Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group Inc. (MUFG) has launched a new investment fund aimed at revolutionizing Japan's film industry by introducing large-scale financing similar to that used in Hollywood. The initiative is part of a broader effort to help Japanese cinema compete on the global stage, reads a Japan News post.
The fund will support a newly formed company jointly established by publishing giant Kodansha Ltd. and Credeus Inc., the production studio known for the Kingdom film series. In addition to receiving backing from MUFG, the new company plans to attract funds from external investors, a significant departure from Japan’s conventional “production committee” model, in which multiple stakeholders contribute limited funds to film projects.
MUFG Bank has committed ¥6.6 billion (approximately $42 million USD) to the fund and will receive a share of future box-office revenues. The fund will be managed by Mitsubishi UFJ Trust and Banking Corp., which will also seek further investor participation. Although the total size of the fund has not yet been finalized, it marks a significant step toward transforming film financing in Japan.
Currently, Japanese movies often face financial constraints that limit their international appeal. By enabling access to institutional investment and scalable financing, the fund aims to raise production values and global visibility for domestic projects.
“This fund is about more than just money—it’s about giving Japanese filmmakers the resources to create stories that resonate worldwide,” an MUFG spokesperson said.
Inspired by the U.S. model, where massive investment powers blockbuster films, the initiative hopes to bring similar financial muscle to Japan’s creative sector. If successful, the project could become a new standard for how movies are funded in the country, creating new opportunities for both filmmakers and investors.
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
