ABC Animation Launches “‘Modern Tokiwa-sou’ Entrepreneur Training Program” for Anime and Manga Creators
ABC Animation has officially opened applications for the first cohort of its groundbreaking “‘Modern Tokiwa-sou’ Entrepreneur Training Program.” This exciting initiative is a key part of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government’s “Support Project for Animators and Other Creators Soaring to the World.” The program warmly invites aspiring creators who are eager to establish innovative business models within the vibrant anime and manga industries, focusing on leveraging cutting-edge digital technology to craft original IP and expand their reach globally.
A Hub for Innovation at TCIC
The “‘Modern Tokiwa-sou’ Entrepreneur Training Program” is specifically designed to empower creators in the anime and manga fields. It offers a dedicated atelier lab within the Tokyo Content Incubation Center (TCIC), providing a focused environment where participants can immerse themselves fully in their creative endeavors. Beyond offering a conducive workspace, the program provides crucial knowledge and expertise in advanced technologies and facilitates invaluable matchmaking opportunities with content businesses and other industry stakeholders, offering robust support for their business development within the anime and manga sectors.
Through an approximately one-year journey, the program delivers a comprehensive support package. This includes personalized guidance on digital production skills from dedicated support staff, essential business acumen, and practical fundraising know-how. It also provides “exit support” mechanisms such as market development and extensive networking with potential collaborators, investors, and other vital partners. The ultimate goal is to cultivate a new generation of creative entrepreneurs who will launch innovative business models, focusing on generating original IP through digital technology and achieving global recognition. The program fosters an environment where not only can individuals create unique content, but animators and manga artists can also work in a shared space. This collaboration is set to harness their individual expertise, fostering synergistic effects through interdisciplinary cooperation, leading to the creation of truly captivating works and unprecedented business models.
Program Structure and Milestones
The program for the first cohort is scheduled to commence in October Reiwa 7 (2025). Initially, from October 2025 to March Reiwa 8 (2026), participants will engage in a series of seven comprehensive lectures. These sessions will cover the application of digital technologies like AI and motion capture, along with hands-on content creation tasks based on a common theme. In March 2026, a “Task Presentation” event will be held, inviting key industry professionals. Here, participants will proudly present the content they developed based on the common theme provided by the program’s secretariat.
Following this, from April to September Reiwa 8 (2026), the focus will shift to developing prototype works centered around each participant’s unique original IP. Concurrent with this creative process, participants will meticulously formulate detailed business plans aimed at commercialization. The program culminates in September 2026 with a “Prototype Presentation,” where content companies, venture capitalists (VCs), financial institutions, and other potential collaborators will be invited to witness the unveiling of these innovative original IP prototypes and their comprehensive business plans.
Application Details
Eligibility for this exciting program is open to:
- Corporations (within 10 years of establishment) or sole proprietors currently operating anime or manga-related businesses in Tokyo.
- Individuals who are planning to establish a business in Tokyo.
The application period is from August 22nd to September 21st, Reiwa 7 (2025). For detailed information regarding required application documents and the submission process, please visit the official website.
Key Program Outline
“‘Modern Tokiwa-sou’ Entrepreneur Training Program” First Cohort
Application Guidelines:
- Eligibility: Corporations (within 10 years of establishment) or sole proprietors operating anime or manga-related businesses in Tokyo, OR individuals planning to start a business in Tokyo.
- Application Period: From August 22nd to September 21st, Reiwa 7 (2025).
- How to Apply: Please apply via the official website. *For details on required documents, etc., please refer to the official website.
Program Overview:
Through an approximately one-year program, comprehensive support will be provided. This includes guidance on digital production skills from dedicated support staff, provision of business knowledge and fundraising know-how, and “exit support” such as market development and networking with collaborators and investors.
- Lectures (October Reiwa 7 (2025) to March Reiwa 8 (2026)): Digital technology utilization lectures (AI, motion capture, etc.) and task-based content creation on a common theme (7 sessions in total).
- Task Presentation (March Reiwa 8 (2026)): Presentation of content created based on a common theme provided by the secretariat. Held with invited industry professionals.
- Prototype Creation (April to September Reiwa 8 (2026)): Create prototype works based on individual original IP. Develop business plans for commercialization in parallel with creative work.
- Prototype Presentation (September Reiwa 8 (2026)): Invite content companies, VCs, financial institutions, etc., who are potential collaborators, to present original IP prototypes and business plans.
*The program content may be subject to change in the future.
By Nakase Koutarou
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