UKTI Tokyo Games Mission (Japan)

UK Trade & Investment - UK Technology

Mission to Tokyo Games Show, 13-17th Sept 2010

Akihabara II by Joshua RappenekerApply Now

This exciting mission organised by UK Trade & Investment experts based in Japan provides a unique opportunity for UK-based games firms to understand the Japanese Games and Digital Media industry, attending networking events, raise awareness and visiting the Tokyo Games Show.

More information:

Got all the information? Use this form to apply now.

What's included in the mission?

  • Game of the show by ehnmarkPre mission assistance and advice, including a one to one session with a UK based sector expert, a teleconference with the team in Japan, and, just before the trip, a pre mission briefing for all participants.
  • A round table workshop with invited guests from Japanese digital games/content companies businesses including leading publishers/developers for console and mobile games. Banks, game analysts, online games, venture capital, and licensing experts will also be invited to participate.
  • A Network reception with Japanese digital games/content/media companies at the British Embassy in Tokyo: 50 - 60 guests from Japanese industry.
  • Exhibitor Pass for Tokyo Game Show(TGS) on Business and Consumer Days
  • Your Business profile translated and displayed at UKTI stand at TGS. Mission brochures will be produced and handed out to Japanese contacts at TGS.
  • Access to meeting space adjacent to the TGS venue that is dedicated to mission participants
  • Access to the TGS International Reception
  • Pre-mission publicity in Japan through our e-newsletter, Embassy website and the TGS website, with 1-1 meetings with Japanese companies that show interest at the TGS.
  • If you have an interesting story, media interviews can be arranged upon request with Japanese industry newspapers/magazines
  • A post mission debriefing to discuss experiences and next steps

The cost of participating in this mission is £750.

Additional support including bespoke meeting arrangement service and ongoing advice that we can provide is also available as part of the UKTI's Overseas Market Introduction Service (OMIS).

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Tokyo Games Show

Tokyo Game Show 2009, Tekken by AkiraThe Tokyo Game Show (TGS) is Japan’s main annual computer games convention. Despite the global economic downturn, TGS 2009 had 185,000 visitors and over 180 exhibitors (including 92 from overseas). TGS 2010 is expected to have more visitors this year with an even more international focus.

The Japanese market is always interested in new products. Opportunities exist for advanced and innovative products, especially in the areas of software, hardware, peripherals, animation and 3D, design services in new digital games and digital media.

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What's planned? Draft Agenda

Sunday 12 September

Arrive at Tokyo, Japan

Monday 13 September (Tokyo)

Location: The British Embassy Tokyo
Morning: Mission briefing

  • Japan briefing
  • Licensing issues on digital content/games in Japan

Networking lunch with invited speakers

Afternoon: Round table Workshop

  • Open discussion with invited guests from Japanese digital content/games industry; publisher/developers of console and mobile games, game analysts, venture capitalists, licensing experts etc

Networking reception at the Embassy

  • Networking with leading Japanese digital content/games businesses - Presentation opportunity during the reception

Tuesday 14 September

Your choice, we recommend you do some things to understand the culture: Visit to Akihabara (electronics town) and/or Fish market in Tsukiji (early in the morning and optional)

 

Group visit to Japanese games company e.g. Sony Computer Entertainment to meet members of their team and briefing on their activities in the Japanese market, subject to agreement with the company.

 

Wednesday 15 September

Your choice, we can suggest a number of options for effective use of this time as part of our pre mission assistance.

Group visit to Japanese games company e.g. Capcom to meet members of their team and briefing on their activities in the Japanese market, subject to agreement with the company.

Thursday 16 September

Visit TGS and one-to-one meetings arranged by OMIS service or own arrangement TGS International Networking Reception

Friday 17 September

Visit TGS and one-to-one meetings arranged by OMIS service or own arrangement

Saturday 18 September

Depart to UK

This is the base programme, and will develop; company visits are planned within this schedule and individual meetings based on your requirements can be built into the programme at additional cost.

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Who should apply?

This mission is ideal for companies who are new or have limited experience of the Japanese games market. The aim is to  provide in-depth briefings covering the challenges of working in Japan and the opportunities to work leading organisations in the Japanese game industry.

The trip is centered round the Tokyo Games Show and is designed for both traditional games development companies and those focusing on social gaming, mobile gaming and serious games.

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How to apply

The application process is designed to help companies understand how they can benefit from the mission and make the most of the Japanese market. 

Here's an outline of the process:

  1. Complete a simple application form (PDF preview) allows the team in Tokyo to tailor the activities and the companies targeted during the trip. Deadline: ASAP - apply now
  2. Each application will be followed-up with a call from a member of the UKTI team in Tokyo to assess the opportunity in the Japanese market
  3. To confirm participation in the mission, companies will need to complete payment of the £750 fee N.B. this does not include travel/accommodation.
Apply Now

If you have any queries, please drop us an uktijapanatchinwag [dot] com (email) or call +44 (0)20 7183 2923.

 

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Travel & accommodation

There are numerous options for flights and hotels in Tokyo, although be warned it can be an expensive city. The TGS takes place at Makuhari Messe a rail journey from central Tokyo. Other activity will take place at the British Embassy in Tokyo.

Trade mission travel specialists, Expose Travel, have put together a competitive package from £1,484 including Virgin flights and hotels close to be embassy. For more info please contact Paul Vasdev at Expose Travel.

Travel bookings don’t have to be made through Expose Travel, but their insider knowledge may prove useful and save you money.

Travelling from central Tokyo to the TGS takes about 30 - 40 minutes by Tokyo Metro from the JR Tokyo station. But it takes 10-15 minutes to get to the platform of the train from the main entrance of JR station so allow at least 60 minutes or more including waiting time.

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Tokyo Games Show mission flyer

This flyer is also available for download (PDF)

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Pictures (cc) Joshua Rappeneker, Jacob Ehnmark, Akira.

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UKTI Tokyo Games Mission Flyer162.72 KB
UKTI Tokyo Games Mission Application Form56.82 KB