Taiwan-Japan Film Fund Launches With $3.1 Million Target

A new investment fund designed to finance joint film and television projects between Taiwan and Japan has entered the market, seeking to bridge a gap in cross-border storytelling. The vehicle, named Daily Capital, debuted at the TIFFCOM market in Tokyo alongside the Tokyo International Film Festival. Its launch occurred during the "Taiwan Originals: Project Showcase" event on the market's opening day.

The fund is targeting a total raise of NT$100 million, equivalent to approximately $3.1 million. Founder Chang Chen-yu stated that 70% of this target amount has already been secured. He indicated that operations are scheduled to begin by the end of 2026. The initial plan involves backing at least five projects across film, television, and animation over the first two years.

On the Japanese side, the fund has secured co-development partners in K2 Pictures and Remow. K2 Pictures, founded by producer Kii Muneyuki, lists filmmakers such as Iwai Shunji, Miike Takashi, Nishikawa Miwa, and Kore-eda Hirokazu among its associates. Remow brings support from major media groups including Shueisha, Toei, and Fuji Media Holdings. These partnerships provide access to established intellectual property libraries and distribution networks.

Chang explained that the fund will typically enter projects during the development or pre-production phases. He said the capital will contribute to script discussions and help assemble core creative teams. The strategy relies on combining Japanese production expertise with Taiwan's financing flexibility. Chang noted that the fund aims to recover its primary capital within three years.

The first announced investment is a 10-episode series titled "Love Ends in Bloom." The historical romance is set in the 1930s in Chiayi and Alishan. It follows a Japanese geisha who arranges a cross-border marriage to save her mother and later enters a relationship with a Taiwanese timber magnate. The story is set during the Japanese colonial period, a time when Taiwan's cypress industry was growing.

The project stems from Chang's return to his hometown of Chiayi in 2023, where he observed renovations at the railway station. This prompted him to explore the region's forestry and railway history. Chang previously noted that Taiwan, Japan, and Korea are rarely featured together in a single narrative. The series is written by Juliana Hsu and directed by Sun Jie-heng. Filming is set to start in February 2027, with a release targeted for mid-2028.