A New Chapter in Culture for France and Japan Begins in Tokyo

The ceremony, organized by the French Embassy in Japan and Institut français, saw the conclusion of partnerships with various cultural institutions representing both countries in areas such as books, cinema, creative industries, anti-piracy measures, contemporary art, and cultural heritage. The agreements reached on this occasion reflect a shared desire to concretely realize and develop cultural cooperation between France and Japan, not only through cultural links but also through the collaboration of cultural leaders, institutions, and stakeholders.

## Five Highlights of the Ceremony

### Japan, Guest Country for the 2028 Festival du Livre de Paris

An intention letter between the Festival du Livre de Paris and the Japan Book Publishers Association publicly announced that Japan would be the guest country for the 2028 festival. This declaration extends efforts initiated several months ago, including dialogues on Franco-Japanese publishing culture held in Paris and Tokyo in July and November 2025, respectively. These dialogues facilitated exchanges of opinions and strengthened relationships among publishers, focusing on public policies regarding books, publishing diversity, the role of bookstores, and issues related to copyright and digitalization.

Furthermore, this intention letter is supported by ongoing exchanges between the two countries. France is Japan's largest manga export market, with sales exceeding 35 million copies in 2024, attesting to the strong ties between the industries of both nations.

### Structural Agreement for Strengthening Franco-Japanese Cooperation in the Film and Audiovisual Sector by CNC and VIPO

An agreement was concluded between the French National Centre for Cinema and the Moving Image (CNC) and the Visual Industry Promotion Organization (VIPO) to enhance cooperation in the film and audiovisual sector. This agreement, based on a shared will to develop cultural and creative industries, aims to strengthen collaboration and mutual understanding among industry stakeholders in Japan and France.

The main contents of the agreement include sharing good practices in public policy and creative support, developing skills and careers, fostering relationships between professionals and companies to encourage co-productions, and supporting joint initiatives such as residencies, workshops, Franco-Japanese mentor programs, and business meetings. This cooperation will be realized at the upcoming Marché du Film at the Cannes International Film Festival, followed by the Annecy International Animation Film Festival.

### Enhanced Cooperation in Anti-Piracy Measures

Two agreements were signed with the French regulatory authority for audiovisual and digital communication (ARCOM), the Content Overseas Distribution Association (CODA), and the Anti-Piracy Measures Council for Manga and Webtoons (AMW). These agreements aim to combat piracy of literary works and protect rights to optimize the activities of publishers and regulatory bodies.

For the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs, which prioritizes the international promotion of cultural content, the promotion and regulation of content are central to its strategy.

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