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Is Japanese Cinema in a Golden Age? The Numbers Tell a Complicated Story
Hello, this is Izumitani from Ehime Film Commission. On January 28, the Motion Picture Producers Association of Japan released its annual industry statistics. After following these numbers for more than 20 years, I found myself thinking: something has shifted. Maybe we've reached a tipping point. Here's why.In 2025,... -
What It Really Takes to Host an International Production
Hello, this is Izumitani from Ehime Film Commission. The day after the National Location Fair — which drew a record 343 film and media professionals — we attended the "Seminar on International Film Production in Japan." The session opened with a preview of Rental Family, a film starring Brendan Fraser set for releas... -
Record Turnout at the National Location Fair
Hello, this is Izumitani from Ehime Film Commission. We took part in what is arguably the most energetic event on the Japan Film Commission calendar: the National Location Fair — and this year's edition broke all previous attendance records with 343 film and media industry professionals in attendance. The concept is... -
Shikoku FC Block Meeting in Kochi — and a Wild Idea for a Movie
Hello, this is Izumitani from Ehime Film Commission. On January 15, film commissions from across Shikoku gathered in Kochi City for the annual Japan FC Shikoku Block Meeting. The event rotates between prefectures each year — last year it was held in Takamatsu, Kagawa; next year it comes to Ehime. Representing the re... -
Heat Safety on Set: A Growing Responsibility for Film Commissions
Hello, this is Izumitani from Ehime Film Commission. August 7 was Risshū — the traditional calendar date marking the beginning of autumn. In theory, the air should start to carry a hint of cool by now. In practice: Ehime has been under consecutive Heat Stroke Alerts, with public health advisories urging people to av... -
To Everyone Who Helped Make This Shoot Happen — Thank You
Hello, this is Izumitani from Ehime Film Commission. Thank you to everyone who participated as extras in the recent film shoot in Ehime Prefecture. For this production, we were unable to share the title, cast, or scene details during the recruitment process — and yet, we received over 100 applications. That kind of ... -
Stepping Down as Japan FC President — Part One
Hello, this is Izumitani from Ehime Film Commission. On June 26, at the NPO Japan Film Commission General Assembly held in Kobe, I officially passed the role of President to newly appointed President Yuichi Komuro, completing three terms and six years in the position I first took on in 2019. I'll reflect on that ten... -
Stepping Down as Japan FC President — Part Two
Hello, this is Izumitani from Ehime Film Commission. On June 26, at the NPO Japan Film Commission General Assembly held in Kobe, I officially passed the presidency to newly appointed president of the Board Yuichi Komuro — completing three terms and six years in the position I first took on in 2019. Today marks the b...
