In an interesting development in the realm of entertainment, the Coalition of Asian Pacifics in Entertainment (CAPE) has teamed up with the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO). The joint endeavor foresees the inauguration of the ‘Beyond Japan’ program which seeks to bridge the gap between Japanese filmmakers and prospects in Hollywood.
This new initiative, with backing from the government of Japan, will commence its operations virtually in this month. However, a shift towards physical sessions in Los Angeles is planned for future proceedings. The objective of this endeavor is to provide a platform for the global exposure of Japan’s rich filmmaking talent.
An impressive mix of six filmmakers from Japan forms the first batch of this program. This includes Fujimura Akiyo, an artist known for his feature ‘Eriko, Pretended’ which is streamed on Amazon Prime and Apple TV and has won the prestigious SKIP City Award. Akiyo has also made significant contributions to the anthology ‘Ten Years Japan’, which was produced by Kore-eda Hirokazu.
The list of participating filmmakers also comprises Yoshida Mayumi. Mayumi is a distinguished alumna of Warner Bros. Discovery Access and acted as an associate producer on A24/Apple TV+’s ‘Sunny’, a production featuring Rashida Jones. This cross-cultural collaboration reflects the potential and versatility of Japanese talent in the international film industry.
Tsukikawa Sho, noted for directing the Japan Academy Prize-winning movie, ‘Let Me Eat Your Pancreas’, is also part of the inaugural group. Sho’s portfolio includes Netflix’s adaptation of the popular manga series, ‘Yu Yu Hakusho’. Furthermore, he has an upcoming Netflix rom-com, ‘Romantics Anonymous’, with Oguri Shun and Han Hyo-joo as the lead actors.
The cohort of promising filmmakers also includes Tokyo-based Ü Inose, a seasoned expert in international production. Then there is Shibuya Yu, a Venice Film Festival alumnus highlighted for his film ‘Jitensha’. Yu is all set to release his debut feature film ‘Umbrellas for Miharu’ in January 2025.
The last but certainly not the least in this group is director Fukada Yuske. Yuske has been recognized for his exceptional work in films like ‘Tokyo Override’ and ‘Perfect World’. It’s clear from this diverse pool of talent that the Beyond Japan initiative is poised to present some extraordinary artistic vision to Hollywood.
High-profile industry figures have pledged their support for this program as they take up roles as mentors and guest speakers. Their invaluable wisdom and insights will prove instrumental in grooming these Japanese filmmakers for international success and adaptation to Hollywood’s unique environment.
The inception of this project comes at a crucial time when collaborations between Hollywood and Japan, such as ‘Shogun’, ‘Tokyo Vice’, and ‘Monarch: Legacy of Monsters’ seem to be capturing global attention. As Michelle K. Sugihara, the executive director of CAPE, puts it, this cultural shift is evident in their ongoing consultancy role with studios.
Tsuwaki Yoshiko, the executive director of JETRO Los Angeles, further asserts that the Japanese government is actively promoting the entertainment sector. This strategic move aligns with Japan’s broader economic strategy, emphasizing the significance of these industries not just for cultural promotion but also for economic vitality.
The ‘Beyond Japan’ program is set to wrap up with J-SCREEN—a magnificent two-day event. This finale will include screenings at the famous Academy Museum bringing the spotlight on U.S.-Japan co-productions. The aim is to provide an immersive experience to audiences and open doors for more global collaborations.
Additionally, a networking session at Neuehouse Hollywood will be part of this concluding event. This specific arrangement aims to foster connections, discussions, and collaborations between creative minds from both Japan and the U.S. The goal is to deepen bilateral ties and promote cinematic arts across borders.
The ‘Beyond Japan’ program has clearly set the stage for a renewed synergy between Japanese filmmakers and Hollywood. This joint initiative by CAPE and JETRO is not just a conduit of cultural exchange, but also serves as a platform to explore fresh perspectives and showcase the prowess of Japanese filmmaking on a global stage.