50%
Cash Rebate
On qualifying production and post-production costs incurred in Japan.
Film Incentives 2025 Guide
Japan Film Production Incentives Guide
50% Cash Rebate on Qualifying Production Costs
Japan's Film Production Support Programs
¥1B
Maximum Rebate
Approximately $6.6M USD cap per project through METI/VIPO program.
47+
Film Commissions
Prefectural and city film offices offering additional location support.
Japan offers one of Asia's most competitive film incentive programs through the METI/VIPO Location Incentive Program, providing a 50% cash rebate for large-scale international productions filming in Japan.
METI/VIPO Location Incentive Program
Program Overview
Japan's Location Incentive Program, administered by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) through the Visual Industry Promotion Organization (VIPO), offers a 50% cash rebate on production and post-production costs incurred in Japan. Extended as a multi-year program starting late spring 2026, it provides international productions with greater scheduling flexibility.
- 50% rebate on eligible production and post-production costs in Japan.
- Maximum rebate of ¥1 billion (~$6.6M USD) per project.
- Four application rounds per year, increased from three.
- Multi-year program ensures flexibility for international shooting schedules.
Eligible Productions
- Large-scale feature films (fiction, documentary, animation) with significant Japan spend.
- TV series and episodic content with substantial production in Japan.
- Projects that creatively promote the appeal of Japan globally.
- Productions benefiting the Japanese content industry (local employment, Japanese studios).
- Content where filmmakers cooperate in regional promotion.
Only Japanese companies can apply. Fixers in Japan can serve as your designated local partner to facilitate incentive applications.
Non-Eligible Productions
- Productions below minimum spending thresholds (see requirements)
- Content that does not feature scenes shot in Japan
- Projects that do not benefit the domestic content industry
- Productions without a designated Japanese production company
Minimum Spending Requirements
Productions must meet one of the following financial thresholds to qualify for the METI/VIPO Location Incentive Program:
Track A: High Japan Spend
Direct production costs in Japan exceed ¥500 million (~$3.3M USD).
Track B: Large Total Budget
Total production budget exceeds ¥1 billion (~$6.7M USD) AND direct Japan costs exceed ¥200 million (~$1.3M USD).
Exception Clause
Projects that 'greatly benefit the Japanese economy and domestic film industry' may qualify even if below thresholds, subject to committee review.
Eligible expenses include production and post-production costs incurred in Japan after official project selection.
Available Support Programs
Japan offers multiple levels of production support, from national programs to prefectural and city-level assistance. The best approach often combines multiple programs based on your specific shooting locations.
METI/VIPO Location Incentive
50% cash rebate on production and post-production costs incurred in Japan. Up to ¥1B (~$6.6M) per project. Four application rounds per year.
Prefectural Film Commissions
47 prefectures offer location support, permit coordination, and some provide additional regional incentives for projects showcasing their areas.
City Film Offices
Major cities including Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and Okinawa have dedicated film offices offering location access and production coordination.
Japan Film Commission
National coordinator for the incentive program, connecting productions with regional film commissions and facilitating nationwide support.
Supported Expenses
What Japanese incentives typically cover
Support programs vary by region but commonly assist with location access, permits, and local production costs.
Production Costs
Direct Expenses
Core production expenses incurred while filming in Japan.
Location fees
Transportation
Accommodation
Local crew wages
Support Services
Production Support
Coordination and support services often included or subsidized.
Permit coordination
Location scouting
Equipment rental
Translation services
Catering
Local authorities
Regional Film Commission Support
Japan's 47 prefectures each have film commissions or offices that support productions. Many offer location scouting assistance, permit facilitation, and some provide direct subsidies or grants for productions that feature their regions.
Key Regional Programs
- Tokyo Film Commission: Support for productions in Japan's capital, access to iconic locations.
- Kyoto Film Office: Assistance for period dramas and cultural content in the ancient capital.
- Okinawa Film Office: Incentives for productions showcasing tropical island locations.
- Hokkaido Film Commission: Support for winter and nature-focused productions.
How to Access Support
Initial Consultation
Contact Fixers in Japan to discuss your project and identify applicable incentive programs based on your locations and content.
Program Selection
We help identify the best combination of national and regional programs for your production's specific needs and shooting locations.
Application Preparation
Prepare required documentation including scripts, location plans, budgets, and cultural promotion elements with our guidance.
Submission & Approval
Submit applications through proper channels with Fixers in Japan as your designated local production partner.
Production Support
Receive approved support during production including permit facilitation, location access, and coordination services.
Expert Support from Fixers in Japan
Incentive Navigation
- Program eligibility assessment
- Application preparation and submission
- Documentation compliance
- Liaison with film commissions
Production Services
- Permit acquisition
- Location coordination
- Local crew and equipment
- Translation and interpretation
Our experienced team helps international productions navigate Japan's incentive landscape and maximize available support programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the METI/VIPO Location Incentive Program?
Japan's Location Incentive Program offers a 50% cash rebate on production and post-production costs incurred in Japan. Administered by METI through VIPO, it has supported 18+ projects since launching in 2023, including 'Monarch: Legacy of Monsters' and 'The Smashing Machine.'
What are the minimum spending requirements?
Productions must either spend ¥500M+ (~$3.3M) directly in Japan, or have a total budget over ¥1B (~$6.7M) with ¥200M+ (~$1.3M) Japan spend. Projects that greatly benefit the Japanese film industry may qualify below these thresholds.
Do I need a Japanese production company?
Yes. Only Japanese companies can apply to the program. Fixers in Japan can serve as your designated local partner and handle application requirements.
When can I apply for the incentive?
The program accepts applications in four rounds throughout the year. As a multi-year program starting late spring 2026, productions have greater flexibility in scheduling their Japan shoots.
Maximize Your Production Budget in Japan
Japan's 50% cash rebate program makes it one of Asia's most competitive filming destinations. From Tokyo's neon cityscapes to Kyoto's ancient temples, access stunning locations while recovering half your production costs.
Let our experts guide you through the METI/VIPO Location Incentive Program and help you qualify for the maximum rebate. Contact us to discuss your project requirements.
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