2019)

Sponsored by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry

The purpose of this project is to promote the expansion of Japanese content abroad, boost the overseas expansion of related industries through the generation of interest in Japan, and attract inbound visitors, along with creating an ecosystem in which the content industry can have continuous growth.

1) Support for businesses that localize and promote content for overseas
A portion of the necessary expenses related to localizing and promoting content used entirely or partially for overseas audiences will be subsidized for companies or organizations that engage in these activities to reduce their cost burden.

2) Support fundraising initiatives and human resource development to create content for overseas
A portion of the necessary expenses related to planning and developing pilot videos to raise funds for full-scale production of content for overseas will be subsidized for companies or organizations that engage in these activities to reduce their cost burden.

3) Support for projects that develop, create or distribute highly innovative content
A portion of the necessary expenses related to developing, creating, announcing, or globally distributing highly innovative content that utilize digital technology will be subsidized for companies or organizations that engage in these activities to reduce their cost burden.

4) Support for projects that develop systems to improve the productivity of the content supply chain
A portion of the necessary expenses related to developing systems that improve the productivity of the content supply chain will be subsidized for companies or organizations that engage in these activities to reduce their cost burden.

5) Support for projects that create and promote story-based videos for digital distribution
A portion of the necessary expenses related to creating and promoting story-based videos for digital distribution will be subsidized for companies or organizations that engage in these activities to reduce their cost burden.

J-LOD (Japan content LOcalization and Distribution) Subsidy (2020)

Sponsored by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry

3) Support for projects to diversify and strengthen earnings from performances using advanced technologies
In order to reduce their cost burden associated with projects that promote Japanese content through the implementation of domestic performances of music, theater, etc., and the digital distribution of videos of these performances to overseas audiences, which are designed to diversify and strengthen earnings, the program will subsidize part of the necessary expenses for companies and organizations that take initiatives in implementing these projects.

J-LOD (Japan content LOcalization and Distribution) Subsidy (2021)

Sponsored by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry

1) Support for businesses that localize and promote content for overseas audiences
A portion of the necessary expenses related to content-driven localization and promotion when expanding overseas will be subsidized for companies or organizations that engage in these activities to reduce their cost burden.

2) Support for pitches to obtain funding from overseas
A portion of the necessary expenses related to procuring the required funds for full-scale production of content targeting overseas expansion, as well as expenses related to creating video pitches for license sales and partnership acquisition, will be subsidized for companies or organizations that engage in these activities to reduce their cost burden.

3) Support for entertainment businesses operating in the COVID-19 era
A portion of the necessary expenses will be subsidized for companies or organizations that engage in activities as follows, to reduce their cost burden.

• Expenses associated with diversifying revenue streams and enhancing customer experiences to secure new customers and business opportunities and to diversify and strengthen revenue, as well as expenses associated with transitioning to a new business model by holding events that use content from Japan
• Costs associated with canceling or postponing performances, exhibitions or amusement park and theme park events if they must be stopped due to events restrictions from a declared state of emergency or similar, as well as the costs in producing and distributing related event promotion videos for an overseas audience

4) Support for developing and demonstrating systems for the digital transformation of the content industry
A portion of the necessary expenses related to developing and demonstrating systems to streamline the process of producing and distributing content will be subsidized for companies or organizations that engage in these activities to reduce their cost burden.

5) Support for projects that create and promote story-based videos
A portion of the necessary expenses related to creating and promoting story-based videos for digital distribution will be subsidized for companies or organizations that engage in these activities to reduce their cost burden.

J-LODlive (Japan content LOcalization and Distribution live entertainment) Subsidy

Sponsored by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry

In order to reduce the cost of promoting Japanese content by organizing and digitally distributing music, theater and other performances to overseas audiences, this project provides subsidies for a portion of the necessary expenses to companies and organizations that implement such activities.

Purpose
The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a decline of opportunities to promote Japanese content abroad. In response to this situation, this project will subsidize a part of the necessary expenses incurred by companies and organizations that record and distribute Japanese music, theater, and other relevant performances (as stipulated in Articles 8 to 11 in the Basic Act for the Promotion of Culture and the Arts Act No. 148 of 2001), entirely or in part, to overseas audiences as digital content. The purpose of this project is to reduce the cost burden on the aforementioned companies and organizations, promote Japanese content abroad, boost the overseas expansion of related industries through the generation of interest in Japan, and attract inbound visitors.

J-LODlive2 (Japan content LOcalization and Distribution live entertainment) Subsidy

Sponsored by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry

This project will support performances that contribute to strengthening the revenue base in Japan with an eye to the post-Corona era, as well as the implementation of digital distribution of all or a part of the video recording of such performances to overseas markets.

Purpose
With the prolonged impact of the spread of Covid-19 in Japan and abroad, opportunities for the promotion of Japanese content overseas have been lost. In response to this, the Government of Japan aims to promote the overseas development of Japanese content, expand overseas development of related industries and attract inbound visitors to Japan through the creation of a Japan boom. It will achieve this by providing subsidies to businesses that promote Japanese content through performances that contribute to strengthening the revenue base of music, theater*, etc., with an eye to the post-Corona era in Japan, and through support for the implementation of digital distribution of all or part of the video recording of said performances to overseas markets.

*”Music” and “theater” refer to the cultural and artistic fields specified in Articles 8 to 11 of the Basic Act on Culture and the Arts (Act No. 148 of 2001).

FY2019 Japan Location Database Promotion Activities (in collaboration with the Japan Film Commission)

Sponsored by the Agency for Cultural Affairs, Government of Japan

In this database information that is accumulated and held by film commissions throughout the country is gathered in one location on the Internet and made accessible to both people in Japan and those from overseas. The purpose of which is to inform people of attractive filming locations in Japan, promote filming in Japan, and invigorate the Japanese film industry.

Business details
In order to promote the usage of the “Japan Location Database” (https://www.jldb.bunka.go.jp/en/), which was built by the Agency for Cultural Affairs to centrally manage and distribute the information retained by film commissions throughout the country, the following five activities will be implemented.
(1) Activities promoting the registration of, and dissemination of knowledge to, each film commission to enrich registration data.
• Hold hearings regarding the latest location information, filming/shooting information, and more (e.g., filming locations, determinants, difficulties regarding a particular location, advice to registrants, etc.)
• Provide explanations on information registration points from the secretariat after receiving the results of hearings.
• Collect information from each registrant.
• Provide public information on the results of previous filming sessions, introduce examples of joint promotions, etc.
(2) Improve environments and strengthen systems related to location promotion activities in each film commission.
• Hold workshops on location promotion activities with each film commission.
• Collect information and coordinate with each film commission with regard to support for accepting filming requests, improving filming environments, etc.
• Create manuals for each film commission regarding location promotion activities.
(3) Collect information on the activities of each film commission and provide that information in the database.
• In order to disseminate information regarding the activities of each film commission, related organizations, etc., collect information on said activities and provide that information in the database.
(4) Review old functions and examine new functionality to promote the usage of the database.
• Link together with the dissemination of information through official movie websites, social media pages, etc.
Information regarding a location, which is the initial information provided in the database, is accompanied by a number of conditions, and as a general rule, emphasis is placed on locations where filming is possible. However, in order to provide more detailed information, we will examine specific measures to take regarding cooperation with external sites run by third parties, proposing new functionalities and identifying issues and solutions after clearing considerations related to information provision, such as the handling of rights.
(5) Create proposals, etc., for effective ways to disseminate useful information from the database.
• In order to disseminate useful location information in the future, we will propose functional improvements, such as system requirements, from the perspective of both users and registrants.

FY2019 Project on Improvement of the Environment for Content Development (Content-Related Business Matching Project)

Sponsored by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry

In order to continue to develop the growth of Japanese content industry and advanced content technologies, we aim to revitalize international trade and create new markets for Japanese content by providing opportunities for business matching.

Busan International Film Festival “Asian Project Market (APM)” Introduction Seminar (May 2019)

This seminar was held with the aim of deepening the understanding of the APM and encouraging more Japanese film producers to apply for and participate in the APM.

Book Pitching “Shoot the Book Anim'” at MIFA, Annecy International Animation Film Festival (June 2019)

One Japanese publisher participated in a pitching session of nine selected novels and children’s books for producers who are looking for books to adapt into animation. Also joined a networking cocktail party and business meeting.

Business Matching at MIFA “Industry Territory Focus”, Annecy International Animation Film Festival (June 2019)

We held a seminar on the theme of “Music x Animation”, referring to two animation films from Japan and Italy. We introduced and explained the importance of music in animation as well as related business models.

Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival “NAFF It Project” Pitching Session Program (July 2019)

Emerging Japanese film directors and producers participated in a private pitching session for producers, sales agents, distributors and other film professionals from around the world.

International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR) Market “CineMart”/”Rotterdam Lab” Introduction Seminar (July 2019)

This seminar was held in purpose of helping Japanese film producers learn about “CineMart” and “Rotterdam Lab” programs, and to encourage more film producers to apply for and participate in these programs.

“ChinaJoy” Business Matching (August 2019)

We held a business matching event during ChinaJoy, one of the world’s largest video game trade shows. More than 200 companies from China and about 30 companies from Japan, including publishers, TV stations, animation companies, and video game companies, participated in this event.

Pitching Session “Asian Film Market 2019” (Market at Busan International Film Festival) (October 2019)

The directors and producers of five Japanese film projects participated in private pitching sessions to film industry professionals at the VIPO booth.

“Project Market @ Beijing” Business Matching for screenwriters (November 2019)

We conducted business matching between Chinese visual entertainment companies and Japanese screenwriters. 10 companies from China and 10 distinguished screenwriters from Japan participated in the event.

“Rotterdam Lab” Pitching Session (January 2020)

Following the year 2019, VIPO dispatched three Japanese film producers to “Rotterdam Lab” this year. 69 producers from around the world attended the event. In addition to lectures and sessions, they participated in private pitching sessions for film professionals who attended “CineMart”.

Japan Booth at Kidscreen Summit 2020 (February 2020)

VIPO organized Japan booth for the second time at Kidcreen Summit. Nine Japanese companies had business meetings to promote their content to overseas markets.

Asia Content Business Summit (ACBS) (September 2019)

Asia Content Business Summit (ACBS) was held with the aim of developing the content industry in Asia. Experts from each country made presentations on the four themes; policy, human resource development, business models, and Asian cooperation.

The 12th Trilateral Cultural Content Industry Forum (November, 2019)

The annual Trilateral Cultural Content Industry Forum was held to create business opportunities for the content industry in Japan, China and Korea. As an industrial cooperative organization, VIPO was selected from Japan, and 12 companies from 3 countries participated in the business matching.

CoFesta (JAPAN International Contents Festival 2019)

CoFesta is a project connects a wide variety of Japanese content-related events both in and out of Japan, in order to effectively promote Japanese content to overseas. The purpose of this project is to build a network among the organizers of those events to help them cooperate in expanding the market for Japanese content.

FY2020 Project on Improvement of the Environment for Content Development (Content-Related Business Matching Project)

Sponsored by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry

In order to continue to develop the growth of the Japanese content industry and advanced content technologies, we aim to stimulate international trade and create new markets for Japanese content by providing opportunities for business matching.

Pitch Relay at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival MIFA

We held an online pitching session entitled “Pitch Relay ‘Japanese Animation Makes Your World Brighter’” with six Japanese companies at MIFA, market of the Annecy International Animation Film Festival, the world’s largest animation film festival, which was held online for the first time due to the impact of Covid-19.

Asian Animation Summit (AAS) Project Pitch Introductory Seminar

Welcoming the Chair of AAS as a speaker, we introduced the biggest animation pitch event in Asia to Japanese companies. Fifty people, mainly producers who are actively expanding their business abroad, participated. In the Q&A session, participants asked questions about details about the event, such as how mentoring happened and how the projects were selected.

Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival Project Pitching “NAFF It Project” and “NAFF Fantastic Film School”

In NAFF It Project, the project market for the Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival, we supported the participation of emerging Japanese film directors and producers. In NAFF Fantastic Film School, a producer training program held within the film festival, we supported the participation of two emerging Japanese producers.

Berlin International Film Festival’s European Film Market / Berlinale Co-Production Market Introductory Seminar

We welcomed representatives from the Berlinale Co-Production Market, which is held alongside the European Film Market (EFM) , to give an overview of each market, past case studies and remarks, and what the markets were looking for. 37 people attended the seminar.

Shanghai International Film & TV Festival Business Matching

We conducted business matching at the largest film and TV event in China. From Japan, 25 companies, mainly regional broadcasters, participated and had business meetings with about 240 Chinese companies.

ChinaJoy (Game & Animation—International Online Exhibition)

At ChinaJoy, China’s largest game expo, we worked with the China Audio-video and Digital Publishing Association Game Publishing Committee to conduct business matching on a closed website. 46 Japanese game and animation companies participated, and 31 Chinese game production companies, developers, and others participated. As many as 168 business meetings were held.

Japanese website

Chinese website

Russia Content Business Seminar [Introduction/Animation]

We held a seminar to learn about the Russian content industry and the Russian market. Attendees learned about the latest market status, advantages of Japanese content, and tips on entering the market. The seminar was attended by 163 people.

Rotterdam Lab Participation Report Session and Introductory Seminar

Aiming to have more Japanese film producers deepen their understanding of Rotterdam Lab, which is held within the International Film Festival Rotterdam, we held a report session and seminar to share information from three Japanese producers who participated in Rotterdam Lab 2020 last year.

Exhibition Booth and Pitches at Busan International Film Festival’s Asian Project Market (APM) and E-IP Market

Five live-action film projects participated in the Asian Project Market of the Asian Contents & Film Market, part of the Busan International Film Festival, and held a total of 13 pitches (individual meetings). At the E-IP Market, where we had booth for the first time, eight companies participated and had 52 business meetings for published material (books, e-books, screenplays) aiming for adaptation into films.

“VIPO Japanese Movie & Animation Pitching (JMAP)” at TIFFCOM

We streamed pitches in English by ten live-action and animation producers from Japan aiming for international co-production. Each pitch had comments and feedback from international film project market directors or buyers from major international animation studios. The streamed pitch session was viewed by 124 people. We provided English pitch training program (5 sessions) to the 10 participants in advance.

Asian Animation Summit (AAS) Pitch

Animation companies from Japan joined Asia’s biggest animation pitching event for the first time. 4 producers actively seeking co-production and investment partners participated in a week-long intensive mentoring session, after which they gave their pitches at Asian Animation Summit (9th edition).

“Everything You Need to Know About the North American TV Industry” Seminar

In order to promote adapting and remaking Japanese IPs into North American TV series and to deepen understanding about the North American TV industry, we held a seminar giving an overview of the American TV industry explaining the needs for Japanese IPs in North America, and other information about the market. The seminar was attended by 115 people.

MIPCHINA Seminar

We streamed a seminar to explain the market scale and give an overview of Japanese contents. And we also introduced case studies of Japanese contents entering the Chinese market for those in the Chinese contents industry.

Guild of Music Supervisors (GMS) Panel “How the Sync-business Works in Hollywood and Opportunities for the Japanese Music Market”

Welcoming speakers from the Guild of Music Supervisors of the United States, we held a seminar explaining how to effectively promote music into films, the latest information on music sync placement for films in the expanding field of subscription media, and other information on sync business in the US. 125 people had attended the seminar.

Ties That Bind (TTB) Introductory Seminar

We held a seminar aiming to deepen understanding about the live-action film producer training program Ties That Bind (TTB) with the aim of having as many Japanese film producers as possible apply and attend the program.

Support for Emerging Film Producers’ Participation in Rotterdam Lab 2021

We supported the participation of three emerging film producers from Japan in Rotterdam Lab, a producer training program held within the International Film Festival Rotterdam. In addition to participation in various lectures and sessions on international co-production, individual meetings were held with film industry professionals from around the world.

Russian Content Market Business Matching

We held online meetings between six Russian VOD platforms, cable TV companies, distributors, etc. and 17 Japanese content companies with a focus on anime. By carefully examining the characteristics of the participating companies from both the Russian and Japanese sides and sharing the information about the companies prior to the meetings in order to increase the matching success, closed as an efficient business matching.

Japan Pavilion at Kidscreen Summit Virtual 2021

We held the Japan Pavilion at Kidscreen Summit Virtual, the biggest kids’ entertainment market in North America. This year, we attended for the third time, and for the first time the market was decided to be held online. We provided business opportunities for 13 Japanese companies with content targeted toward children and teens to expand their projects into overseas markets.

Berlinale Co-Production Market Visitors Programme

We supported the participation of five Japanese producers in the Berlinale Co-Production Market Visitors Programme, held at the 18th European Film Market. The entire program was held online and the participants were able to increase their knowledge on international co-production through panel discussions by country and through speed matching.

Online Panel “What to Begin with for Your Music to be Synced to Films Overseas”

Welcoming composer agent in Hollywood and music producer Mr. Koyo Sonae as a speaker, we held a seminar in which Mr. Sonae gave advice to Japanese music producers or agents, based on his experience as a Japanese agent promoting music for North American content. 149 people attended the seminar.

13th Trilateral Cultural Content Industry Forum *Held alongside TIFFCOM2020

The Trilateral Cultural Content Industry Forum is an international conference that aims to create business opportunities in the content industries of Japan, China, and South Korea. In the intergovernmental conference, the impact of COVID-19 on the content industry and the role of the content industry post-COVID-19 were discussed. Additionally, in the panel discussion seminar, experts from each country gave lectures and discussions on international co-production online and popular contents.

Asia Content Business Summit (ACBS)

The Asia Content Business Summit (ACBS) is an international conference where government officials and content industry experts in Asia gather, to promote the circulation of content. The Asia Content Business Short Film Project, Project 19, introduced the efforts of various Asian countries against COVID-19 to the world in the form of short films and documentaries. Additionally, a panel discussion was held at the Hong Kong International Film and TV Market (FILMART) on the topic of the digitalization of Asia’s content industry.

CoFesta (JAPAN International Contents Festival 2020)

CoFesta is a project connecting a wide variety of Japanese content-related events both in and out of Japan, in order to effectively promote Japanese content to overseas. The purpose of this project is to build a network among the organizers of those events, consider the future of open innovation through content, and to transmit information within Japan and overseas to help them cooperate in expanding the market for Japanese content. Most of the events this year were held online for the first time due to COVID-19. There were 36 certified events (of which eight were canceled or postponed).

FY2021 Project on Improvement of the Environment for Content Development (Content-Related Business Matching Project)

Sponsored by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry

Talk Session on International Co-Productions: From Planning to Completion

Having worked on two international feature film co-productions, Along the Sea and Passage of Life, the producer Kazutaka Watanabe and director Akio Fujimoto, who completed the films while in their 30s, hosted a talk session for emerging producers aiming to create international co-productions, on planning to completion of films. The talk session consisted of their experiences in participating in the BCPM (Berlinale Co-Production Market) with their co-producers from Vietnam and the J-LOD subsidy (“J-LOD #2 financial support to create content for overseas markets and training human resources” used to fund these international co-productions).

Annecy International Animation Film Festival, the Japan Pavilion at MIFA 2021

The Japan Pavilion was exhibited online at MIFA 2021, an official market of Annecy International Animation Film Festival. The last time we exhibited the METI business matching booth onsite was 2018, and this year we gave seven Japanese animation firms the opportunity to have business meetings to promote their contents to overseas.

G.H.Y Culture & Media Business Matching for Scriptwriters

There was a business matching event between Japanese scriptwriters who want their original projects to be made into films overseas and G.H.Y Culture & Media, an audiovisual production company based in China and Singapore. Five scriptwriters from Japan participated in this matching event.

Acceleration-JAPAN (A-JAPAN) Business Matching

A-JAPAN was an online business matching event to facilitate the sales of Japanese IPs to be made into television series or remade overseas, with the people in the American film industry, particularly Hollywood. Six Japanese projects were presented at this event.

Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival “NAFF It Project” and “NAFF Fantastic Film School”

Two films, The Water Sprite and Quantum Suicide, were presented at the NAFF It Project. They had 56 meetings, with film industry people invited from all over the world participating online. The Water Sprite won the Mocha Chai Award from the post-production support department. Producer Amy Aoyama participated in the NAFF Fantastic Film School.

Game Ark IP Business Matching

A business matching session was held between Japanese IP holders and GameArk, a Chinese company known for producing and distributing the smartphone game BLEACH Soul Rising, which is based on the popular anime BLEACH. Three Japanese companies selected (with 12 IPs in total) participated.

ChinaJoy Business Matching

The Japan Pavilion was exhibited at the ChinaJoy (China Digital Entertainment Expo & Conference 2021) Business Day in Shanghai, China. Staff at the venue introduced Japanese animation, video games and other IPs, helped with meetings, and introduced buyers. Although it was not possible to visit the venue from Japan, 14 companies with animation, games, and manga IPs had booths there, with over 1,000 visited the Japan Pavilion.

Perfect World Pictures Scriptwriters Business Matching

Aiming to create movies in China out of original projects from Japanese scriptwriters, a business matching event was held between Perfect World Pictures’ drama department, a large Chinese movie production company, and Japanese scriptwriters. Four scriptwriters from Japan participated in the event.

Asian Contents & Film market (ACFM) 2021 at the Busan International Film Festival Online

As part of the official market of the Busan International Film Festival, the Asian Contents & Film Market (ACFM) 2021, held along with the Asian Project Market (APM), we presented the new Japanesefilm projects by exhibiting VIPO booth online. Five film projects were pitched by their directors and producers to film distribution companies.

E-IP Market 2021 at the Busan International Film Festival Online

Seven companies participated in the official market of the Busan International Film Festival, E-IP Market 2021, to promote published materials such as books, e-books and scripts, to make them into films and other audiovisual media. Like the previous year, VIPO partnered with ACFM (Asian Contents & Film Market) and requested their support for our Japanese delegation. The seven companies carried out 83 business meetings in four days.

Korean Film Production IP Business Matching

This business matching event was for Japanese creators of novels, comics and other stories, with the aim of selling their stories to be made into films or TV series for the Korean audience. Three prospective Korean audiovisual production companies and 11 publishers and TV stations from Japan participated in the business matching event.

JMAP (Japanese Movie & Animation Pitching) Pitch Training & TIFFCOM Online Pitching

Live action and animation producers and directors aiming for international co-productions participated in an online pitching session at TIFFCOM, after participating in five lectures of pitch training prior to the event. There were four people with live-action films and another four with animation projects. Each pitch was given feedback by overseas professionals.

TIMM Collaboration GMS (Guild of Music Supervisors) Seminar vol.2 “Updates in the Music Sync Business of Film/TV/Games and Emerging Media, and How Best to Pitch Your Music”

Four experts in the music sync business shared their experiences in music supervising as part of the second panel from the USA’s GMS on the music sync business whose 1st panel was held in 2020.

International Film Festival Rotterdam, Producer Lab Rotterdam Lab 2022

Two producers recommended by VIPO were assigned to “Rotterdam Lab 2022”, the producer training program held in one of the most noteworthy film festivals in the world, “International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR) 2022”.

The Berlin International Film Festival and Market “Berlinale Co-Production Market Visitors Programme”

Five producers and directors from Japan participated in the Visitors Programme, a trial program of the Berlinale Co-Production Market, which is a platform where international producers, sales agents, and distributors gather for project pitch and networking with other potential international partners. It is a place where people can directly experience and learn about current market participation, negotiations, procuring funds and the latest trends in international co-productions.

Participation Support at Books at Berlinale

To encourage more participation of Japanese publishers in Books at Berlinale, a Book to Film market of the Berlin International Film Festival, we held three events. 1. Opportunity where they can listen to the sales pitches from other country’s publishers and publishing agents. 2. One-on-one online meetings with movie production companies overseas. 3. Orientation by Books at Berlinale’s representative, Henning Adam for Japanese publishers.

Asian Animation Summit (AAS)

Two Japanese companies participated in the 10th Asian Animation Summit (AAS), a business pitch event taking place in the Asia-Pacific region that is hosted by the organizer of Kidscreen Summit, North America’s largest kids’ entertainment market. The participants underwent a total of six online consulting sessions to prepare for pitching to four VIP buyers.

Japan Pavilion at Kidscreen Summit Virtual 2022

The Japan Pavilion was exhibited at Kidscreen Summit Virtual, North America’s largest kids’ entertainment market. This year was our fourth time participating in the market, and the pavilion provided a place for business meetings to promote Japanese kids’ entertainment contents to markets overseas. Nine Japanese companies had participated.

The 14th Trilateral Cultural Content Industry Forum

This forum is an international conference for the purpose of creating business opportunities between industries of Japan, China and South Korea, as well as the continual exchange of information regarding trends and content industry policies of the 3 countries. The participants were experts in the industry, technical organizations, governmental organizations and governmental organizations that oversee contents from each country, with China hosting this year’s forum. The first part was the governmental meetings, while the second part was a networking event among cultural digital corporations from China, Japan and South Korea. The networking event consisted of four parts: online streaming, immersion experiences, digital music and the anime industry. Companies participated had exchanged fruitful opinions about their industry.

ACBS (Asia Content Business Summit) Bangkok ASEAN Film Festival

Presentations and panel discussions were carried out alongside the Bangkok ASEAN Film Festival, which was held onsite in host country Thailand. The first part was the Country Report (Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong/China, Indonesia, South Korea). The second part was a panel discussion themed as “Going Virtual”. Each country brought their own speaker for the panel discussion, with one hundred people participating both online and in person.

ACBS (Asia Content Business Summit) at Hong Kong Filmart

An ACBS event was held at the Hong Kong Filmart online with the theme, “A New Era of Asia Co-production.” The first part was welcome remarks. The second part introduced “Co-Production Policy and Case Introduction,” where speakers from Japan, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia and Hong Kong talked about specific examples of international co-production. Speakers from Japan included the producer of Along the Sea, Kazutaka Watanabe and the deputy secretary general of VIPO, Toshifumi Makita, introduced Japan’s subsidy system and other topics to the other participants.

CoFesta (Japan International Contents Festival 2021)

The goal of this project is to efficiently share information overseas by connecting with a great, diverse set of Japanese content-related events both internationally and domestically. This project involves building a network of events related to Japanese contents, exploring open innovation practices that focus on contents, and sharing information within Japan and overseas. The goal is expanding the market for Japanese contents around the world. Due to COVID-19, many of the events have been hosted online as last year. Authorized events: 36 (seven have been cancelled this year)

FY2020 Projects to Promote Overseas Development of Contents (Projects to build public-private partnerships for overseas development of contents)

Sponsored by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry

The purpose is to promote the international development of Japan’s contents industry and facilitate the promotion of the content industry in Asia as a whole through the operation of international conferences (see below) and other events aimed at promoting content from Asian countries and regions, further expanding Japan’s content industry.

13th Trilateral Cultural Content Industry Forum
The purpose of this international conference is to continuously exchange information on content industry policies and trends in Japan, China, and Korea, as well as create business opportunities among the industries of these three countries.
Participants: governments, government agencies, academic institutions and industry stakeholders from the three countries.

Asia Content Business Summit （ACBS）
The summit aims to bring together public and private sectors in Asia’s content industry to discuss international issues such as the promotion of content distribution in the Asian market, anti-piracy, human resource exchange, and international co-production projects. The summit also aims to encourage international collaboration.
Member countries/regions: Japan, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, South Korea, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand.

FY2020 Surveys and Research to Promote the Use of the Japan Location Database (In Collaboration With the JFC)

Sponsored by the Agency for Cultural Affairs, Government of Japan

1. Project Outline
This project will improve the location information held within the Japan Location Database, a system that enables centralized searching of the location information held by film commissions throughout Japan, and consolidate a wide range of information necessary for filmmaking so that the system can respond to a broader range of requests. By doing so, we aim to make the site attractive not only to filmmakers but also to fans in general.
In addition, in 2020, the system will be updated and the new system will be launched by the end of the fiscal year. By doing so, we will improve the database, including its operational aspects, and at the same time, we will conduct research in order to make the database more attractive and easier to use. This will lead to the improvement of the filmmaking environment in Japan and the strengthening of the film commission system.

2. Project Details
In order to promote the use of the Japan Location Database (JL-DB) (https://www.jldb.bunka.go.jp/), which was established by the Agency for Cultural Affairs for the purpose of centrally managing and providing information held by film commissions throughout Japan, we will carry out the following (1) to (4) below.

Main Business Activities

(1) Research to improve the JL-DB system and other work related to system construction
・Review old JL-DB functions, and research new functions in order to improve the system.
・Carry out work related to the construction of the new JL-DB system, with the new system to be put into operation within the fiscal year.

(2) Work related to surveys and other research to improve the data registered in the JL-DB
・Research and collect information on film commissions to promote the use of the JL-DB.
・Collect the latest information on the licensing procedures from government agencies related to location shooting and research ways to share this information.

(3) Research and verification in order to strengthen the film commission (FC) system to improve the filming environment
・Conduct training to strengthen the FC system.
・Promote the strengthening of inter-regional cooperation within the FC system.
・Conduct surveys on the current status of the FC system.

(4) Recommendations for strengthening the functionality of the JL-DB
・Report to the Agency for Cultural Affairs on the research stated above in (1) through (3) as needed.
・Present a proposal for strengthening the functionality of the JL-DB based on this research, after this has been discussed, conduct a test scheme and report the results to the Agency for Cultural Affairs.

For more information, please visit the JL-DB official website
https://www.jldb.bunka.go.jp/

FY2021 Project to Promote Overseas Expansion of Contents (Survey on Evidence of Effective Human Resource Development in Video Production Fields)

Sponsored by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry

In this survey, we investigate effective methods of training production staff by implementing Practical Training, an on-the-job training program in which young staff can acquire practical knowledge and techniques in the Japanese film and videography fields.

FY2021 Surveys and Research to Promote the Use of the Japan Location Database (In Collaboration With the JFC)

Sponsored by the Agency for Cultural Affairs, Government of Japan

1. Project Outline
This project uses the Japan Location Database (JL-DB) to consolidate and improves the searchability of location information accumulated and maintained by film commissions (FC) in regions throughout Japan. By doing so, we aim to promote filmmaking within Japan and encourage creative endeavors in Japanese cinema, as well as showcase attractive locations across the country.

2. Project Details
Following system upgrades we made in the previous fiscal year, including user interface changes and improvements to information published in the database, in the 2021 fiscal year we will primarily focus on developing and implementing functions for registered users (FCs across different regions).

Concurrently, along with examining and improving information published in the JL-DB about Japan’s filming locations and permits, we also aim to improve the domestic filmmaking environment. We will carry out training to strengthen the FC system, promote enhanced inter-regional cooperation and investigate the current state of FCs. In our research to make the database unique, engaging and easier to use, we will conduct the following activities (1) to (4).

Main Business Activities

(1) Research for and implementation of additional functions to the JL-DB system, as well as system operation and maintenance work and analytical surveys on utilization
・Review old functions and consider new functions to add to the system
・Work on adding these new functions
・Carry out system operation and maintenance work along with analytical surveys about the website

(2) Work related to surveys and other research to improve the data registered in the JL-DB
・Research and collect information on FCs to promote the use of the JL-DB.
・Collect the latest information relating to licensing procedures and how to share it

(3) Research and verification in order to strengthen the FC system to improve the filming environment
・Conduct training to strengthen the FC system.
・Promote the strengthening of inter-regional cooperation within the FC system.
・Conduct surveys on the current status of the FC system.

For more information, please visit the JL-DB official website
https://www.jldb.bunka.go.jp/

FY2022 Project to Translate and Promote Japanese Books

Sponsored by the Agency for Cultural Affairs, Government of Japan

1.Project Outline

One of our projects is to have more outstanding Japanese books published and distributed by overseas publishers (hereinafter referred to as the “overseas publishing and distribution project”). Another is to host translation competitions to find and develop translators. In addition, symposiums and translation workshops will be held to implement the above two projects. Through these projects, we will support translators of Japanese books and promote many Japanese books to be translated and published outside of Japan.

2.Project Details

(1)Overseas publishing and distribution project

①Create a list of translators of Japanese books
②Translate proposal documents to sell books abroad
③Promote our projects

(2)International Translation Competition project

①Implement the 7th JLPP International Translation Competition
②Plan the 8th JLPP International Translation Competition

(3)Symposiums and translation workshops

①Host symposiums
②Host translation workshops

(4)Overseas publishing and distribution project

Operate the JLPP website(https://www.jlpp.go.jp/)

Pilot Project on Location Incentive for International Audiovisual Productions

Regional Revitalization Project Using Advanced Content Technology

Sponsored by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry

This project brings:

i. Financial sponsorship for content creation

This project sponsors part of the expenses for content creation projects that invest in regional revitalization and

meet the following conditions:

Content creation companies and regional business operators form a consortium.

Use of advanced content creation and expression technologies such as VR (virtual reality), AR (augmented reality), drones, AI, etc.

Promote regional attractions, such as regional products, services, tourist attractions, and sports.

ii. The best use of advanced content technology

For the furtherance of the content industry and regional revitalization, this project combines the best uses of advanced content technology, with the promotion and optimization of content creation.

Reiwa Era, Project to Improve the Environment for the Development of New Content (Content-Related Business Matching Project)

Sponsored by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry

This project is designed to cultivate new global markets for Japanese animation, manga, movies, music, and other content, so that these will continue to grow and develop. By promoting open innovation within the content industry, we hope to promote growth in this industry and extend this growth to other related industries as well. By providing opportunities for Japanese animation, manga, movies, music, and other content produced using advanced technologies, we will promote partnerships with international businesses and help the Japanese content industry advance into new global markets.

Business Matching at Annecy International Animation Festival
Title: Emerging opportunities for international co-production with Japanese animation
Date: 1:45 PM- 3:15 PM on Wednesday, June 13th, 2018.
Venue: Imperial Palace, Annecy, France

Summary: We invited Manga Entertainment Ltd. COO Mr. Jerome Mazandarani, who was involved in the DVD licensing and distribution of NARUTO, DIGIMON, Ghost in the Shell, and other Japanese animation, and who has co-produced projects with many artists and directors, as well as with Japanese animation studios. He provided some international animation co-production case studies. As an expert on Japanese, French, and Canadian businesses, Akira Yamaguchi from SUN BRIDGE Inc. showed us the problems and tasks involved in international co-production.
Participants: Panelists
　Jerome Mazandarani, COO of Manga Entertainment Ltd.
　Akira Yamaguchi, owner of SUN BRIDGE Inc. /Japan representative of CITIA,
　Moderator
　　Tadashi Sudo, animation journalist

Japanese Booth at Kidscreen Summit 2019
Date: Monday, February 11th – Thursday, February 14th, 2019
Venue: Intercontinental Miami, Miami U.S.A.
Summary: Japan Booth exhibited for the first time at Kidscreen Summit 2019, which is the biggest kids entertainment industry market in North America. Six animation production companies participated in the event, which provided many business opportunities for expansion into new markets overseas. Aside from business meetings with potential partners, participant companies were provided many opportunities to meet with broadcasters and streaming platforms that are usually difficult to reach. During a session called “30 Minutes with…” they could listen to representatives of major buyers talk about their companies’ plans the future, while in “Speed pitching,” they were able to meet and give their one-on-one business pitch to a potential buyer. There were panel discussions, the Kidscreen Award ceremony, an opening party, and other networking opportunities to gain knowledge on the North American and other markets.

Japanese Booth

Networking at Lunch Time

Business Matching at ChinaJoy in Shanghai
Date: Friday, August 2nd, 2019
Venue: Renaissance Shanghai Pudong Hotel (淳大万麗酒店) (Shanghai, China)
Summary: In the business matching event at ChinaJoy we collaborated with China Audio-video and Digital Publishing Association Game Publishing Committee, and we organized the keynote lecture and the panel discussion. Tencent Games and NetEase Games were among the 200 Chinese companies that joined the event. Over 30 companies from Japan participated in the event, such as publishing companies, TV stations, animation production houses, and game developers. The event was a success and the number of Chinese companies that participated exceeded our expectations. It definitely demonstrated the popularity of Japanese IP (intellectual property).

Keynote Lecture & Panel Discussion

“Introducing VIPO and Japanese game market trends”
Mika Morishita, executive manager of NPO Visual Industry Promotion Organization, VIPO

“The importance of a scenario in smartphone games”
Kazuki Yamanobe, director of Japan Game Scenario Writers Association

“Techniques for entering the global market”
Huang Xiaoyu, vice president of 37Games

“An overview of VTubers (Virtual YouTubers) market and an introduction to BitStar”
Masaki Hayashi, manager at VTuber division, BitStar Inc.

Panel Discussion
“What’s the next business model for China and Japan now that all the well-known IPs have been bought up?”
Kazuki Yamanobe, director of Japan Game Scenario Writers Association
Noriko Ishimoto, Managing Director of Character Brand Licensing Association
Yuan Yu, vice president of CMGE
Zhang Weiwei, global marketing general manager of Shengqu Games
Zhang Ning, director of China Indie Game Alliance

・Presentations by 19 Japanese companies
・Business Matching with 24 Chinese companies

Business Matching at Rotterdam Lab, International Film Festival Rotterdam
Title: Rotterdam Lab (film producer training lab)
Date: Saturday, January 26th – Wednesday, January 30th, 2019
Venue: DE DOELEN, Rotterdam, Holland
Objective: At the International Film Festival Rotterdam, one of the longest-running international film festivals, we participated in the Rotterdam Lab, a business matching event held as part of the global co-production market CineMart. The event gave Japanese filmmakers the opportunity to pitch their ideas to the international film industry and to find the right connections with potential co-production partners.
Summary: VIPO was activelty participating in Rotterdam Lab and CineMart. With cooperation from CineMart, we sent out young Japanese producers seeking to enter co-production and help them to meet potential partners.
Programs: Lectures included topics such as “pitching,” “strategies for an international film festivals,” and “producing.” There were Round Table Lecture: “Feedback on Pitches,” “Financing,” “Production,” “Promotion,” “Training,” “Film Criticism,” “Distribution,” “Sales,” and “Consulting.” There were also workshops and case studies on international co-production.

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