Japan Enhances Film Incentive Program with Extended Subsidies
Japan is advancing its incentive program for international film and television projects, enhancing the offerings as it looks ahead to 2026. This initiative, which has previously supported productions like The Smashing Machine, is being updated to include multi-year subsidies.
The Visual Industry Promotion Organization (VIPO) and the Japan Film Commission reported that the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) will introduce updates to the scheme, providing productions with greater flexibility in expense reporting. This change marks a departure from the previously strict timeline, which required that costs be claimed within the same Japanese fiscal year. Under the new guidelines, expenses can now be reported over a two-year period, allowing for greater financial latitude.
Previously, projects needed to be conducted within specific dates—ranging from March 27, 2025, to January 31, 2026—to qualify under the older framework.
Originally established in 2023, this incentive program targets large-scale international projects, offering a cash rebate of up to 50% for production and post-production costs incurred in Japan. The revamped program is expected to be implemented in late spring 2026, with further details regarding application processes to be released later.
Since its inception, the program has funded 18 projects, including Dwayne Johnson’s portrayal of UFC fighter Mark Kerr in The Smashing Machine. Filming for this production took place in Japan and contributed to director Benny Safdie receiving the Silver Lion at the Venice Film Festival.
Other notable projects that have benefited from the initiative include Rental Family, a U.S.-Japan co-production featuring Brendan Fraser. This film tells the story of an American actor in Japan who joins a family rental agency. Additionally, Season 2 of Apple TV’s Drops of God, a French-Japanese thriller set in the fine wine industry, has also received support. The series stars Fleur Geffrier and Tomohisa Yamashita as rivals vying for ownership of an extensive wine collection.
The program is managed by METI, operated by VIPO, with the Japan Film Commission serving as the coordinator.
