NOTHING NEW Selected as Operator for 3rd Term Film/Video Division of Creator Acceleration Program "Sofu"

NOTHING NEW Inc. (Representative Director: Kentaro Hayashi / Location: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo; hereinafter "NOTHING NEW") has been selected to participate as the operator of the "Film/Video Division" in the Creator Acceleration Program "Sofu" (read: Sofu), which is part of the FY2025 Supplementary Budget Content Industry Growth Investment Support Project Subsidy (IP New Creation Support) Startup Support Project (Film/Video Division). Furthermore, applications for FY2026 commenced on March 31.

What is "Sofu"?

It is an acceleration (business growth support) program that supports the creation, dissemination, and business development of content, aiming to discover and foster next-generation creators and entertainment startups who will lead the future.

The program started in FY2024 under the name "Sofu," and we have accompanied over 30 creators in the film and video industry who aspire to global success.

In the 3rd term of the "Sofu" project, we aim to broaden our scope and discover new talent, not only across genres such as live-action, animation, and VR, but also regardless of length or method, including vertical, short, and medium-to-long form content.

Additionally, from this fiscal year, the subsidy limit has been changed, allowing for a maximum subsidy of 10 million JPY per creator (applications from teams and corporations are also accepted). During the project period, mentors and supporters will provide guidance not only for production but also for future business development.

This year, to support creators who wish to expand their activities both domestically and internationally, supporters from various fields will also participate during the project period.

During the project period, opportunities will also be provided to present works to stakeholders both inside and outside the industry.

Furthermore, creators will retain all rights to the selected works. Applications began on March 31, 2026 (Tuesday), and the project period is scheduled for approximately 9 months, from around June 2026 to the end of February 2027.

NOTHING NEW will continue to work this year to invigorate the entire film and video industry through this program, together with talents aiming for global recognition.

[About "Sofu"]

■Purpose

By supporting the creation, dissemination, and business development of content, and by discovering and fostering next-generation creators and entertainment startups, the program aims to expand the market size of Japan's content industry.

■Program Implementation Period

Around June 2026 to end of February 2027 (planned)

■Application Period

~April 30, 2026 (Thursday)

■Application Requirements
(Excerpt from the application guidelines. Please be sure to read all materials before applying)

• Applications are accepted from "individuals," "teams" (composed of 2 or more individuals / no limit on number of people), or "corporations."

• In all cases, the representative must be a Japanese national or have permanent residency in Japan.

• For corporations, they must be Japanese corporations with their head office located in Japan.

• Must have graduated junior high school by April 1, 2026 (no age limit if junior high school graduate or above).