The Broadcast Program Export Association of Japan (BEAJ) returns to MIPCOM Cannes with their signature session: “JAPANESE FORMAT SHOWCASE – Treasure Box Japan (TBJ)”, highlighting the best new television formats from Japanese broadcasters. According to Makito Sugiyama, Executive Director of BEAJ, ‘this year’s lineup features a diverse selection, from game shows and documentary-style location programs to long-running, iconic shows that have enjoyed domestic success but are now being introduced to the global market for the first time’.
Sugiyama spoke with Prensario about BEAJ’s participation at MIPCOM. ‘The number of showcased formats has expanded from six to nine compared to lstyear’, said. ‘This reflects BEAJ’s commitment to providing a wider array of high-quality content’. Attendees have opportunities to engage with licensors and explore innovative formats at the booth, with discussions planned following the second day of the event.
Key formats to be introduced are:
- Man or Mannequin? – A game show where contestants find mannequins hidden around the city.
- The Tortoise and The Hare – A program where teams receive different types of training, inspired by Aesop’s Fables.
- The Swap Project – A series that features individuals from different cultures swapping lives for a week, exploring cultural differences and shared experiences.
- QUIZ 100! – A quiz show featuring 100 contestants competing against an expert.
- KASSO – A competition featuring top skateboarders in a challenging outdoor environment.
- In The Middle of Nowhere – A series that investigates isolated houses in Japan.
- Treasure Appraisers – A long-running show where guests bring treasures to be appraised by experts, now offered internationally for the first time.
- DASUNA – Don’t Show Your Pants! – A game show where contestants compete to keep their underwear hidden during various challenges.
- Celebrity Fight Club – A competition where celebrities compete with fans to win challenges.
Sugiyama also highlights the evolving landscape of Japanese broadcasting, stating, ‘The longstanding competition among broadcasting stations in Japan for viewer ratings has fostered a vibrant ecosystem for creators to explore diverse ideas. Japan holds a remarkable record in format localization, with more than 90 titles, nearly 400 localized versions, and thousands of episodes based on them created worldwide, including global hits like Iron Chef, Dragons’ Den and Ninja Warrior.
Looking ahead, BEAJ plans to strengthen its international presence through strategic partnerships and initiatives, including the Japan Program Catalog (JPC), which allows global industry professionals to access trailers and connect with rights holders. Sugiyama added, ‘Our focus is on broadening the international visibility of Japanese content and strengthening our global partnerships through a mix of digital platforms and international events’.
Overall, BEAJ’s participation at MIPCOM seeks to forge new connections and expand the reach of Japanese television programming worldwide.
