Japan Game Day @ GDC 2026
For decades, Japan has produced globally influential intellectual property and cultivated a distinct creator culture.
Across console, mobile, and indie segments, Japan continues to play a major role in shaping the global gaming market.
At the same time, Japan’s publishing structures, business practices, and partnership models operate within a unique framework.
Successfully entering the Japanese market, collaborating with Japanese companies, or expanding Japanese titles internationally requires a deep understanding of these structural characteristics.
This event will be held in two parts:
Japan Game Focus, which examines the structure and current position of Japan’s game industry and provides practical insights into where it is heading, and Japan Game Meetup, a networking session designed for professionals with a strong interest in the Japanese gaming ecosystem.
Attendance is subject to approval.
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Japan Game Focus Doors Open: 3:00 PM
Hosted by: Digital Garage US
Partners: Global Game Growth Gateway, Kodansha Game Lab
Planned Topics
• Structural characteristics of Japanese publishers
• Creative philosophy and development culture unique to Japan
• Business practices and distribution structures in the Japanese market
• Cross border collaboration opportunities, particularly between Japan and the United States
Who Should Attend
• Developers and publishers exploring entry into the Japanese market
• Publishers considering international expansion of Japanese titles
• Investors analyzing or evaluating investment opportunities in Japan’s game sector
• Business development professionals seeking collaboration with Japanese IP
• Industry professionals interested in Japan’s gaming ecosystem
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Japan Game Meetup Door Open: 6:00 PM
Hosted by: JETRO San Francisco, Alchemist, International Game Developers Association Japan (IGDA Japan), Digital Garage US
Partner: Consulate General of Japan in San Francisco
This session will take place following the conclusion of Japan Game Focus.
It is designed as a networking opportunity for professionals interested in the Japanese game industry to exchange ideas and build new relationships.
Please note that the start time may shift slightly depending on the progress of the earlier session.