UNIJAPAN is a non-profit organization commissioned by the Japanese government to support the promotion of Japanese moving images abroad. UNIJAPAN was established in 1957 by the Japanese film industry under the auspice of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) and the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI). Initially named Association for the Diffusion of Japanese Film Abroad (UniJapan Film), in fiscal year 2005 it joined hands with the organizer of the Tokyo International Film Festival (TIFF), forming a new organization Japan Association for International Promotion of the Moving Image (UNIJAPAN). Today UNIJAPAN manages its activities through the International Promotion Department, which is in charge of support programs for overseas promotion, and the Film Festival Department, which is in charge of the organization of TIFF.
1. Support Program for Participation at Film Festivals (Grant Scheme supported by the Agency for Cultural Affairs (Bunka-cho))
UNIJAPAN provides grants and subsidies for Japanese films and Japanese filmmakers attending international film festivals and film markets, covering the expenses for overseas travel, production of film subtitles and promotional materials.
2. Support Program for International Sales (supported by Bunka-cho)
UNIJAPAN supports Japanese film companies to promote international sales of Japanese films by setting up a Japanese film promotional stand at the major international film markets in Cannes, Toronto, Pusan, Hong Kong and Berlin.
3. J-Pitch - Support Program for International Co-production (supported by Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI))
Since 2006 UNIJAPAN has been actively supporting Japanese film producers aiming at co-productions to participate at international project markets in Cannes, Shanghai, Paris, Pusan, Rotterdam, Berlin and Hong Kong, assists them in finding overseas co-production partners, and helps them in building human networks crucial for furthering international co-production.
Within Japan, J-Pitch also organizes workshops and seminars on international co-productions.
4. Publications and Website
To foster the promotion of Japanese films and spread the awareness of Japanese film overseas, UNIJAPAN manages the following websites and issues the following publications:
- UNIJAPAN official website supported by Japan KEIRIN Association http://www.unijapan.org/
- J-Pitch official website supported by METI http://j-pitch.jp/
- Japanese film database (JFDB) supported by METI http://j-pitch.jp/jfdb/
- Japanese Film-a yearbook of Japanese films and film industry supported by Bunka-cho
- New Cinema from Japan - a twice-a-year catalogue of new Japanese cinema supported by the Japan Foundation
- The Guide to Japanese Film Industry and Co-Production - the first edition of an English guidebook issued in April 2009 supported by METI.
5. Research and Networking
To further promote international cooperation for the growth of film culture and the advance of film industry, UNIJAPAN working with international organizations, carries out surveys and research on the state of overseas film markets including international co-productions schemes, and sends out the UNIJAPAN Newsletter with the latest news and information on screenings and presence of Japanese films overseas.
6. Organization of the Tokyo International Film Festival (TIFF)
UNIJAPAN manages the Tokyo International Film Festival through its Film Festival Department (www.tiff-jp.net).
