Japan Plans Overseas Content Push, but the Industry is Skeptical

 The Japanese government has unveiled ambitious plans to get its domestic content in front of overseas eyes, but despite the pledge, Japanese TIFFCOM attendees do not have high hopes about the new strategy. Brandon Blake, a leading entertainment lawyer Los Angeles at Blake & Wang P.A., takes a look.

                                                                        Brandon Blake


Key Sector


The Japanese government has now set a goal for public and private investment exceeding $2.3 trillion across the 17 “key sectors” it identified for the country, including content and media. It is targeting raising international content sales to $127B by 2033, under the banner of the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry. 


However, the Japanese entertainment industry hasn’t quite bought into the push, at least judging by TIFFCOM respondents. They mostly cite poor experiences from previous attempted support programs like this, with many feeling it will be disproportionately used for major players and small ventures instead of the bulk of the industry.  


                                                     Blake & Wang Law Firm


Unreachable Targets?


They may have a point. Choosing to mirror the minimum budget needed for international productions to shoot in Japan, the floor for domestic live-action films to qualify for support to take them overseas has been set at a budget of $5.1M.


Many would instead like to see “new blood” in the overseeing ministries, and closer work with both local and non-Japanese industry specialists to help them better understand the local industry’s needs and how to break into international markets. They also ask for less complexity around subsidies and support.


However, some still feel this is a push in the right direction to move Japanese IP from a domestic-only to an international force. They believe that there’s finally a move towards the longer-term thinking needed to make the program a success.


While local expectations may be low, it would be great to see more Japanese content reach international screens. Let’s hope to see a positive impact from this new program soon. 


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