MUFG plans movie production fund to boost Japan's content industry

First round of funding will go to company by publisher Kodansha

A joint venture of Kodansha and the producer of the movie "Kingdom" will receive the first round of funding for one live-action film. (Source photos by Nikkei)

YUKI SEKIGUCHI

June 3, 2025 00:18 JST

TOKYO -- Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group is launching a fund to finance Japanese movie production, starting with a more than 6 billion yen ($42 million) investment in a business set up by publisher Kodansha, aiming to boost the competitiveness of the nation's content industry.

MUFG Bank will contribute about 6.6 billion yen to the fund, with external institutional investors also being invited to contribute. The total size of the fund will not be disclosed.