TBS Group’s Global Strategy: How Legendary and CJ ENM Alliances Aim to Make Japanese Content the Next K-Drama

At TIFFCOM, the content market of the Tokyo International Film Festival, Tokyo Broadcasting System (TBS) Group outlined its global expansion strategy, emphasizing partnerships with Legendary Entertainment and CJ ENM. Watanabe Shinya, president of the global business division at TBS Holdings, and Setoguchi Katsuaki, executive officer of the global business division, discussed how these alliances will help propel Japanese content onto the world stage. TBS, known for hits like “Ninja Warrior” (Sasuke), aims to replicate the global success of Korean dramas by leveraging local production expertise and international distribution networks. The session underscored TBS’s commitment to “inspiring global love for Japan” through content that resonates across cultures. By collaborating with Legendary, a major Hollywood studio, and CJ ENM, a powerhouse behind the Korean Wave, TBS seeks to create a new era of Japanese soft power. The strategy focuses on co-productions, format adaptations, and digital distribution to reach audiences beyond traditional broadcast. As Japanese content gains traction on streaming platforms, TBS is positioning itself as a key player in the global entertainment landscape, turning cultural exports into economic drivers. The message to the market was clear: Japanese stories are ready for the world stage.