A New Chapter in Cultural Cooperation Between France and Japan Begins in Tokyo

This ceremony, organized by the Embassy of France in Japan and the Institut français du Japon, led to the conclusion of partnerships with various cultural institutions representing both countries in fields such as books, cinema, creative industries, anti-piracy measures, contemporary art, and cultural heritage. The agreements reached on this occasion reflect the common will to realize and develop cultural cooperation between France and Japan in concrete ways, not only through the collaboration of the two nations but also through the cooperation of cultural leaders, institutions, and stakeholders.

Five Highlights of the Ceremony

Japan, Guest of Honor at the Festival du Livre de Paris 2028

With a letter of intent between the Festival du Livre de Paris and the Japan Book Publishers Association, it was announced that Japan will be the guest of honor for the 2028 festival. This declaration is an extension of initiatives from several months prior, including dialogues on Franco-Japanese publishing culture held in Paris and Tokyo in July and November 2025, respectively. These dialogues fostered exchanges of opinions and strengthened relationships among publishers, focusing on public policies regarding books, diversity in publishing, the role of bookstores, and challenges related to copyright and digitalization.

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

Structural Agreement between CNC and VIPO to Strengthen Franco-Japanese Cooperation in Film and Audiovisual Sector

An agreement was concluded between the Centre National du Cinéma et de l'Image Animée (CNC) and the Visual Industry Promotion Organization (VIPO) in the field of film and audiovisual. Based on a shared will to develop cultural and creative industries, this agreement aims to strengthen cooperation and mutual understanding between industry stakeholders in Japan and France.

The main contents of the agreement include sharing best 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 embodied at the upcoming Marché du Film at the Cannes International Film Festival, followed by the Annecy International Animation Film Festival.

Strengthening Cooperation in Anti-Piracy Measures

Two agreements were signed involving the Autorité de régulation de la communication audiovisuelle et numérique (ARCOM), the Content Overseas Distribution Association (CODA), and the Council for Anti-Piracy Measures 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 for Europe and Foreign Affairs, which considers the promotion of international circulation of cultural content a key guideline, the promotion and regulation of content are central to its strategy.

Roppongi Art Night 2026 Focuses on France

Roppongi Art Night, known as a major art stage in Tokyo, will offer cultural events all night long on October 31 and November 1, 2026. For its third edition of the country-focused program "RAN Focus," the organizers have decided to focus on France, inspired by Paris's Nuit Blanche (White Night Festival) and intending to follow its spirit.

This program, with the cooperation of Le Centquatre-Paris, and curated by its artistic director José-Manuel Gonçalvès, will present the landscape of French contemporary art through installations, videos, and performances. The project will be realized with the support of the Institut français in Paris and the Embassy of France in Japan / Institut français du Japon, with the aim of introducing contemporary French creation to Japan and the world.

Cooperation between Cultural Heritage Sites: Sister City Affiliation between Matsumoto Castle and Château de Chambord

A sister city affiliation was concluded between the Domaine national de Chambord and Matsumoto City to strengthen exchanges with a view to enhancing the recognition of cultural properties, cultural engineering, treatment of tourists, and sharing of expertise. This cooperation aims for France and Japan to convey the charm of their respective cultural properties, pass them on to future generations, and launch joint projects that integrate contemporary creation with cultural heritage.

"Today, France and Japan have expressed their intention to further strengthen bilateral ties, adapting them to the realities of modern society. In the current context of increasingly international cultural exchange, changing audiences, and evolving industries, bilateral cooperation emphasizes both tradition and innovation, contemporary creation and heritage."

New Momentum for Franco-Japanese Cultural Cooperation

The agreements signed in Tokyo symbolize a shared aspiration to mobilize public and private organizations, as well as industry stakeholders, in joint projects to strengthen and perpetuate cultural cooperation between France and Japan, guiding bilateral relations into a new chapter.

Recently, a letter of intent signed on March 28 in Nara between the Nara National Museum and the Musée national des arts asiatiques - Guimet, aimed at strengthening cooperation in scientific and cultural exchange, exhibitions, and museum activities, can be seen as part of the same momentum. This agreement was renewed to bring to the forefront a long-cherished relationship, particularly in light of the Guimet Museum's expansion plans.

Furthermore, these initiatives represent a significant step towards major milestone anniversaries for bilateral relations: the 100th anniversary of the Institut français du Japon in 2027 and the 170th anniversary of Franco-Japanese diplomatic relations in 2028.

Embassy of France in Japan

Institut français du Japon

The Institut français du Japon is dedicated to promoting the French language and culture through its network across five cities in Japan (Tokyo, Yokohama, Kyoto, Osaka, Fukuoka). In Kyoto, it also operates Villa Kujoyama, an artist-in-residence program.

Press contact: dg.communication@institutfrancais.jp