Ever wondered how to bridge the filmmaking worlds of Japan and Hollywood? Well, the Coalition of Asian Pacifics in Entertainment (CAPE) and the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) have just the thing for you: a new program called Beyond Japan. This initiative, supported by the Japanese government, is designed to connect Japanese filmmakers with opportunities in Hollywood. Kicking off virtually this month, the program will eventually move to in-person sessions in Los Angeles.

So, who are the lucky filmmakers getting this chance? Let's meet them! There's Fujimura Akiyo, whose work “Eriko, Pretended” is streaming on Amazon Prime and Apple TV, and she also contributed to the anthology “Ten Years Japan” produced by Kore-eda Hirokazu. Next is Yoshida Mayumi, who has worked with Warner Bros. Discovery and A24, contributing to projects like “Sunny” starring Rashida Jones. Tsukikawa Sho is another name to watch, known for directing the Japan Academy Prize winner “Let Me Eat Your Pancreas” and the Netflix manga adaptation “Yu Yu Hakusho. ” Ü Inose brings international production experience from Tokyo, while Shibuya Yu's feature directorial debut “Umbrellas for Miharu” is set to release in January 2025. Lastly, there's Fukada Yuske, recognized for his works “Tokyo Override” and “Perfect World. ”

The selection committee for this program is quite impressive, including Palme d’Or winner Kore-eda Hirokazu, actor-producer Oka Masi, and “Tokyo Vice” executive producer Washio Kayo. They've lined up some big names as mentors and speakers too, like UTA’s Pete Franciosa and Erlan Nyssanov, Orion Pictures president Alana Mayo, and “Minari” producer Christine Oh.

This program comes at a time when Japanese-Hollywood collaborations are gaining traction globally. Shows like “Shogun, ” “Tokyo Vice, ” and “Monarch: Legacy of Monsters” are becoming popular. CAPE's executive director, Michelle K. Sugihara, notes that they are seeing a shift in cultural consulting work with studios. JETRO’s Los Angeles executive director, Tsuwaki Yoshiko, adds that Japan's government sees entertainment as a key economic driver.

The program will wrap up with J-SCREEN, a two-day event featuring screenings at the Academy Museum and a networking session at Neuehouse Hollywood. This will showcase U. S. -Japan co-productions.

Partners for this initiative include AGBO, United Talent Agency, Japan House Los Angeles, Plug and Play, Nothing New, and Synepic Entertainment.

Japanese Filmmakers: A New Gateway to Hollywood

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