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“THE ECONOMIC CONTRIBUTION OF THE JAPANESE FILM AND TELEVISION INDUSTRY” REPORT EMPLOYED AS EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS AT THE FILM INDUSTRY CAREER SEMINAR

  • 25Dec 2013

Japan and International Motion Picture Copyright Association (JIMCA) distributed a report on “The Economic Contribution of the Japanese Film and Television Industry” to approximately 800 students attending a film career seminar.

The seminar was part of the “Media/Audio and Visual Industry Career Seminars” series organized by leading companies in Music, Television, Animation, Advertisement and Internet, Games, and Films. Hosted by the Visual Industry Promotion Organization (VIPO), an incorporated nonprofit organization, the seminar targeted college students and master's students due to graduate in March 2015.

This report was launched by MPAA (Motion Picture Association of America) Chairman and CEO Senator Christopher J. Dodd at the 25th Tokyo International Film Festival MPA seminar in 2012 and was created with the support of film and television industrial bodies in Japan, such as Motion Picture Producers Association of Japan, Inc.; Japan Association of Theatre Owners; Foreign Film Importer-Distributors Association of Japan; The Association of Japanese Animations; The Japan Commercial Broadcasters Association; Japan Video Software Association; and Compact Disc & Video Rental Commerce Trade Association of Japan, etc. The report revealed that the film and television industry in Japan made an economic contribution of 11 trillion yen and created 260,000 jobs for the Japanese economy.

A third-year economics student who attended the seminar said, “I consider the film industry as one that many aspire to be a part of. After looking through the details of the economic contribution report, it made me realize the significance of the industry. As emphasized at today's seminar, I think that the economic scale would continue to grow as the Japanese film industry expands abroad. From this viewpoint, the report from Hollywood created by the MPAA was very interesting. I would like to use the information for my further study of the industry.”

        

MR. MICHAEL C. ELLIS OF MPA PRESENTS CERTIFICATES OF APPRECIATION TO SAITAMA PREFECTURAL POLICE CYBER CRIME DIVISION AND OMIYA POLICE STATION DURING VISIT TO JAPAN

  • 20Dec 2013


* From the left: Mr. Masao Hosoda, Chief of Omiya Police Station; Mr. Michael C. Ellis, President and Managing Director Asia Pacific, MPA; Mr. Yuichi Kondo, Cyber Crime Division Chief, Saitama Prefectural Police

Tokyo: On December 18, 2013, Mr. Michael C. Ellis, President and Managing Director, Asia‐Pacific, Motion Picture Association (MPA), visited Japan and presented Certificates of Appreciation to the Saitama Prefectural Police Cyber Crime Division and the Omiya Police Station. The commendation expressed gratitude for the daily contributions that the officers have made to protecting intellectual property rights, movie copyright and the eradication of counterfeit products. The presentation was held at the Omiya Police Station.

This year, the Saitama Prefectural Police Cyber Crime Division and the Omiya Police Station successfully executed investigations and crackdowns on illegal uploaders operating on the FC2 Video website and five suspects were arrested during the operations. All suspects were found guilty.

This is the first case in Japan where the illegal uploaders of copyrighted films belonging to MPAA member companies to FC2 Video were arrested. In addition, the five successful crackdowns of illegal uploaders associated with website FC2 Video was a significant operation that sent a strong warning to those possibly contemplating illegal activities on video sharing websites in the future.
Given the high profile success, Mr. Ellis visited Japan to express his gratitude directly to Mr. Masao Hosoda, Chief of Omiya Police Station; and Mr. Yuichi Kondo, Cyber Crime Division Chief, Saitama Prefectural Police, for their work on FC2 Video and far-reaching working involving copyright infringement and intellectual property crime. Mr. Ellis expressed that he hoped to see continued criminal actions taken against those involved in copyright infringement.

JIMCA LAUNCHES SMARTPHONE-COMPATIBLE EDUCATIONAL WEBSITE “LEARNING INTERNET ETIQUETTE VIA SMARTPHONES”

  • 16Dec 2013

With the intention to improve the young-generation smartphone users' online etiquette as well as to promote respect for copyright, Japan and International Motion Picture Copyright Association (JIMCA); the Kyoto Prefectural Police Headquarters Cyber Crime Division; and the Kyoto Computer Gakuin (The Kyoto College of Graduate Studies for Informatics) coproduced a smartphone-compatible educational website called “Learning Internet Etiquette via Smartphones”.

The website was launched on December 16, 2013, at the “Winter Holiday Cyber Crime Prevention Class” co-hosted by the Kyoto Prefectural Police Headquarters Cyber Crime Division, and the Kyoto Computer Gakuin. During which, a leaflet printed with a QR (Quick Response) code was handed out to 500 students from the Rakunan Junior High School. Scanning the QR code with a smartphone will direct the user to the website.

The leaflet will also be distributed directly to another 15,000 junior high school and high school students expected to attend subsequent “Cyber Crime Prevention Classes” conducted by the Kyoto Prefectural Police.

Mr. Takashi Ajimura, Representative Director of JIMCA, delivered a lecture on “Careful considerations regarding movies and music on the internet” and provided detailed explanations with regard to knowingly downloading illegally uploaded contents which has become subject to criminal penalties since October 2012, along with the dangers of P2P sharing.


Followed by the lecture “In order to avoid involvement in cyber crimes” given by Mr. Kondo, Subsection Chief of Kyoto Prefectural Police Cyber Crime Division, the website was introduced.

The site is divided into three sections, “Manners”, “Rules”, and “Quiz”. Of which, animation is used to explain online etiquette and rules of using the internet. After each explanation of the chapter is given, users will advance to the Quiz section where they can tackle questions.

At the class, students were asked to access the website via a smartphone and try out the quizzes. The female student who performed the voice dub for the animations told the participants, “There will be more chances for everyone to use a smartphone, and I hope that they will use it in an enjoyable and safe manner.”


Mr. Mori, Cyber Crime Division Chief of Kyoto Prefectural Police Headquarters, also said, “The internet is a convenient and pleasant tool; however, it can also bring you unexpected trouble or even make yourself become a criminal with just one single click if you are unaware of the rules and manners of using it. Particularly, copyright infringement is one of the sweetest temptations for young generations. In order to avoid having any regrets in the future, I hope that everyone can acquire the right knowledge and take the correct action while feeling safe to enjoy the internet. To that end, please make good use of this site.”

This event was also widely reported by the mass media. JIMCA will continue to actively participate in cyber crime prevention activities and to work in cooperation with industry, government, and schools for these activities in the future.



QR code and website of Learning Internet Etiquette via Smartphones:

THE 26th TOKYO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL CO-PRESENT MPA SEMINAR “FUTURE OF ONLINE DISTRIBUTION OF FILMS”

  • 21Oct 2013

Tokyo: On Monday October 21, 2013, Japan and International Motion Picture Copyright Association (JIMCA) and the 26th Tokyo International Film Festival co-hosted the MPA Seminar “Future of Online Distribution of Films” with the support of the U.S. Embassy and Federation of Japanese Films Industry, Inc. (FJFI).

During the seminar, the keynote speech “The rapid evolution of legitimate online digital business” was delivered by Mr. Michael P. O'Leary, Senior Executive Vice President, Global Policy and External Affairs, Motion Picture Association of America.


*Mr. Michael P. O'Leary
Senior Executive Vice President, Global Policy and External Affairs, Motion Picture Association of America
(C)2013TIFF


*Mr. Michael C. Ellis
President and Managing Director,Asia-Pacific Region, Motion Picture Association
(C)2013TIFF
Mr. Ira Deutchman, Managing Partner of Emerging Pictures, Professor of Professional Practice in the School of the Arts at Columbia University, Chair of the Film Program, renowned not only for film production but also for marketing and distribution, was invited as a special guest and also gave the keynote speech “The progress and expectations for new digital distribution models for feature films”. During the speech, Mr. Deutchman provided explanations on “curators who can provide appropriate recommendations to the audiences would be the future distributors.” and “the prospects for the future of digital distribution models for feature films”.

In the second half of the seminar, a panel discussion “Developing the Online Viewing Experience” was held, for which Mr. Tomohiro Tohyama, Attorney‐At‐Law, Partner, TMI Associates, was invited as the Moderator of the discussion. Mr. Seiji Sugimoto, President of niwango. Inc., Mr. Buddy Marini, Managing Director of Hulu Japan LLC., Mr. Zhu Huilong, Senior Vice President of Youku Tudou Inc., and Mr. Toshihiko Kamiya, Executive Secretary, GyaO Corporation, were selected and featured as the panelists, and the exchange of the discussion was very positive.

The seminar was also broadcast live via Niconico Live channel on the same day, and many people were able to view this seminar as well. Along with the broadcast, the seminar venue was full of attendees from all over the movie community.


The 1st MPA/DHU FILM WORKSHOP
-MOVIE SCRIPT SYNOPSIS (SUMMERY) CONTEST-

  • 20Oct 2013

The Best Work Award was selected by the Judgment of the Participants' Presentations

Tokyo: On Sunday October 20, 2013, MPA/JIMCA (Japan and International Motion Picture Copyright Association) and DHU (Digital Hollywood University) launched The 1st MPA/DHU Film Workshop at the Surugadai Campus of DHU, inviting some of the most famous Japanese and overseas movie directors and producers to the workshop.

Along with the presentations by Mr. Ira Deutchman, Managing Partner of Emerging Pictures, Professor of Professional Practice in the School of the Arts at Columbia University, Chair of the Film Program, renowned not only for film production but also for marketing and distribution, a panel discussion by the famous Japanese and overseas movie directors and producers was held; and the second as well as the final screenings for the “Synopsis Contest” were simultaneously carried out at the workshop.

For the Synopsis Contest, with the purpose of discovering the future talents for scriptwriters being able to represent Japan, the writers for the best 30 works selected from 110 applicants with 128 works of entries from the previous screening competed with each other by giving their presentations to the judges. For the result of the final judgment, 25-year-old Mr. Ryuhei Osako from Tokyo, who made the synopsis work entry of “Tokijiro” which was about a young male actor who specially performed the roles of females was held captive as a prisoner in wartime Okinawa, and whose life was turned upside down during the era, was selected for The Best Work. A Five Day Hollywood Journey was awarded to Mr. Osako as the best work prize. In addition to this, 29-year-old Mr. Takuma Kohara from Osaka was selected for the President's Award.


*The Judges, Mr. Takahira Oseko, the Best Work Award winner, and Mr. Takuma Obara, the President's Award winner

Followed by a presentation under the theme of “Writing, Developing and Marketing Independent Films for the International Audience” given by Mr. Deutchman, Mr. Takeo Hisamatsu, Vice President of Warner Bros. Movies, delivered a presentation titled, “How Warner Bros, Japan Selects Screenplays Based on What Standard for Domestic Production.”

Along with the above-mentioned programs, Mr. Stephen Jenner, Communication Director -Asian Pacific Region, Motion Picture Association, was invited as the Moderator for the Presentation & Panel Discussion “Developing Screenplays from a Screenwriter, Director and Producer Point of View” which was also carried out at the workshop. Mr. Deutchman, Ms. Maryam Ebrahimi, Producer, Mr. Takehiko Shinjo, Director of the Tokyo International Film Festival special screening of “Kiyoku yawaku”, and Ms. Kasumi Yao, Producer of the same film, took the podium as the panelists, and the exchange of the discussion was very active and productive. The 85 attendees were listening to the discussion intently.


        *Mr. Deutchman gives the Presentation of “Writing, Developing and Marketing Independent Films for the International Audience”

During the Synopsis Contest, a Mentoring Session was firstly held for the best 30 applicants selected who were separated into 4 groups and gave their verbal presentations to the 2 judges of each group. The judges then made their decision for the second screening and gave their advice to the applicants. In addition to the 6 guests who had provided the presentations and participated in the panel discussion in the first half of the workshop, Mr. Michael P. O'Leary, Senior Executive Vice President, Global Policy and External Affairs, Motion Picture Association of America, and Mr. Michael C. Ellis, President and Managing Director, Asia‐Pacific Region, Motion Picture Association, were the judges. 8 applicants in total (2 people from each group) were chosen as the successful competitors.

At the final screening, the 8 successful finalists selected as the Best 8 gave their presentations to the entire venue, and then The Best Work Award was chosen after questions, constructive feedback, and reviews were given by the judges.

The workshop venue was full of attendees from all over the movie industry including many aspiring and professional scriptwriters.

MPA/DHU FILM WORKSHOP

  • 01Oct 2013

Screenwriting Synopsis (Summery) Contest will be launched.
The Best Work Prize will be an invitation to a “Five Day Hollywood Journey!! ”


On October 20, 2013 (Sunday), MPA/ JIMCA (Japan and International Motion Picture Copyright Association) and DHU(Digital Hollywood University) will launch a Film Workshop, inviting some of the most famous Japanese and overseas movie producers to the workshop.
Along with the presentations and panel discussion by Mr. Ira Deutchman from Emerging Pictures, the presentations and screening for the “Synopsis Contest”, of which the call has been made for “Screenwriting Synopsis” entries, will simultaneously be held at the workshop.
The winner selected for The Best Work will be invited to a Five Day Hollywood Journey which will take place in the autumn of next year. Please join us for this special event for all movie fans.


Date: OCTOBER 20, 2013, starting at 9: 00 AM
Location: 3F/4F Ochanomizu Sola City Academia, Digital Hollywood University
(Address: 4-6 Surugadai, Kanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0062)
1 min walk from JR Ochanomizu Station, 4 min walk from Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line Shin-Ochanomizu Station/ Marunouchi Line Ochanomizu Station -both Metro stations are directly connected-


Scheduled Event Highlights:
* PRESENTATION: Writing, Developing and Marketing Independent Films for the International Audience
Mr. Ira Deutchman, Professor of Professional Practice in the School of the Arts at Columbia University, Chair of the Film Program; Managing Partner of Emerging Pictures

*PRESENTATION & PANEL DISCUSSION: Developing Screenplays from a Screenwriter, Director and Producer Point of View
1. Mr. Ira Deutchman 2. Ms. Maryam Ebrahimi, Producer 3. Mr. Takehiko Shinjo, director 4.Ms. Kasumi Yao, producer

* PRESENTATION:How Warner Bros. Japan Selects Screenplays Based on What Standard for Domestic Production
Mr. Takeo Hisamatsu, Vice President of Warner Bros. Movies

*SYNOPSIS CONTEST (Presentation - Award Screening - Announcement of the Best Work - Commemorative Photograph Shoot)


Synopsis (Summery) Contest
Details for Entry
Free subject matter, previously presented works are acceptable. However, the rights of work must belong to the applicant. Regardless of age, profession or experience, all applicants are welcome.
Applicants being selected for the Best 20 Work at a previous screening process will have an opportunity to give a brief presentation, to receive guidance from the judges, to be the subject for the final screening for the Best Work at the venue of MPA/ DHU FILM WORKSHOP which will be held on October 20, 2013. Additionally, unsuccessful applicants regrettably unable to be selected for The Best 20 Work at the previous screening can still have an opportunity to attend and join the upcoming workshop if they wish. For the previous screening result, we will contact the applicants around October 8th via the email addresses given and written by the applicants on the application.


Deadline for Entry
October 4, 2013 (Friday), applications arriving by 12:00 PM (Noon) are valid.

The Best Work Prize
The selected winner for The Best Work (one winner) will receive an invitation from MOTION PICTURE ASSOCIATION (MPA) for a five day journey “FILM IMMERSION COURSE IN L.A.” The departure of the journey is scheduled in November of 2014 in accordance with the launch of American Film Market 2014. The journey provides the winner with a great opportunity and indulgent five days to meet Hollywood producers, agents, and entertainment lawyers; and to visit studios, production companies, and screenwriters' and producers' unions.

        

JIMCA LAUNCHES STOP! ILLEGAL DOWNLOAD AWARENESS CAMPAIGN AT COMIC MARKET 84

  • 12Aug 2013

Tokyo: During August 10-12, 2013, Japan and International Motion Picture Association (JIMCA), with the support of the Association of Japanese Animation (AJA), launched the ”Movie Theft Prevention at Cinemas” and ”STOP! Illegal Download”awareness campaigns at a booth at the Comic Market 84 held at Tokyo Big Sight.

According to reports, approximately 590,000 people attended the increasingly popular Japanese comic event ”Comic Market 84”, and the STOP! Illegal Download booth attracted a significant number of visitors.

Highlights of the campaign included:

Photo opportunities for visitors to the booth with Camcorder Guy:

Visitors to the booth were given the opportunity to take a photo with the character, Camcorder Guy, who appears in the promotional trailer ”NO MORE MOVIE THEFT” which has been presented prior to the screening of movies at all Japanese cinemas since 2007 as part of the movie theft prevention campaign co-implemented by the ”Let's Go To The Cinema!” Committee.

        

The Copyright Mini-Chat Show with the special guests, Ms. Kyoko Narumi and Ms. Yui Watanabe, voice actresses renowned for the roles of Nasuno Takamiya and Yuri Oshimoto from the animation ”Teekyu”

During the chat show, Mr. Takashi Ajimura, Representative Director of JIMCA, said, ”Unfortunately, there are some video files of movies which are still showing in the cinemas or just released for DVD sales that have been illegally uploaded to some websites.
If production companies and artists are unable to make reasonable revenues as a result of illegal uploading and downloading, it would be difficult for them to create new movies and animations that we are all looking forward to. Please tell your friends not to do it because it would have a negative impact to our precious content if people continued to download files illegally!”

        
The distribution of Comic Market exclusive original DVDs of ”Yui Ogura's Comike News 84 - STOP! Illegal Download -”

New STOP! Illegal Download DVDs were distributed to visitors during the Comic Market. The DVDs feature Ms. Yui Ogura, a popular voice actress, in the role of a newscaster who provides explanations about Illegal Downloading alongside commentary made by Mr. Takashi Ajimura, Representative Director of JIMCA.

 
        

JIMCA PRESENTS LETTERS OF APPRECIATION TO FUKUOKA PREFECTURAL POLICE CYBER CRIME DIVISION, ASAKURA POLICE STATION, AND UKIHA POLICE STATION

  • 26Jun 2013

Fukuoka: On June 20, 2013, JIMCA presented Letters of Appreciations to the Fukuoka Prefectural Police Cyber Crime Division, the Asakura Police Station, and the Ukiha Police Station.

Mr. Takashi Ajimura, Representative Director of JIMCA, visited Fukuoka Prefectural Police and presented a Letter of Appreciation to Mr. Makino, Community Safety Department Supervisory Counselor and Cyber Crime Division Chief, to Chief of Asakura Police Station, Mr. Fujino, and to the Chief of Ukiha Police Station, Mr. Yamashita, in order to express gratitude for the tremendous assistance provided by the police in their investigations and operations in relation to the illegal uploading of films and television shows.

During the visit, Mr. Ajimura said, “We are most grateful for the enormous efforts of the police involved in the operations of the WinMX illegal uploader crackdown. People tend to commit copyright infringement casually on the internet and don’t take it seriously. Due to this crackdown, we believe it highlighted to the public that the act of copyright infringement is a serious criminal offence.”

On May 28, 2013, officers from the Fukuoka Prefectural Police Cyber Crime Division, Asakura Police Station, and Ukiha Police Station arrested three individuals on suspicion of Copyright Violation and illegally making copyrighted movies transmittable via the WinMX file sharing software, and referred two other suspects to the Public Prosecutors Office. Of the three arrested, two suspects were suspected of illegally uploading movie files of MPAA member company movie titles and were the first in Japan to be arrested for illegally uploading foreign movies through the use of WinMX.

To view the summary of the incidence, please click here.



*Fukuoka Prefectural Police Cyber Crime Division
                 
               
*Asakura Police Station*Ukiha Police Station

MPA/JIMCA AND U.S. EMBASSY CELEBRATE WORLD IP DAY

  • 26Apr 2013

Tokyo: On April 26, Japan and International Motion Picture Copyright Association (JIMCA) and the U.S. Embassy hosted a screening of the feature film Lincoln at Toho Cinemas, Roppongi Hills to celebrate creativity and innovation on World IP Day.

Attending the event, John V. Roos, U.S. Ambassador to Japan, said, “We would like to thank JIMCA and Takashi Ajimura for making this movie screening event possible in celebration of World IP Day.

“The film industry is one of the most innovative industries, and I am always amazed at continuous progress of technology. Intellectual Property Rights are important to any industry and they have to be protected all over the world. According to a report launched by MPA,at the Tokyo International Film Festival last year, the film and television industry in Japan contributed over USD54 billion (5.4 trillion yen) in total direct economic terms in 2011. It is an industry that contributes significantly to the Japanese economy. According to another report by MPA, the economic loss due to copyright theft in the film industry in Japan during 12 months from 2010 to 2011 was 56 billion yen.
“Please, everyone, tell your friends not to enjoy films illegally uploaded on the movie sharing sites.
”Many of you may not know this, but Abraham Lincoln was the only President of the United States who had a patent. He was a great president, as well as an innovator who respected intellectual property rights. Please enjoy the film.”

Takashi Ajimura, Representative Director of JIMCA, said, “It is a great honor to host this screening with the U.S. Embassy’s support to celebrate a day of innovation and creativity. Our shared goal is to promote the legitimate market of copyrighted works such as movies and films and prevent the illegitimate market for these products. This would stimulate not only a greater contribution to both the Japanese and American economies, but also stimulate the film and other creative sectors to produce new works. Intellectual property rights are essential to all of us. Let’s take the opportunity today to promote creativity with our family and friends, and chose not to illegally download the valuable work of others.”

The characters, “Tousatsu-otoko (Camcorder Guy) and Patolight-otoko (Patrol-light Man)” appear in the promotional footage of “NO MORE MOVIE THEFT” which has been broadcast prior to the screening of movies at all Japanese cinemas since 2007 as a part of movie theft prevention campaign co-implemented by“Let’s Go To The Cinema” Committee formed by the members of the film community in Japan, including the Motion Picture Producers Association of Japan, Inc. (MPPAJ), and the Foreign Film Importer-Distributors Association of Japan, Inc. (FFIDAJ), also made their first live appearance at this celebration event.

*John V. Roos, U.S. Ambassador and Takashi Ajimura | Camcorder Guy and Patrol-light Man

JIMCA SUPPORTS “HYOGO PREFECTURAL GOVERNMENT AND PRIVATE SECTORS’ JOINT PROJECT FOR PREVENTION MEASURES AGAINST CYBERSPACE CRIMINAL THREATS”

  • 1Apr 2013

Kobe: Japan and International Motion Picture Copyright Association (JIMCA) is currently participating in the operation, Hyogo Prefectural Government and Private Sectors’ Joint Project for Prevention Measures against Cyberspace Criminal Threats, in which the government and private sectors team up to tackle the challenges and issues occurring in cyberspace. As part of the operation, JIMCA produced special educational folders as gifts for children and students.

The educational folders contain and provide easy-to-understand information, including punitive regulations imposed for the illegal downloading of commercial movie and music files for the purpose of private use (i.e. Illegal Private Downloading) if they are knowingly downloaded from an illegitimate source; and the potential detrimental threats of making available personal information on the internet which could result in a person falling victim to a crime, and other long term negative consequences.

The folders described will be distributed directly to children and students at “The Cybercriminal Victimization Prevention Classes”, commencing April 2013, implemented by the Hyogo Prefectural Police and commissioned to private business operators.

Official Police Comments

Today, much illegal and detrimental information flows freely in cyberspace and has become a serious threat affecting our citizens’ daily lives. In order to take an accurate stance towards the cyberspace issues in our prefecture, the Hyogo Prefectural Police has been playing the central role of initiating the project, Hyogo Prefectural Government and Private Sectors’ Joint Project for Prevention Measures against Cyberspace Criminal Threats, in which government and private sectors have been working closely as a team to take measures on this matter.

The intention of this project is to share information, discuss measures, and provide a comprehensive approach to educating citizens so as to raise public awareness of the issues.

This time JIMCA produced the educational folders for the current project, providing an effective tool that will be distributed at “The Cybercriminal Victimization Prevention Classes” for students.

The Hyogo Prefectural Police Headquarters Community Safety Department deeply appreciates JIMCA’s assistance in this project and look to your continued support and cooperation in the future.

April 1, 2013
The Hyogo Prefectural Police Headquarters Community Safety Department
Cyber Criminal Investigation Division Chief
Masanori Miyane



JIMCA LAUNCHES “STOP! ILLEGAL DOWNLOAD” AWARENESS CAMPAIGN AT “THE NINTH NIPPONBASHI STREET FESTA 2013”

  • 25Mar 2013

Osaka: Japan and International Motion Picture Copyright Association (JIMCA) launched an awareness campaign on the theme of STOP! ILLEGAL DOWNLOAD, on March 24, 2013, at The Ninth Nipponbashi Street Festa 2013 in Naniwa ward, Osaka city.

Approximately 230 thousand people attended the ninth annual festival this year. During the festival on the North Stage, Takashi Ajimura, Representative Director of JIMCA, provided easy-to-understand explanations on the benefits of accessing online content through legitimate channels and the negative consequences of illegally downloading films, television shows, and music. This was presented via some fun quiz style activities with the help of the featured local idol music groups, NEP She☆Stars and Fun x Fam, who also performed live on stage at the campaign.

In addition to a special campaign booth, educational gifts, such as clear folders printed with the idol groups’ photos, co-produced by the Osaka Prefectural Police Headquarters’ Cyber Criminal Investigation Office and JIMCA, were distributed at the event where participants also had the opportunity to meet some of their local pop and rock stars.

This awareness campaign, supported by the Osaka Prefectural Police Headquarters, the Osaka Prefectural Police Department Naniwa Police Station, and The Anti-Counterfeiting Association, was able to successfully raise public awareness regarding the consequences and penal regulations imposed for the illegal downloading of movie and music files for the purpose of private use (i.e. “Illegal Private Downloading”) if downloaded from a known unauthorized distribution source.

PARTICIPATION IN “THE CYBERCRIMINAL VICTIMIZATION PREVENTION CAMPAIGN” ORGANIZED BY THE OSAKA PREFECTURAL POLICE HEADQUARTERS

  • 17Mar 2013

Osaka: For the prevention of illegal internet piracy activities, Japan and International Motion Picture Copyright Association (JIMCA) participated in The Cybercriminal Victimization Prevention Campaign launched by the Osaka Prefectural Police Headquarters' Cyber Criminal Investigation Office and The Sonezaki Police Station on March 17, 2013.

During this campaign which was held at the event hall, Shukusai Plaza, in Hankyu Umeda Main Store, Takashi Ajimura, Representative Director of JIMCA, and popular comic duo Katsumi Sayuri engaged in an enlightenment talk, providing easy-to-understand explanations with regard to the consequences and the penal regulations imposed for illegal downloading of payable movie and music files for the purpose of private use (i.e. “Illegal Private Downloading”) despite knowing that they are illegally distributed.

Along with the talk, educational and enlightenment gifts such as clear folders co-produced by the same police headquarters' cyber criminal investigation office and JIMCA were handed out at the venue, calling for the public cooperation of cybercriminal victimization prevention. These folders will also be distributed directly to the participants at the general corporative “Cybercriminal Prevention Seminars” which will be implemented by the Osaka Prefectural Police Headquarters in April of this year.


POPSTARS JOIN JIMCA AT LAUNCH OF “STOP! ILLEGAL DOWNLOADS” ENLIGHTENMENT CAMPAIGN AT “THE NINTH NIPPONBASHI STREET FESTA 2013”

  • 13Mar 2013

Japan and International Motion Picture Copyright Association (JIMCA) will launch an enlightenment campaign under the theme of STOP! ILLEGAL DOWNLOADS at The Ninth Nipponbashi Street Festa 2013 which will be held in Osaka city, Osaka prefecture, on Sunday, March 24th, 2013.

The campaign will raise awareness about the benefits of accessing online content through legitimate channels and the negative consequences of illegally downloading films, television shows and music through some fun quiz style activities with the help of local idol music groups.

The event will take place on the North Stage during the street festival, and will showcase some live stage performances from the music groups. There will be opportunities for participants to meet some of their local pop and rock stars, take home complementary gifts and enjoy a whole range of fun activities.

So come along and join the fun!

Event Details:
Location: STOP! ILLEGAL DOWNLOADS Enlightenment Campaign: North Stage
Scheduled Programs:
Part 1: Time/ 12:15 - 12:45 (Performing Group: NEP She☆Stars)
Part 2: Time/ 14:10 - 14:40 (Performing Group: Fun x Fam)
Featured Idol Groups: NEP She☆Stars and Fun x Fam
Campaign Host: Japan and International Motion Picture Copyright Association (JIMCA)
Supporting Partners: The Osaka Prefectural Police Headquarters; The Osaka Prefectural Police Department Naniwa Police Station; and The Anti-Counterfeiting Association
Festival: The Ninth Nipponbashi Street Festa 2013
URL:http://nippombashi.jp/festa/2013/


Simultaneous Nationwide Intensive Crackdown on Copyright Infringement Using File Sharing Software

  • 22Feb 2013

Japan's prefectural police departments conducted the largest ever nationwide crackdown on copyright infringers of movies, music, animation, games, and business software via file sharing software on 22 February 2013.

The Japanese National Police Agency has been executing operations against copyright infringement using file sharing software since 2009. This latest successful operation is the fourth so far, which has resulted in the arrest of 27 people in various Japanese cities.

Takashi Ajimura, Representative Director of JIMCA said, "These nationwide raids are very meaningful to reduce the number of illegal uploading and downloading and JIMCA thanks all concerned police for such great results. Illegal distribution of contents on P2P network significantly damages film studio's revenue and it impairs the studio's ability to produce next films. It will not be beneficial to movie fans at all. JIMCA will continue to remove such illegal activities on internet."

For further information relating to this action taken, please refer to the respective association contacts or websites listed below.

【Reference 1】
■The Anti-Counterfeiting Association (ACA)
URL:http://www.aca.gr.jp/


【Reference 2】
■National Police Agency Public Relations' Press Release
Title: "The Simultaneous Nationwide Crackdown on Copyright Infringement Incidences Using File Sharing Software"
URL:http://www.npa.go.jp/cyber/warning/h25/130222.pdf

 
■National Police Agency's Report "Conference Report of Comprehensive Security Measures 2007"
Title: "Issues and Measures regarding Copyright Infringement Using File Sharing Software such as Winny, etc."
URL:http://www.npa.go.jp/cyber/csmeeting/h19/pdf/pdf19.pdf

■Consortium against Copyright Infringement via File-Sharing Software (CCIF)
URL:http://www.ccif-j.jp/


■For the Information of Individual Incidences:
・Association of Copyright for Computer Software (ACCS)
URL:http://www2.accsjp.or.jp/
P.R. Contact Person: Oota / TEL: 03-5976-5175
・Japan Video Software Association (JVA)
URL:http://www.jva-net.or.jp/
P.R. Contact Person: Takagi / TEL: 03-3542-4433
・Japanese Society for Rights of Authors, Composers and Publishers (JASRAC)
URL:http://www.jasrac.or.jp/
P.R. Contact Person: Kitazawa / TEL: 03-3481-2164
・Japan and International Motion Picture Copyright Association (JIMCA)
URL:http://www.jimca.co.jp/
P.R. Contact Person: Murakami / TEL: 03-3265-1401
・Recording Industry Association of Japan (RIAJ)
URL:http://www.riaj.or.jp/
P.R. Contact Person: Yoneuchi / TEL: 03-5575-1305


■For the Information regarding This News Article Release:
・"The Simultaneous Nationwide Crackdown"
(The Anti Counterfeiting Association/ ACA Secretariat)
Japan Video Software Association (JVA)>
 P.R. Contact Persons: Sato & Takagi / TEL: 03-3542-4433

TROPFEST NZ WINNER HEADS TO HOLLYWOOD COURTESY OF MPA

  • 28Jan 2013

NEW ZEALAND/SINGAPORE: On January 27, Dave Smith was awarded top prize at Tropfest New Zealand - the world's largest short film festival, winning a trip to Hollywood to meet film industry executives, producers and LA-based film organizations thanks to the Motion Picture Association (MPA) and the New Zealand Federation Against Copyright Theft (NZFACT).

Dave Smith's short film, Cappuccino Tango, was a hit with judges and the thousands of film lovers who turned out for New Zealand's Tropfest night of films at the TSB Bowl of Brooklands, New Plymouth. Smith's musical film, a huge crowd favourite, told the story of two lonely decaf coffee drinkers who manage to find love in a caf? surrounded by hostile coffee lovers.

The top prize was presented by Tropfest judge, John Barnett, who gave the winning film a glowing endorsement: "It really was a crowd-pleaser, and we thought it delivered on every front. In competitions like this, it's great to have a film that really brings the audience with you. There were some nice surprises in the film which did things we haven't seen in a short film before. This festival has been terrific. People prove their enthusiasm and their willingness and wish to be in the film industry when they enter competitions like Tropfest. They're not getting paid to do them; they use their own resources; their own money, and what we saw tonight was really terrific."

Winning director Dave Smith said, "I was utterly blown away when my name was called out. It was great to get a nice reaction to the film, but when I saw the other films I realised this was going to be a tough competition. I must say, that while I am the director, this film was very much a team effort. Going to LA will be an amazing experience and something that we're really looking forward to."

Tropfest NZ Ambassador and actor Martin Henderson, said, "It is my hope that the attention and experience garnered from winning the MPA first-prize trip to Los Angeles will help kick start the filmmaker's career and he will go on to create many other successful films both in New Zealand and overseas."

Tropfest director John Polson said, "Our aim with Tropfest has always been to recognise promising new filmmaking talent and provide them with a launching pad to develop their careers. Amazingly, the filmmakers are always surprising us with the quality of their films, with their diverse storytelling ability and the enterprising way they tell their story, and that's exactly what we've experienced here in New Zealand. Dave Smith is a great Kiwi talent, who I'm sure has a very promising career in the screen industry ahead of him. The trip to Los Angeles, provided by the MPA and NZFACT, is an invaluable experience for our winning filmmakers, and we thank them for supporting the great creative talent both here and around the region."

Tony Eaton, Managing Director NZFACT said, "Kudos to the Taranaki Arts Festival Trust for staging such a great event, and putting short filmmaking on the map in NZ. We're delighted to be able to support Kiwi filmmakers at the early stages of their career, and Tropfest proves that we have a wealth of new talent who look likely to create some great entertainment for audiences in the future. Dave Smith's film was a standout among some top quality films, and we hope that his trip to Los Angeles later this year helps him to build a successful career in the movie business."

To view Cappuccino Tango and the other Tropfest NZ films please click here

On 13 December 2012, Tropfest founder John Polson was awarded the Asia Pacific Copyright Educator (ACE) Award at CineAsia, the largest convention for cinema exhibitors and distributors in Asia. The award acknowledged Polson's work raising awareness about the value of screen content, and the need to provide a strong copyright framework for filmmakers, not least those at the beginning of their creative careers.

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About Tropfest Tropfest is the world's largest short film festival. It began in a Sydney caf? ('The Tropicana') 20 years ago with a single $100 short film and an audience of 200 people. Today the Australian free event is attended annually by a live audience of over 150,000 film-lovers and hundreds of thousands more watching via its national, live TV broadcast and other platforms. Tropfest has recently launched in New Zealand, Arabia, and other territories, with China, South East Asia and more in planning stages. In 2012, launched the USA with Tropfest Las Vegas and Tropfest New York.

In the past two decades, Tropfest has become known as one of the world's most exciting launch-pads for emerging filmmakers. Tropfest is also known for securing the support of some of the biggest names in the international film community. Tropfest USA's Official Ambassadors include Hugh Jackman, Liev Schreiber, Russell Crowe, Nicole Kidman, Geoffrey Rush, Charles Randolph and Anthony Lapaglia. The Tropfest YouTube Channel has had over 11 million video views, with around 40% of those coming from the United States. The Channel provides film enthusiasts the chance to watch the top films from past festivals, click here

PARTICIPATION IN AN OPERATION TEST OF THE MINISTRY OF INTERNAL AFFAIRS AND COMMUNICATIONS IN DETERRING UNAUTHORIZED CONTENT DISTRIBUTION VIA P2P FILE SHARING SOFTWARE

  • 28Jan 2013

The Japan and International Motion Picture Copyright Association (JIMCA) is currently participating in the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC)’s “The operation test to verify the practicability of sending out warning messages to enlighten users who attempt to download illegal contents that are uploaded to P2P file sharing software network without rights holders’ authorization” with other Japanese rights organizations.

A large volume of files which infringe well known contents can be found within P2P file sharing software networks, and during the practical test, warning messages will be uploaded to the P2P networks as files with the same file names as those infringing files.

The intention of this test is to raise users’ awareness on the illegality of uploading and downloading unauthorized copyright contents by delivering a warning message to them instead of allowing them to obtain an infringing file when an attempt is made to download the file.

■The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications’ Press Release:
“The Implementation of Verification Test in Deterring Unauthorized Contents Distribution from P2P File Sharing Software”(January 25, 2013)

JIMCA PRESENTS LETTERS OF APPRECIATION TO THE YAMAGATA PREFECTURAL POLICE HEADQUARTERS’ CONSUMER AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DIVISION COMMUNITY SAFETY DEPARTMENT, AND THE YAMAGATA POLICE STATION

  • 25Jan 2013



(From left: Mr. Watanabe, Yamagata Prefectural Police Headquarters Consumer and Environmental Protection Division chief & Mr. Ajimura, Representative Director of JIMCA)
On August 28,2012, the Japan and International Motion Picture Copyright Association (JIMCA) presented Letters of Appreciation to the Consumer and Environmental Protection Division Community Safety Department (CEPDCSD) of the Yamagata Prefectural Police Headquarters, and the Yamagata Police Station.

In January 2012 during an Internet patrol operation, JIMCA uncovered the illegal activity of an individual selling pirated DVDs on an Internet auction site and hence asked the CEPDCSD Cybercrime Special Unit of the Yamagata Prefectural Police Headquarters to take legal action. , The CEPDCSD of the Yamagata Prefectural Police Headquarters and the Community Safety Division of the Yamagata Police Station searched the suspect’s residence in Yamagata in May 2012; and arrested the suspect the same day.The suspect received a conviction for Copyright Violation and was sentenced to pay a fine of タ,000 .

In order to express our gratitude for their tremendous assistancein this matter, on August 28, 2012, Mr. Takashi Ajimura, Representative Director of JIMCA, visited Mr. Watanabe, the Consumer and Environmental Protection Division chief, Superintendent, the CEPDCSD of the Yamagata Prefectural Police Headquarters and presented him a Letter of Appreciation to, as well as a similar letter to the Senior Superintendent of the Yamagata Station.

As working in cooperation with the police force is indispensable in our missions, ; it is our continuous endeavor to promote the Copyright Protection movement and tackle the problem with the understanding and support from law enforcement organizations..