Our association is dedicated to enhancing Japan’s angel investment environment and supporting the growth of startups.
We plan to release various updates, including activity reports, the latest news, and pitch event summaries, on a monthly basis, all related to angel investing.

In August 2024, the second “Uzumasa NINJA PITCH” was held. Just like last year, the Japan Angel Investor Association was deeply involved in planning and managing the event.
This year, it became an even larger project by inviting a delegation from Georgia, USA, as part of the side event.
This report focuses on the delegation’s visit and the global expansion involving startups, corporations, local governments, and the media.

Background of the Uzumasa NINJA PITCH

For over 100 years, Japan has cherished “period dramas” as a form of entertainment. However, in recent years, their popularity has declined, with only two studios—Toei and Shochiku—remaining from the original five. While there’s a desire to preserve these studios, which are part of Japan’s culture, they have also become a financial burden for companies. Amid this situation, Kyoto city council members reached out, asking to leverage Kyoto’s unique advantages to create an event that blends startups, global perspectives, gaming, and entertainment.
This gave birth to last year’s “Uzumasa NINJA PITCH,” which was a great success. But doing the same thing this year wouldn’t be enough. Like global companies such as Nintendo, Murata Manufacturing, and Shimadzu Corporation, which are headquartered in Kyoto, we wanted to try something new and challenging from Kyoto this year, and so the project began.

Is the Era of “Hollywood” Over?

When you think of the center of the U.S. film industry, you probably imagine Hollywood, California, right?

I admit, I did too. However, Georgia has now claimed the top spot!
Once ranked 39th, it rose to prominence in the last 10 years due to a tax incentive of up to 30%.
Combined with favorable weather and land conditions, studios have flourished, including Trilith Studios, the largest in the U.S.

Thanks to the cooperation of many, we were able to invite a group of legislators and film industry professionals from Georgia to Japan to coincide with the NINJA PITCH.

(Source) dish：The Highest-Grossing Movies Filmed in Each State

Upgraded and Held at Ninna-ji Temple

This year’s event saw a significant upgrade with more sponsors and a higher level of participation.
The judges included Kazuya Suzuki, Deputy Governor of Kyoto Prefecture; Yuji Kojima, Director of Toei Co., Ltd.; Tomohiko Morikawa, Director of Shochiku Ventures, Inc.; and Toshiyuki Yamamoto, a director of our association, among nine other members. The MC was none other than Katsura Sunshine, a famous Rakugo storyteller.

About 60 companies applied for the chance to pitch, and six startups were selected. The top prize went to Mr. Wataru Matsuhiro of Amulapo, whose concept was to “utilize space to transform society.”
His plan was to install a “Space Tea Ceremony – Zero Gravity Tea House” at the Toei Kyoto Studio Park.

The event took place at the esteemed Ninna-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Kyoto. A side event with the theme “Kyoto x Georgia: Connecting Two Great Film Cities for the Future of the Film Business” was also held.

NINJA PITCH 2024 Commemorative photo with speakers, judges and MC

From left to right: Donzella James (Georgia State Senator), Robert Dawson (Congressman), Michael Rhett (Georgia State Senator), Anthony Short (film producer),  Katsura Sunshine (Rakugo performer/MC)

Three Days with the Georgia Delegation

Our mission was to showcase the charm of Kyoto, highlight its potential as a film city, and connect them with key individuals—all within a short time frame.

【Day 1】

･Panel discussion with guests from Georgia and CEOs of Toei and Shochiku.

･NINJA PITCH with six entertainment-related startups.

･”NINJA Performance” by world-renowned dancer Kento Mori, who has worked with Michael Jackson and Madonna.

･After-party at the “Edo Tavern” in Toei Kyoto Studio Park.

NINJA Performance by KENTO MORI

【Day 2】

･Studio tours of Toei and Shochiku.

･Kyoto sightseeing.

･Dinner party with key figures.

Toei/Shochiku Studio Tour

【Day 3】

･Courtesy visits to Kyoto Prefecture Governor Nishiwaki and Kyoto City Mayor Matsui.

･A tour of the Keihanna Science City (Kyoto, Osaka, and Nara region).

Inspection tour of Keihanna area

What Local Governments Should Consider

It is essential for Japanese local governments to develop policies and strategies that utilize their unique characteristics, contributing to the sustainable development of regional economies. While Tokyo remains Japan’s economic hub and its success can be a reference, simply imitating Tokyo’s approach is not a guarantee of success for local areas.

By leveraging local history, culture, natural resources, and industrial foundations, region-specific strategies can maximize a region’s appeal and attract attention from both local residents and external parties. Local branding that taps into unique industries and tourism resources, along with tailored support for startups, can play a significant role in revitalizing local economies.

Furthermore, with the progress of digital transformation and globalization, local governments have more opportunities to introduce new technologies and capital, creating innovative models unique to their regions. Through partnerships with companies, investors, and entrepreneurs from abroad, local areas can create new value and enhance their international competitiveness.

This report highlighted the collaboration with Kyoto Prefecture, which has strong global recognition. Let’s continue to pursue originality rooted in local areas and aim for sustainable growth and international presence together with the Japan Angel Investor Association.

【Comment from Toshi Yamamoto】

Although this was our first event of this kind, and preparation was challenging, I truly felt that this was a solid first step toward the future.

Even for Japanese people, Kyoto is said to be a difficult area to penetrate, and it’s even more so for people from abroad. Hearing the delegation express their desire to “create an Asian Hollywood” and that they had been wanting to do something in Kyoto for over five years, it felt rewarding to involve both the Kyoto Prefecture and Kyoto City in hosting this event.

The preparation was unpredictable right up until the day of the event due to the overlap with the U.S. presidential election. We didn’t know exactly how many or who would be attending until the last minute. On the day of the event, we faced challenges like overbooked flights and wheelchair accessibility, but despite the chaos, each event was a huge success.

The delegation, along with representatives from Georgia and Kyoto, left satisfied.
We hope to extend this kind of initiative to other regions through efforts like the “Uzumasa Ninja Pitch,” which was planned and executed by the Japan Angel Investor Association.