Amazon MGM Studios Japan To Double Investment In Original Content; ‘One Piece’ & ‘Kingdom’ Producers Talk IP Strategies – TIFFCOM
Amazon MGM Studios Japan says it has doubled investment in original Japanese content, aiming to make films, series and anime that can reach audiences worldwide. The move marks a shift towards commissioning more original work, while working with Japanese and Korean production partners and keeping flexibility over theatrical and streaming releases.
The investment figure was not disclosed. Projects include a live-action adaptation of The Apothecary Diaries, starring Mana Ashida and due to stream worldwide on Prime Video in 2028, as well as recent manga and game adaptations. At TIFFCOM, Kingdom producer Shinzo Matsuhashi also described a joint venture with publisher Kodansha to hold rights to the Blue Lock feature, reflecting efforts by production companies to retain a stake in valuable intellectual property.
In short
- Amazon MGM Studios Japan has doubled its investment in original content.
- Its Japanese slate includes live-action, anime and theatrical films.
- A Kingdom producer outlined plans to retain rights to Blue Lock.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Doubling investment could give Japanese creators and production partners more opportunities to develop original films, series and anime, while bringing their work to wider international audiences. Retaining rights through joint ventures may also let producers share in the long-term value of successful stories and build sustainable creative businesses.
The case against
A larger investment does not by itself guarantee that projects will serve local audiences or preserve creators’ control, particularly when global reach shapes commissioning choices. With the amount undisclosed and rights concentrated in commercial partnerships, it is difficult to judge how benefits and risks will be shared among producers, publishers and creators.
Explained simply
Amazon MGM Studios is the Japanese arm of the film and television company behind Prime Video. It commissions and produces films, series and anime, often working with local studios and rights holders to adapt stories from books, comics and games.
Japanese publishers and producers hold rights to many popular stories, known as intellectual property, or IP. Retaining a stake in those rights can give them a role in decisions about how a story is adapted and distributed, and a share in its future value.
The projects involve Japanese performers, creators, publishers and production companies, with Korean partners also part of the wider strategy. Their work may be released in cinemas, on streaming services or both, while global streaming can introduce Japanese stories to audiences abroad.
Asia Business Companies Entertainment Film TV World