10noteworthy events in Japan’s entertainment industry from April to October 2024

Here are ten noteworthy events in Japan’s entertainment industry from April to October 2024, along with detailed summaries in English:

1. K2P Film Fund Launch: In an effort to revitalize Japan’s film industry, producer Muneyuki Kii launched the K2P Film Fund I, aimed at supporting new Japanese cinema projects. This fund seeks investments both domestically and globally to finance innovative films, particularly those by young and emerging filmmakers. It reflects a push to enhance Japan’s cultural influence worldwide through cinema【58†source】.
2. Expansion of Japan’s Online Video Market: Japan’s online video sector is projected to capture 45% of the nation’s screen revenue by 2029, up from 35% in 2024. This growth is driven by increasing engagement in anime and other streaming content. As of 2024, anime alone accounted for a significant portion of premium video on demand and remains a major draw for Japanese SVOD platforms【57†source】.
3. Formation of Content Industry Public-Private Council: Japan’s government launched a council in 2024 to consolidate support for content creators and improve their working conditions. The council aims to centralize financial aid and industry guidance while also fostering a healthier work environment for Japan’s creative professionals【58†source】.
4. “Godzilla Minus One” Release and Impact: The release of Godzilla Minus One, directed by Takashi Yamazaki, marked a significant moment in Japanese cinema, showcasing advanced special effects and strong storytelling. The film’s international reception helped reinforce Japan’s legacy in the monster movie genre【56†source】.
5. Anime’s Rising International Influence: Anime continues to be one of Japan’s strongest cultural exports, with global demand climbing. In 2024, anime represented 36% of Japan’s SVOD premium video engagement and saw substantial monetization through streaming, marking a historic milestone in international reach and revenue【57†source】.
6. AKB48 Member Collaboration in “Say My Name” K-Pop Group: Former AKB48 member Hitomi made headlines by joining the multinational K-Pop group Say My Name, which debuted in October 2024. The cross-border collaboration highlights growing cultural exchange between Japan and South Korea, especially in the idol industry【56†source】.
7. Suchmos Band Revival: Japanese rock band Suchmos, after a hiatus since 2021, announced their return with a live performance set for June 2025. The announcement excited fans, as the band had been influential in blending rock, jazz, and funk into mainstream Japanese music【56†source】.
8. Kyary Pamyu Pamyu Welcomes First Child: Iconic pop star Kyary Pamyu Pamyu shared the news of her first child’s birth on social media in October 2024. Known for her vibrant style and influence on Harajuku culture, Kyary’s personal milestone was celebrated widely by fans【56†source】.
9. Increased Governmental Support for Cultural Export: To boost Japan’s influence in global entertainment, the government began additional funding and strategic support for overseas expansion of Japanese media content. This includes subsidies and guidance aimed at strengthening the global competitiveness of anime, music, and film【58†source】.
10. Harassment Prevention in Film Industry: Action4cinema, a collective of Japanese filmmakers, launched an industry-wide harassment prevention initiative. This step, supported by government officials, aims to improve safety and professionalism on film sets, providing an essential framework to combat workplace harassment【58†source】.

These developments indicate Japan’s ongoing efforts to innovate and strengthen its entertainment industry on a global scale. They reflect both the sector’s internal challenges and its significant cultural influence worldwide.