Korea’s most forward-thinking content companies are heading to Japan this September for Content Apex Japan 2025, a high-impact international exchange program designed to foster deep learning and collaboration between Korea’s IP innovators and Japan’s top-tier media companies.
Organized by the Korea Creative Content Agency (KOCCA) in partnership with beSUCCESS, the program will run from September 16 to 19, 2025, across Tokyo. It brings together a curated delegation of approximately 15 senior Korean executives from leading companies across webtoons, games, animation, drama, music, virtual influencers, and content tech.
Unlike typical trade delegations focused on short-term deals, Content Apex Japan 2025 is designed as a closed-door, high-trust forum where leaders from both countries can explore the future of intellectual property (IP) in today’s cross-platform content world.
Program Highlights
- Dates: September 16 (Tuesday) – September 19 (Friday), 2025
- Format: 1-hour visits per host (30-min expert session + 30-min Q&A)
- Language: Japanese (with professional interpretation provided)
- Participants: ~15 top Korean executives and IP creators, all vetted by KOCCA
Exploring Japan’s Cross-Platform Content Mastery
Japan has long set the gold standard for building, scaling, and monetizing IP across formats and borders. Through carefully curated visits and expert sessions, the Korean delegation will engage with leading companies across:
- Gaming & Interactive Entertainment: Exploring how original IPs extend across games, anime, and merchandise, while achieving long-term global success.
- Animation & Film Production: Understanding adaptation strategies, co-productions, and global fandom management.
- Manga & Publishing: Gaining insights into serialization, platform growth, and international expansion.
- Broadcasting & TV: Learning how traditional networks collaborate with digital players and nurture new IP.
- OTT & Streaming: Examining localized storytelling, digital distribution, and serialized content strategies.
- Music & Talent: Studying cross-platform artist management, virtual idols, and IP-based storytelling.
- Character Merchandising: Discovering the DNA of Japan’s character business, from VTubers to theme parks and global licensing models.
From Piccoma to Pinkfong: Korea’s Best on Display
The Korean delegation includes companies that are already reshaping global content landscapes. Past participants have included:
- Kakao Entertainment, operator of Piccoma, Japan’s top-grossing manga app
- Found, the creator behind Baby Shark’s global phenomenon
- Studio Flow, producer of global K-drama hits like Itaewon Class
- LOCUS, a leader in CGI and virtual influencers
- Nanali Studios, indie game developers with millions of downloads worldwide
Each company joining the 2025 cohort has passed a rigorous selection process by KOCCA, ensuring that only those with proven innovation, market success, and global aspirations take part.
Strategic Opportunity for Host Companies
Japanese companies interested in hosting the delegation will have the opportunity to connect with key decision-makers shaping Korea’s next wave of global content IPs. The format is designed to be low-commitment, flexible, and fully supported by KOCCA and beSUCCESS.
Suggested topics for host presentations include:
- Cross-Media IP Strategy: From Manga to Franchise
- Globalizing Anime and Game IP
- Virtual Influencers & Fan Economy
- Merchandising and Character IP Development
- AI, XR & Immersive Storytelling Innovation
An Invitation to Japan’s Industry Leaders
KOCCA and beSUCCESS are inviting Japan’s most influential companies to serve as hosts and knowledge partners for this initiative. Each visit will feature a one-hour session, combining expert insights with open discussion, facilitated by professional interpreters. From manga giants like Kodansha and Kadokawa to gaming innovators and animation studios, these exchanges promise to unlock new pathways for cooperation and co-creation.
Looking Ahead
Content Apex Japan 2025 builds on the success of its 2024 edition, which featured visits to companies including Kodansha, Shochiku, Kadokawa, MBS, Aniplex, Dimps, and Active Gaming Media. With the stage set for deeper cross-cultural synergy, this year’s program promises to spark fresh ideas and enduring partnerships that will drive the next wave of content innovation across Asia.
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