EU-Japan Animation Workshop

As part of its participation in the Expo, the European Union is leading a large programme of animation-related initiatives. In addition to a European Animation Film Festival and an EU-Japan animation residency, it is organising a workshop on the animation industry, that will take place in Osaka and at the Expo site, from 24-26 September 2025.

Bringing together 30 leading figures from European and Japanese animation—carefully selected by the workshop’s curators—the event will feature CEOs, producers, distributors, sales agents, and film festival directors. Participants will share insights, deepen industry ties, and explore pathways to strengthen EU-Japan collaboration over the next decade.

The workshop will include moderated panel discussions on the following three key themes:

• Co-producing between Europe and Japan
• Distribution and sales of European and Japanese animation
• Development and licensing of intellectual property

These discussions will culminate in a public report outlining actionable strategies for future cooperation.

Additionally, animated works resulting from theEU-Japan Animation Residency will be showcased during the event.

The workshop also coincides with the final screenings of the European Animation Film Festival, organised by the EU Delegation to Japan. The festival’s screenings will take place at the Museum of Kyoto until 28 September.

The Animation business workshop is organised by the European Union in collaboration with Instituto Cervantes in Tokyo, EUNIC Tokyo (European Union National Institutes for Culture) and Osaka Animation College.