Launch of UPCA: Comprehensive Career Support Agency for Creators!

On July 1, 2025, UNITED PRODUCTIONS, a major film and television production company in Japan, announced the launch of a comprehensive career support agency named UPCA (UNITED PRODUCTIONS CREATORS AGENCY). This initiative comes under the umbrella of KeyHolder and aims to address the numerous challenges faced by freelance creators across various fields, including film directors, animators, and more.

UN has been behind popular shows such as "Chidori's Oni Rancher", "Achi Kochi Audrey", and Netflix's "Talk Survivor" series. With this new launch, UPCA seeks to empower freelancers in expressing their creative talents fully. This is the industry's first comprehensive agency that will provide 360-degree support not only in career guidance but also in areas like back-office operations, wellness, employee benefits, and asset management.

The UPCA initiative is hosted by the HR department of UP, which already manages over 270 programs in talent dispatch. By leveraging the extensive knowledge and network that UP possesses, the agency will assist registered creators with various aspects, including language services, contracts, legal matters, and risk management.

"Industry professionals have top-tier skills but often face income disparities compared to their international counterparts," says Atsushi Morita, CEO of UNITED PRODUCTIONS. He emphasizes that these disparities arise from macro factors, including market size and industry structure, not just individual efforts. "As a part of Japan’s creative community, I hold a strong belief that this long-standing issue must be resolved collaboratively. The journey may be long, but we must harness the collective strength of like-minded creators to initiate change. Together, we can revolutionize the current structure and set a brighter future for Japanese creatives."

UPCA's Comprehensive Support Services

Through UPCA, creators can expect a holistic approach to enhance their professional lives. Here are some key support services offered by UPCA:

1. Career Support: Assistance in securing projects, business representation, and proposal development, thereby broadening the career options available.

2. Workation Services: The agency promotes a workation program, enabling creators to work while enjoying vacation spots at special rates in renowned hotels, with arrangements for private stays.

3. Health Check and Insurance Support: Ensures a secure working environment by offering health check examinations and insurance options tailored for work-related incidents.

4. Accounting and Legal Support: A dedicated accounting firm partners with UPCA to handle all aspects of invoicing, contracts, and tax submissions, relieving the creators of administrative burdens.

5. Asset Management Support: UPCA will provide advice on tax saving strategies and financial planning for future security in collaboration with experts.

In response to the industry’s persistent shortage of talent, UPCA aims to create a pipeline of opportunities for creators while simultaneously connecting them with established networks within the industry.

About UNITED PRODUCTIONS

UNITED PRODUCTIONS not only produces a range of shows but also ventures into dramas, films, music videos, and more, constantly pushing the creative envelope. The company has recently made headlines for its contribution to the film "Rurou no Tsuki", which won six awards at the 2023 Japan Academy Awards, alongside engaging projects for Netflix. With the establishment of new strategic initiatives, UNITED PRODUCTIONS is set on a path toward global expansion in 2025.

For more information about UPCA, visit UPCA's website. For direct inquiries, please contact:

Contact:
Atsushi Morita,
Email: s.kaku@united-p.co.jp
Phone: 03-4531-9555