Utilizing security tokens to form an anime content fund - Connecting creators and investors: Philip Securities | CoinDesk JAPAN

In July 2024, Phillip Securities, which gained attention for its work on security tokens (ST, or digital securities) that allow investment in film production, is working on the establishment of an anime content fund utilizing security tokens (ST) as a means to connect anime creators and investors.

We aim to create new methods of funding for creators that can further expand the potential of highly acclaimed Japanese animation globally, and to develop an environment where talented creators can produce outstanding animation IP (intellectual property).

CoinDesk JAPAN has obtained a release stating that "an environment will be established where creators who have talent but have not been able to seize great opportunities due to lack of funding can dedicate themselves to the production of new animations." Additionally, for investors, it will become possible to experience the ultimate "support activity" of "making creators famous with their own hands," which has not been available until now.

Specific schemes have not yet been revealed, but the IP business production studio Outrigger has joined as a joint venture partner. It seems that they are starting to work on animation projects with creators affiliated with or partnered with the company.

Issues Faced by the Thriving Anime Industry

Mr. Rei Kamitani, Director/Representative Executive Officer of Studio Outrigger, has described the background of this project regarding the domestic anime market as follows.

"Recently, in the Japanese anime market, driven by the business side, the number of annual work titles continues to increase centered around original projects. However, opportunities for creators to challenge themselves with original works or projects with strong authorial identity have decreased. As a result, anime studios are prone to becoming factories for mass production and falling into a cycle of self-sustaining operations, which also contributes to the deterioration of the creative environment."

The Japanese anime industry is thriving and has received high praise from around the globe, which makes it seem stable from the outside, but for those involved, it does not necessarily seem that way.

Furthermore, I feel that it is essential for the future of the Japanese anime industry to build an environment as much as possible where talented creators can dedicate themselves to the creation of identity-rich animation IPs without being swept away by the business-driven wave.

Masashi Nagahori, President and CEO of Phillip Securities, stated that while prioritizing support for anime creators, "We provide investors with the opportunity to economically enjoy the growth of Japanese culture and the success of projects, as well as unique experiences through special investor benefits, allowing them to participate directly or indirectly in the projects."

Recently, Studio Outrigger has been involved in the production of the Japan-France international co-production animated film "Hanarokushou ga Akeru Hi" (directed by Yoshitoshi Shinomiya), which is scheduled for a nationwide release.

This work was the only one selected from Japan among the five noteworthy projects at the production stage worldwide at the "Animation Day" Annecy Animation Showcase of the "77th Cannes Film Festival" Marche du Film held in May 2024.

Security tokens are expanding in the market with real estate and corporate bonds as the main underlying assets. In 2025, further expansion in issuance amounts and diversification of underlying assets and schemes are expected, and following the security token that allows investment in the movie "Treasure Island," this case is likely to become a representative example of the diversification of security tokens.