Sino-Japanese Animation and Comic Collaboration Opens New Horizons in Chengdu

During the 2025 Chinese Spring Festival, the animated film Nezha 2, produced in Chengdu, achieved remarkable success by becoming one of the top five highest-grossing films in global box office history. This phenomenal achievement not only showcased the strength of Chinese animated films but also shone a spotlight on the potential for growth within the animation and comic industries, both locally and internationally.

On April 18, 2025, the city of Chengdu hosted an International Salon themed "Linking the World with Industrial Interaction," with a special focus on fostering collaboration between the animation and comic sectors of China and Japan. Organized by the National Business Daily and its think tank, the event gathered a diverse array of stakeholders, including industry representatives, scholars, experts, and professionals from both nations. This gathering represented a significant step towards establishing Chengdu as a global hub for the animation and comic industries.

The salon’s agenda included project roadshows and roundtable discussions aimed at enhancing communication and cooperation. Attendees exchanged valuable insights and experiences, ultimately working towards making Chengdu a pivotal player on the global stage for animation and comics. A noteworthy aspect of the event was the speech delivered by a representative from KADOKAWA Corporation, one of Japan's leading cultural enterprises. They called for the creation of a systematic exchange mechanism between Chengdu and Japan to strengthen industry collaboration.

Representatives from various Chengdu-based companies showcased their creative successes in areas such as TV cartoons, comic books, and video games. Alongside their presentation of innovative projects, they acknowledged that a conducive business environment in Chengdu, including supportive local policies and efficient administrative processes, significantly contributed to their achievements. This positive atmosphere has proven to be essential in nurturing local talents and fostering creativity.

Chengdu is home to rich cultural backgrounds, including historical narratives from the Ancient Shu Civilization and the captivating tales of the Three Kingdoms. Such cultural wealth presents a unique opportunity for the animation and comic industries to thrive. Professor Hiroaki Inoue from Kibi International University shared his insights on the importance of leveraging traditional cultural intellectual properties (IPs) to empower the industry further. Drawing experiences from his involvement with the production of the iconic NEON GENESIS EVANGELION, he highlighted how integrating traditional IPs can invigorate the sector while preserving cultural heritage.

By contemplating the integration of international production and distribution models with local creativity, experts believe that Chengdu's industry could evolve to become a dynamic ambassador for the city—and perhaps the entire nation—in global communications. Such developments are particularly relevant as China continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of global culture through animation and comics.

The recent event in Chengdu was an auspicious beginning for increased collaboration within the animation and comic industries between two nations that have historically influenced one another. As both sides embark on this journey of creative exchange, the potential for innovation is boundless, paving the way for a brighter, collaborative future in the world of animation and comics.