Amazon MGM Doubles Down on Japanese Originals

Amazon MGM Studios has announced a doubling of its investment in original Japanese content, signaling a significant expansion of its live-action film and series production slate. Buddy Marini, head of Japan for the studio, revealed this strategy during TIFFCOM, emphasizing a shift towards creating original content for global audiences.

The studio is collaborating with partners like Korea's Studio Dragon and Japanese entities such as Credeus, Toho, TV Tokyo, and Wowow. While many productions are tailored for Japanese viewers, the overarching goal is to achieve international reach across diverse genres including drama and anime.

Among the upcoming projects is a live-action adaptation of the popular light novel series, 'The Apothecary Diaries,' starring Mana Ashida. Co-produced with Toho, this series is slated for a worldwide exclusive release on Prime Video in 2028.

Amazon MGM Studios is also working on other adaptations, including 'Chloe And Emma' with Wowow and 'Criminal' with TV Tokyo. Previous collaborations include a Japanese rendition of 'Marry My Husband' and adaptations of manga like 'The Silent Service' and the video game series 'Like a Dragon: Yakuza.'

Marini stressed the importance of high-quality scripts and creative development to ensure content resonates internationally. The studio is flexible regarding release formats, considering both theatrical and streaming options.

During the 'Unlocking the Global Potential of Japanese IP' panel, other industry leaders shared insights. Shinzo Matsuhashi of Credeus discussed retaining IP rights for projects like the 'Blue Lock' feature, aiming for structures similar to Hollywood. Steven Maeda, showrunner for Netflix's live-action 'One Piece,' detailed the challenges of adapting beloved manga, balancing fan expectations with broader audience appeal and budget considerations.