Top Tips for Filming in Japan

The Shibuya Crossing and bustling Tokyo skyline are just two of the many instantly recognisable Japanese scenes repeatedly featured in global blockbusters. Filming in Japan almost certainly requires shooting permits and the easiest way to get started is through the Japan Film Commission.

The Japan Film Commission (JFC) sees itself as the “first contact” for those interested in filming in Japan, a country with over 6,000 islands stretching roughly 3,000 kilometres that offers a diverse range of landscapes and climates. The non-profit group is endorsed and supported by federal government agencies such as the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, the Agency for Cultural Affairs and the Japan Tourism Agency. Its primary goal is to promote Japan as the location site for film, television and streaming productions.

With its network of more than 130 regional Japanese film commissions, industry guilds and organisations, it is easy to understand why JFC can assist producers in finding the best locations and help liaise with regional authorities. In fact, it runs a “Japan Location Database” with over 4,400 in English (over 11,000 in Japanese) registered locations across the nation for film makers to explore the best settings for their works, whether it is ski resorts up north, mountain castles or the hundreds of shrines across Japan and even Ishigaki Airport in Okinawa prefecture down south.

Discovering Japan’s charms
The reason for actively promoting Japan as a filming hub is undoubtedly an economical one. As Ruriko Sekine, Secretary General of the Japan Film Commission says, “Attracting on-location shooting of overseas productions brings various benefits to Japan. For example, direct economic impact by production costs, promotion of employment, globalization of technical skills, etc. In addition, communicating the charms of Japan through these works will lead to an increase in foreign tourists.”

The vast number of extraordinary modern, historic and natural sites Japan has to offer means that producers are increasingly expanding their reach. “Filming locations are also changing from famous tourist spots such as Tokyo and Kyoto, known as the Golden Route, to more local locations where people can feel and experience Japanese culture. The number of overseas productions who wish to film in regional areas is increasing because they can feel more Japanese culture and lifestyle,” Ruriko added.

Ruriko Sekine, Secretary General of the Japan Film Commission

Incentives for filming in Japan
Ruriko thinks it is not just local economies that can thrive from film activities in Japan as overseas production companies also get to benefit from JFC’s advice on any incentives offered by the federal government and discounts made available by regional governments and film commissions.

For example, the Sapporo Film Commission provides subsidies for international co-production. It also offers support on production costs for films and TV dramas, covering a third of expenses up to 10,000,000 Japanese yen (US$66,863) as long as the application is made through a Japan-based production company. The Sakai Film Office gives out accommodation subsidies for up to 250 people capped at 1,000,000 Japanese Yen (US$6,686). The Okayama Prefecture Film Commission even has subsidies to alleviate financial pressure on any film schedule changes due to bad weather.

In recent years, the Japanese government kickstarted the Pilot Project on Location Incentives for International Audiovisual Productions which seeks to cover up to one billion yen (US$6.68 million) of the production costs of international film projects shot and produced in Japan. Application is open to feature films, TV dramas and online dramas as long as they satisfy other criteria, such as the production is to be “.“The aim is to get economic impacts from production costs and inbound tourism, as well as social impacts such as the technical skill improvement of the local film industry,” Ruriko explained.

Tokyo-based Ruriko is positive about the government’s direction and initiatives, “Japan has many IPs such as animation and games originating from Japan. In addition, Japanese culture and the Japanese landscape with its four seasons are unique and will stimulate creators’ desire. The new incentive programme is beneficial to both overseas and domestic filmmakers/production companies.”

New opportunities at FILMART
When the Hong Kong International Film and TV Market (FILMART) reinstituted its physical edition in 2023 after the pandemic, it attracted over 7,300 industry practitioners from different industry sectors such as in production, distribution, sales agents and investors. During its most recent edition, FILMART had 27 international group pavilions for different countries, including key markets like Japan and Korea, to present their latest entertainment offerings. Besides the exhibition, participants also enjoyed a range of other events such as screenings, summits and seminars spotlighting the strengths of Asian drama and the best modes of co-production.

Drawing from past experiences, Ruriko speaks highly of the annual event, “FILMART is one of the most energetic markets in Asia and a great opportunity to meet Asian filmmakers who are interested in filming on location in Japan.”

The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) will again host the established entertainment show at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre between 11th and 14th March 2024.

Register now to dive into the heartbeat of Asia’s entertainment content scene:
https://hkfilmart.hktdc.com/conference/hkfilmart/en/participant-registration