Amazon MGM Studios Doubles Investment in Japanese Originals; ‘One Piece’ and ‘Kingdom’ Producers Reveal IP Strategies at TIFFCOM

Amazon MGM Studios is doubling down on Japan. Buddy Marini, the company’s new head of Japan, announced at TIFFCOM that investment in original Japanese content has doubled, with an expanded slate of live-action films and series. The move signals a major push by the global streaming giant into one of the world’s most influential entertainment markets. Marini spoke on a panel alongside Steven Maeda, showrunner of the live-action ‘One Piece,’ and Shinzo Matsuhashi, producer of the hit manga adaptation ‘Kingdom.’ The discussion focused on adapting beloved intellectual property for global audiences while staying true to Japanese storytelling roots. For Amazon, the strategy is clear: local originals drive subscriber growth and retention in Japan, while breakout hits can travel worldwide. With competitors like Netflix and Disney also ramping up local production, the race for premium Japanese content is intensifying. As Amazon MGM Studios expands its Tokyo-based team and production pipeline, the industry will watch whether its bet on Japanese IP pays off with the next global phenomenon.