#Japan #Tokyo #Cool Japan #Content Revitalization #Local Economies

The Positive Cycle Plan for Content and Regional Revitalization

Japan has a rich tradition of anime and manga, which has the potential to significantly boost local economies through initiatives such as inviting film shoots and so-called "pilgrimages" to locations featured in these works. These activities can attract tourists, create new industries, and revitalize rural areas. By nurturing emerging local creators and fostering the development of regionally rooted content, this plan aims to create a sustainable loop that connects content with the revitalization of local economies. The focus is on leveraging local resources, including food and culture, in conjunction with content production.

In June this year, the Intellectual Property Strategy Headquarters convened and decided to implement the "Positive Cycle Plan for Content and Regional Revitalization" as part of its Intellectual Property Promotion Plan 2025. This plan aims to designate approximately 200 content-based regional revitalization hubs by 2033. By enhancing the attractiveness of local tourism, including accommodations, the initiative will encourage public-private partnerships to create significant economic ripple effects driven by content, collectively known as "Content Regional Revitalization Hubs."

Key Initiatives and Goals

The plan aims to draw tourists by showcasing how local culture integrates with popular content, thus creating new value for the region and enhancing its economy. There are three primary types of initiatives that applicants can focus on:
1. Content Tourism Promotion: This approach centers on increasing regional value through tourism related to popular content, such as anime and manga, thereby driving visitor spending and generating economic growth. Examples include anime tourism and location-based tourism.

2. Content Industry Promotion: Initiatives under this category aim at fostering the creation of local content and nurturing Talent in the content industry. These can involve establishing training programs for creators, setting up production studios, and actively promoting local content at events.

3. Complex Initiatives: These initiatives combine elements from both content tourism and content industry promotion to create a multifaceted approach to regional revitalization.

Application Process

The applications for the 2025 Content Regional Revitalization Hubs opened on October 21, 2025, and will remain open until December 17, 2025. Local municipalities, prefectures, DMOs, tourism associations, and other organizations responsible for content promotion and regional development are eligible to apply. Collaborative applications from multiple entities are also welcomed.

Selection of the Content Regional Revitalization Hubs will be conducted based on recommendations from an expert committee and the Cool Japan Strategy Council, which is expected to meet in 2025.

Further Resources and Contact Information

For those interested in applying, guidelines, formats, and detailed instructions are available in PDF format. For any inquiries regarding applications, the designated contact is the "Content Regional Revitalization Hub 2025" Secretariat, located within the Intellectual Property Strategy Promotion Office of the Cabinet Office.

Inquiries are primarily accepted via email, and applicants should ensure they follow specific naming conventions for their submissions. Important deadlines and submission guidelines must be meticulously followed to ensure a successful application process.

As this plan unfolds, it holds great promise for enhancing Japan's cultural export potential and sealing the synergy between local resources and content production, ultimately leading to thriving communities and robust local economies.