At a
meeting in late 2024, the foreign ministers of Japan and
China reached ten key agreements to strengthen cultural ties , highlighting a focus on
joint production of audiovisual works. Among the most notable
agreements, both sides agreed to promote the joint creation of anime,
live-action series, and documentaries for streaming and distribution. This
also aims to resolve common issues related to cultural policy, such as
transparency in the distribution of Japanese content in China, anti-piracy
measures, and the creation of a safe environment for creators in both
countries.
The
collaboration promises significant benefits for both nations. Japan is
seeking to tap into China's huge market, one of the largest in the world, and
to gain access to a system that offers preferential treatment for its
productions . Films registered under the Japan-China agreement are not
included in the strict quota of foreign films allowed in Chinese theaters,
which represents economic advantages for Japanese producers.
Examples
such as the box office success of “ Detective Conan: Black Iron
Submarine ,” which grossed $22.9 million in China, and “ The
First Slam Dunk ,” which grossed $93 million, demonstrate the
lucrative potential of this market for the anime industry.
But it's
not all good news, Japanese producers face challenges due to the
opacity of content regulations in China, where works must pass reviews by the
National Radio and Television Administration (NRTA). These reviews,
which can take up to 50 days, have made it difficult to simultaneously
distribute anime with Japan, reducing potential licensing revenue by up to 80%
according to industry executives ( this is because the delay in
streaming means that most people prefer to watch it through piracy rather than
reading spoilers on social media ).
The
signing of the deal could also mark a shift toward more stable conditions for
animators, which would benefit both sides. China has begun to ease certain
restrictions, allowing screenings of previously limited films, such as “My
Neighbor Totoro” in 2018 and “Spirited Away” in 2019, decades after their
release in Japan.
If we look
at it in the current context, cooperation not only promises an increase
in the quality and quantity of productions (having both Japanese and Chinese
animators working on the same project), but also higher incomes for Japanese
animators , whose average salary in the industry remains alarmingly
low, at 1,111 yen per hour ($7 USD) according to a 2024 report.
Source: Anime Corner
Copyright © Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan
