Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry is extending its film and television incentive program through fiscal year 2026, introducing multi-year subsidies to attract more overseas productions. The changes provide greater flexibility by allowing support for projects spanning up to two years, moving away from strict expense reporting timelines. The revamped scheme launches in late spring 2026.
Program Extension and Changes
Japan's film and television incentive program, launched in 2023, is set for expansion through fiscal year 2026. Administered by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), with the Visual Industry Promotion Organization (VIPO) as operator and the Japan Film Commission as coordinator, the program aims to boost international productions in the country.
The key update introduces multi-year subsidies, enabling projects to receive funding across up to two years. Previously, only expenses reported by the end of January following the grant decision qualified for reimbursement. For instance, a one-year project in the current fiscal year ran from March 27, 2025, to January 31, 2026. The new framework accommodates expenses that span multiple fiscal years and cross Japan's fiscal year boundaries, offering more adaptable timelines for filmmakers.
Application guidelines for the updated program will be announced later, with the scheme launching in late spring 2026.
Impact and Supported Projects
Since its inception, the program has backed 18 film and television projects through the end of 2025. Among the notable beneficiaries is "The Smashing Machine," a film starring Dwayne Johnson as UFC fighter Mark Kerr, directed by Benny Safdie, which won the Silver Lion for best director at the Venice Film Festival earlier in 2025.
Another supported production is the U.S.-Japan co-production "Rental Family," directed by Hikari and featuring Brendan Fraser. The film, which premiered in the special presentation section at the Toronto International Film Festival and later screened at the London and Tokyo festivals, follows an American actor in Japan who joins a 'rental family' agency.
The program also funded the second season of the International Emmy Award-winning French-Japanese drama "Drops of God," adapted from a New York Times bestselling Japanese manga. Starring Fleur Geffrier and Tomohisa Yamashita, the series explores themes of gastronomy and fine wines.
This expansion reflects Japan's ongoing efforts to position itself as a hub for global film and TV production, building on the success of its initial offerings.
