Japan Launches IP360 Grant Program to Support Indie Game Developers

Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) has announced a new funding initiative called IP360, designed to help game developers, including indie creators, expand their content internationally.

The program is nicknamed "sanrokumaru" in Japan and is part of a larger government push to grow the overseas reach of Japanese content industries like games and anime.

METI has set an ambitious target of raising annual overseas revenue from Japanese content to 20 trillion yen, roughly $125.5 billion USD.

What Is IP360?

IP360 stands for "Toward 20 Trillion Yen" and covers a range of support measures aimed at helping Japanese creators take their work global.

The program funds several stages of a project's lifecycle, including pre-production, production, post-production, localization, and promotion.

What makes this program stand out, especially for smaller developers, is that it does not require applicants to be a registered company. Individuals and unincorporated teams are eligible to apply, which is a big deal in the world of government funding.

The Startup Support Grant

The centerpiece of IP360 for indie developers is the "IP New Creation Support (Startup Support)" program. Here is a quick breakdown of what it offers:

• Subsidy rate of up to 50% of eligible costs

• Maximum funding of 10 million yen (approximately $62,000 USD)

• Subsidy period running up to February 2027

• Open to individuals, not just registered companies

Eligible costs include commissioning artists or composers, travel expenses for attending overseas conventions, and communication expenses related to the project. Outsourcing costs to foreign corporations, however, are not covered under this grant.

Who Can Apply?

Applicants must have completed middle school education, and the past performance of the individual or team will be reviewed during the selection process.

To apply, developers need to submit a business plan, a prototype, and a portfolio.

The review panel will assess the following:

• Market viability of the prototype

• Plans for international distribution, meaning release in more than one country and localization into at least one additional language

• A realistic timeline for a market launch by February 2027

There are a few restrictions worth noting. Projects based on existing IPs, such as sequels or remakes, are not eligible. Content involving adult themes or material promoting specific political or religious beliefs is also excluded.

On the creative side, METI has been clear that it will not interfere with a project's creative direction or content choices.

The open call for the Startup Support program is expected to begin in late March 2026, with applications closing around late April 2026.

Bigger Grants for Incorporated Developers

For game studios that are already incorporated, IP360 offers two additional support options with significantly higher funding caps.

• Localization Support: Covers localization costs for overseas expansion, with a subsidy rate of 50% and a maximum of 40 million yen

• Promotion Support: Covers promotional activities targeting overseas users, also at 50%, with a maximum of 20 million yen

Both programs award additional evaluation points for targeting specific priority countries. Applications for incorporated developers are processed through J Grants, the Digital Agency's electronic subsidy platform.

Developers will need a G-Biz ID Prime account to use J Grants, which requires submitting documents like a seal certificate and a registered information certificate. Since obtaining this account can take over a week, early preparation is strongly recommended.

A Few Practical Notes

Selected developers will be required to submit documentation on how the grant funds were used. Additionally, the IP360 logo must appear in the end credits of any supported project.

For those ordering work from external contractors, multiple cost estimates are required, and a written reason for selecting a particular vendor must be submitted, especially when the lowest-priced option is not chosen.

Why This Matters

Japan's indie scene has been quietly building momentum for years. Solo-developed titles like The Exit 8 have grown into global multimedia franchises, proving that small teams can make a real international impact.

This new program reflects a conscious government effort to tap into that potential and give more indie creators a structured path to global audiences.

For Japanese indie developers looking to go global, IP360 is a genuine opportunity worth exploring.

Sources: AUTOMOTON, Gamemakers, Indiegamesjp, Denfaminicogamer.