Japan changes things up this MIPCOM, swapping its traditional Treasure Box presentations for a discussion-based format with a panel of independent international formats experts.

Panelists will talk about international market trends and adaptations, and will weave in trailers for 10 new unscripted formats making their global debuts in Cannes. 

Showcase organiser, the Broadcast Program Export Association of Japan (BEAJ), said in the run up to the market that the change placed greater emphasis on the trailers themselves, which it called “an essential tool for capturing international buyers’ attention”. 

The event on day one of MIPCOM was designed to generate concrete business opportunities throughout the rest of the market, BEAJ said.   

Panelists are Small World CEO Tim Crescenti; former Fremantle EVP and now international format consultant Vasha Wallace; and Makito Sugiyama, BEAJ’s executive director, business management and executive producer of Treasure Box Japan 2026.  

Ten Japanese broadcasters are participating this year. They are Nippon TV, Yomiuri TV, Chukyo TV Broadcasting, TV Asahi, Asahi Television Broadcasting Corporation, TBS Television, MBS, TV Tokyo, Fuji Television and Kansai Television. 

Treasure Box Japan is supported by Japan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC).