CAPE, JETRO Launch Beyond Japan, Pipeline for Rising Filmmakers

The Coalition of Asian Pacifics in Entertainment (CAPE) is partnering with Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) to launch Beyond Japan, a program aimed at connecting Japanese filmmakers with Hollywood opportunities. The initiative, backed by the Japanese government, kicks off virtually this month before transitioning to in-person sessions in Los Angeles.

The inaugural cohort features six Japanese filmmakers: Fujimura Akiyo, whose Amazon Prime and Apple TV-streaming feature “Eriko, Pretended” won the SKIP City Award and who contributed to Kore-eda Hirokazu-produced anthology “Ten Years Japan”; Yoshida Mayumi, Warner Bros. Discovery Access alumna and associate producer on A24/Apple TV+’s “Sunny” starring Rashida Jones; Tsukikawa Sho, director of Japan Academy Prize winner “Let Me Eat Your Pancreas” and Netflix’s manga adaptation “Yu Yu Hakusho,” with upcoming Netflix rom-com “Romantics Anonymous” starring Oguri Shun and Han Hyo-joo; Tokyo-based international production veteran Ü Inose; Shibuya Yu, Venice Film Festival alumnus (“Jitensha”) whose feature directorial debut “Umbrellas for Miharu” releases January 2025; and Fukada Yuske, known for “Tokyo Override” and “Perfect World.”

Selection committee members included Palme d’Or winner Kore-eda, actor-producer Oka Masi, and “Tokyo Vice” executive producer Washio Kayo. The program has secured industry heavyweights as mentors and speakers, including UTA’s Pete Franciosa and Erlan Nyssanov, Orion Pictures president Alana Mayo, and “Minari” producer Christine Oh.

The program emerges as Japanese-Hollywood collaborations like “Shogun,” “Tokyo Vice” and “Monarch: Legacy of Monsters” gain traction in the global market. “We are seeing that shift in our cultural consulting work with studios,” says CAPE executive director Michelle K. Sugihara.

JETRO Los Angeles executive director Tsuwaki Yoshiko notes that Japan’s government has prioritized entertainment as a key economic driver: “We are delighted to partner with CAPE, who have a proven expertise in developing Asians in the entertainment industry.”

The initiative will conclude with J-SCREEN, a two-day event featuring screenings at the Academy Museum and a networking session at Neuehouse Hollywood, spotlighting U.S.-Japan co-productions.

Program partners include AGBO, United Talent Agency, Japan House Los Angeles, Plug and Play, Nothing New and Synepic Entertainment.