Japan, Thailand join forces for toon JV

Japanese broadcaster Nippon TV is one of three partners behind a new joint venture business aimed at creating animated coproductions for the international market.

Another Japanese first, Nikkatsu Corporation and Thailand-based entertainment company Katana Group are the other investors in the JV, which is named Katana Japan Corporation.

Nikkatsu will own a majority 51% stake, with Katana taking 39% and Nippon the other 10%. It will be based in Japan and initial capital of ¥100 million (US$1 million).

The JV will seek to obtain commissions for computer graphics-produced programmes in Japan, but will use Katana’s resources to coproduce internationally.

Katana is a major TV producer in Thailand, and has been seeking to expand its business in Japan following the launch of subsidiaries in Indonesia, Cambodia and Vietnam.