Japanese Content Collaboration Goes Global: Insights from Mip London Panel
A recent panel at Mip London brought together Japanese media executives and international collaborators to discuss the changing landscape of Japanese content in global markets. The discussion covered a range of formats, from unscripted shows to documentaries and scripted dramas, highlighting how Japanese creativity is finding new avenues for success on the international stage.
One standout collaboration discussed at the panel was the partnership between Asia-based content incubator Empire Arcadia, ABC Japan, and DiTurn, the Korean company behind “The Masked Singer.” Together, they created “100,” a music entertainment show with a unique format where contestants form groups whose ages must total 100. Fotini Paraskakis of Empire Arcadia described it as a three-way collaboration that marks one of the first unscripted projects between Korea and Japan, with international partners playing a key role in the production.
Nami Komo of ABC Japan emphasized the storytelling strengths that Japanese producers bring to these collaborations, noting that their expertise lies in crafting touching, feel-good stories. The success of “100” in both Japan and Korea demonstrates how the show was tailored to each market’s preferences, with the Japanese version focusing on human stories and celebration, while the Korean adaptation emphasized gamification elements.
Shin Yasuda of NHK shared insights into successful documentary co-productions, such as “The Making of a Japanese,” a collaboration between NHK and filmmaker Emma Ryan Yamazaki. Yasuda highlighted the benefits of co-productions in elevating creativity and diversifying storytelling approaches, with different versions of the content tailored for domestic and international audiences.
Fumi Nishibashi of The Seven, a production company under TBS, discussed how Japanese manga adaptations are gaining global traction through streaming platforms and international partnerships. The success of series like “Alice in Borderland” and “Yu Yu Hakusho” on Netflix underscores the global appeal of Japanese content, with ongoing collaborations with American and Korean partners further expanding the reach of these adaptations.
While the panelists acknowledged challenges in adapting Japanese content for global audiences, they also recognized the potential for cross-cultural collaborations to create engaging and relatable stories. As the industry continues to evolve, discussions around differences in storytelling approaches, budget considerations, and commercial terms between Japanese and international markets will be essential for driving successful content collaboration on a global scale.
