Here’s a detailed and easy-to-understand article based on the JETRO announcement:
Japan Gears Up for “Largest Character and Licensing Event” in 2025
Tokyo, Japan – July 24, 2025 – The Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) announced today the upcoming hosting of what is set to be the nation’s largest-ever character and licensing event. Scheduled for 2025, this significant gathering promises to be a pivotal moment for the burgeoning character and intellectual property (IP) industry in Japan, fostering international business opportunities and showcasing the country’s creative prowess.
What is the Event About?
This landmark event is designed to be a comprehensive platform for all aspects of the character and licensing industry. It will bring together a diverse range of stakeholders, including:
- Character Creators and Owners: From beloved established characters to promising new IPs, creators will have the opportunity to exhibit their creations and explore new avenues for growth.
- Licensing Companies: Businesses specializing in licensing their characters and brands across various products and media will be in attendance, seeking partnerships.
- Manufacturers and Product Developers: Companies looking to incorporate popular characters and IPs into their merchandise, from toys and apparel to electronics and food, will find extensive opportunities.
- Media and Entertainment Companies: Publishers, animation studios, game developers, and film producers will be present to discover new content and potential collaborations.
- Retailers: Businesses involved in selling licensed products will explore the latest trends and identify popular IPs to stock.
- International Buyers and Investors: The event aims to attract global attention, providing a vital gateway for foreign companies to connect with Japanese IP holders and explore licensing and investment opportunities.
Why is this Event Significant?
Japan is renowned globally for its vibrant and innovative character culture. From iconic anime and manga characters to unique mascots and video game icons, Japanese IPs have a massive global following. This event is strategically positioned to:
- Maximize Business Opportunities: By consolidating the industry in one location, it creates unparalleled opportunities for networking, deal-making, and the discovery of new partnerships.
- Promote Japanese IP Globally: The event will serve as a powerful showcase for the depth and breadth of Japan’s character and IP landscape, attracting international buyers and investors eager to leverage these valuable assets.
- Foster Innovation and Collaboration: Bringing together diverse players from across the industry is expected to spark new ideas, encourage cross-sector collaborations, and drive the evolution of character creation and licensing strategies.
- Support Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs): The event is likely to provide a crucial platform for smaller creators and businesses to gain exposure and connect with larger companies, facilitating their growth within the global market.
- Highlight Emerging Trends: Attendees will gain insights into the latest trends in character design, licensing models, and the evolving consumer demand for IP-driven products and experiences.
What to Expect?
While specific details about the event’s program are still emerging, attendees can anticipate a rich and engaging experience, likely including:
- Extensive Exhibition Booths: Showcasing a wide array of characters and licensing opportunities from various Japanese companies.
- Business Matching Programs: Facilitating direct connections between potential licensors and licensees.
- Seminars and Conferences: Featuring industry experts discussing market trends, legal aspects of licensing, and strategies for global expansion.
- Networking Events: Providing informal opportunities for professionals to connect and build relationships.
- Showcases of New IPs: Highlighting emerging talent and the next generation of popular characters.
- Potential for Global Reach: The event is expected to have a strong international focus, with initiatives to attract foreign buyers and facilitate cross-border deals.
JETRO’s Role:
As the organizer, JETRO plays a crucial role in promoting Japanese trade and investment. By spearheading this “largest character and licensing event,” JETRO underscores its commitment to supporting the growth and internationalization of Japan’s creative industries. This initiative is expected to significantly boost the economic impact of Japanese IPs on a global scale.
This upcoming event marks a significant milestone for Japan’s dynamic character and licensing industry. It promises to be an unmissable occasion for anyone involved in or looking to engage with the world of Japanese intellectual property. Further details regarding the exact dates, venue, and specific program will be announced in due course.
The AI has delivered the news.
The following question was used to generate the response from Google Gemini:
At 2025-07-24 01:35, ‘国内最大級のキャラクター・ライセンス・イベント開催’ was published according to 日本貿易振興機構. Please write a detailed article with related information in an easy-to-understand manner. Please answer in English.