Spreading the Fandom Fever Globally – 'IP Global Expansion Networking Party' to be Held Within Oshi-iku EXPO

RX Japan LLC (Headquarters: Chuo-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Takeshi Tanaka) will host a networking event titled 'IP Global Expansion Networking Party' within the venue of 'Oshi-iku EXPO,' leveraging the growing global interest in 'oshi-iku' culture and Japanese intellectual property (IP) content.

The event will welcome IP stakeholders from anime, characters, manga, games, music, and VTubers, as well as international buyers, licensees, and inbound tourism-related companies. It aims to foster cross-border networking, business meetings, and collaboration opportunities centered around 'oshi' culture.

<Event Details>

Date and Time: Thursday, June 25, 16:30–18:00 (Registration opens at 16:10)

Venue: Lounge inside Oshi-iku EXPO, Hall 7, East Exhibition Hall, Tokyo Big Sight (Tokyo Big Sight East Exhibition Hall 7)

Target Participants: IP holders, entertainment and music agencies, sports teams, entertainment businesses, merchandise manufacturers, retailers, etc.

Admission: Free (prior registration required)

<Recommended for>

- Companies considering overseas expansion of Japanese IP

- Those seeking business partners in overseas markets

- Individuals interested in the latest market trends and success stories

- Those exploring collaboration opportunities in licensing, co-production, distribution, etc.

Details and Registration: https://www.lifestyle-expo.jp/summer/ja-jp/gbs/vis/oshi-party.html

Event Background

In recent years, Japanese IP content such as anime, games, and characters has spread globally through social media, forming massive fan communities. 'Oshi-iku' (supporting one's favorite characters or idols) has particularly expanded both domestically and internationally, especially among younger generations, and is now recognized as a cultural phenomenon beyond mere consumer behavior.

Additionally, content consumption by inbound tourists and cross-border e-commerce purchases of related goods are on the rise. The overseas expansion of Japanese IP is now impacting not only the entertainment industry but also tourism, retail, and licensing businesses.

In response to this trend, the event will leverage the high energy of Oshi-iku EXPO to create a real-world business matchmaking platform that accelerates the global expansion of Japanese IP.

Speech by Mr. Eitaro Watanabe, Senior Assistant Director, Creative Industries Division, Commerce and Service Group, METI

Mr. Eitaro Watanabe, Senior Assistant Director of the Creative Industries Division, Commerce and Service Group at the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), is scheduled to deliver a keynote toast speech. His participation symbolizes governmental support for the international expansion of Japan’s content industry.

METI Initiatives and Market Context

Japan’s content industry is experiencing rapid growth in overseas markets, demonstrating higher growth rates compared to key industries such as automobiles, semiconductors, and steel. According to METI, building on this momentum, the government aims to achieve 20 trillion yen in overseas sales of Japanese-originated content by 2033 (approximately 5.8 trillion yen as of 2023) and is promoting the 'IP360' initiative to support investment in content industry growth.*

This event aligns with national strategy, serving as a tangible platform for overseas market development.

*Quoted from 'Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (2026), Content Industry Support Menu. https://www.meti.go.jp/policy/mono_info_service/contents/menu_contents.html, last accessed June 10, 2026'

About Oshi-iku EXPO

Oshi-iku EXPO is the industry’s only and largest exhibition gathering goods, services, experiences, and content related to the oshi-iku market. In past editions, up to 200 companies have exhibited, showcasing a wide range of products and services such as themed merchandise, acrylic goods, live event items, and event support services, highlighting the latest trends in fan culture.

◆ Official Oshi-iku EXPO Website: https://www.lifestyle-expo.jp/summer/ja-jp/lp/visit/fave.html

Event Overview

Event Name: IP Global Expansion Networking Party

Date and Time: Thursday, June 25, 16:30–18:00 (Registration opens at 16:10)

Venue: Lounge inside Oshi-iku EXPO, Hall 7, East Exhibition Hall, Tokyo Big Sight

Admission: Free (prior registration required)

Details and Registration: https://www.lifestyle-expo.jp/summer/ja-jp/gbs/vis/oshi-party.html

<Contact for Inquiries>

Organizer: RX Japan LLC Oshi-iku EXPO Secretariat

〒104-0028 11F, Yaesu Central Tower, Tokyo Midtown Yaesu, 2-2-1 Yaesu, Chuo-ku, Tokyo

TEL: 03-6739-4105　FAX: 03-4563-2100 E-mail: [email protected] Web: https://www.lifestyle-expo.jp/hub/ja-jp.html

Press Registration: https://www.lifestyle-expo.jp/hub/ja-jp/press.html

— Notes —

- Attendees can freely network (planned as a standing reception format). - This event will be held within Lifestyle Week Oshi-iku EXPO. - In addition to event registration, separate visitor registration for the exhibition is required.

— Important Notices —

- This event is intended for information exchange and networking related to IP global expansion. Participation may be declined after reviewing registration details. Attendance is limited, so early registration is advised.

- Sales activities or behaviors that disturb other participants are prohibited. The organizing committee may intervene if suspicious behavior is observed. - The organizer assumes no responsibility if the event is canceled suddenly. - The organizer assumes no responsibility for theft, loss, or damage of personal belongings at the event venue.