FY2012 Cool Japan Strategy Promotion Program-Announcement of 15 Programs Adopted-

From the perspective of constructing a new business model that can obtain even more profits from abroad, METI is aiming to increase the value added to, and to improve the international competitiveness of Japanese industry, by incorporating the element of "Cool Japan" into Japanese products and services based on Japanese lifestyle and values as well as the new industrial structure in Japan,.

For this purpose, it is necessary to establish a mechanism for "large profit-earning," by developing and reinforcing distribution systems, utilizing the appeal of content when acquiring markets abroad (outbound), and by exploring regional commodities and reinforcing the transmission of information when attracting tourists and revitalizing a region (inbound).

From such a perspective, in order to support the expansion of businesses abroad by companies and creators who assume the role of diffusing "Cool Japan," METI decided to implement the FY2012 Cool Japan Strategy Promotion Programs, following the 13 programs of the last fiscal year.

Application period:

From May 17 to June 13, 2012

Number of programs applied for:

110

Assumed number of programs adopted:

15* (Refer to the Appendix for the outline of adopted programs(PDF:214KB) (in Japanese))

METI will continue to aim for sustainable development of businesses related to "Cool Japan" through the steady implementation of the programs adopted.

* As for the examination of programs, independent committee members evaluated the proposed programs from the perspectives listed below, and programs that obtained high scores were adopted.

(1) Whether the program meets the selection criteria, such as aiming for collaboration with those who assume the role of diffusing "Cool Japan."

I. Collaboration with distributors and/or developers, etc.
II. Collaboration with global companies by utilizing content
III. Utilization of regional resources and collaboration with human resources to be playing a role as a producer of the resources.

(2) Whether the proposed program has point-addition factors, such as high feasibility, self-reliance, and a spread effect.

July 24, 2012

Creative Industries Division, Commerce and Information Policy Bureau