Japan Extends 50% Cash Rebate Program That Lured Apple TV+’s ‘Monarch’ Series

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The Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry has prolonged its manufacturing incentive scheme up to 2025, continuing its attractive 50% cash reward for eligible costs.

The action further bolsters Japan’s growing reputation as a popular filming destination, a fact that was clearly showcased during the Tokyo International Film Festival in November last year.

On Thursday, the Visual Industry Promotion Organization (VIPO) and Japan Film Commission officially announced that their incentive program, which has chosen 10 international productions for 2024, such as “Monarch: Legacy of Monsters Season 2” from Apple TV+, will start on March 27, 2025, and end on January 31, 2026.

Starting on March 27, 2025, through to January 31, 2026, the Visual Industry Promotion Organization (VIPO) and Japan Film Commission’s incentive program will be active, with ten international productions like “Monarch: Legacy of Monsters Season 2” from Apple TV+ included in the lineup for 2024.

50% of eligible expenses related to both the production and post-production phases, accrued on projects selected in Japan, qualify for incentives under this scheme. Each production’s rebate is capped at approximately 1 billion Japanese Yen (or about $6.6 million).

For a project to be eligible, it needs to meet one of the following financial criteria:

1. The total costs of production in Japan must surpass 500 million Japanese Yen (approximately 3.3 million US dollars).
2. The overall production budget should exceed 1 billion Japanese Yen (around 6.6 million US dollars), with at least 200 million Japanese Yen (about 1.3 million US dollars) spent directly in Japan.
3. If the project is intended for distribution in more than ten countries, it must have direct spending in Japan of at least 200 million Japanese Yen ($1.3 million).

To be eligible for this program, applications should be submitted by Japanese production firms or partnerships, since foreign entities aren’t allowed to apply directly. Submissions can be made across four separate periods in 2025, starting right away with the first submission window lasting until April 10.

This plan requires that eligible projects contribute to Japan’s home-grown content sector by providing local jobs and using domestic studios. It also ensures that certain scenes will be filmed in Japan. Furthermore, it invites international filmmakers to collaborate on showcasing filming spots abroad.

An exception rule allows for a project to be eligible, even if it doesn’t reach the required financial benchmarks, as long as it offers substantial advantages to the Japanese economy and local movie industry. The final decision will be made by an independent assessment panel.

The deadline for setting the project’s finalization date should be no later than 90 days following the completion of work, or by January 31, 2026 – whichever is sooner. Expenses directly associated with film production in Japan are qualified for financial assistance.

OR

The project’s end date must be determined within 90 days after the work ends, or before January 31, 2026, whichever occurs first. Costs linked to film production in Japan can receive funding.

The processing of applications will be handled by VIPO, with the Japan Film Commission overseeing the program management. It’s important to note that the program could end prematurely if the budget runs out before all four application cycles have been finished.

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2025-03-27 12:46