Introduction

Introduction

The Kobe Film Office was established in September 2000 with the aim of showcasing to the world the city’s recovery from the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake of 1995, which caused severe damage in and around Kobe, and to revitalize the city through the power of film.

The Kobe Film Office was among the first film commissions launched in Japan and was the very first in the country to be recognized as an official member of the Association of Film Commissioners International(AFCI). Its services have earned it numerous accolades from prominent film and television production companies worldwide who have utilized its services in Kobe.

We hope that this website will provide you with the information you need to learn about Kobe’s diverse locations. We encourage filmmakers to take an interest in Kobe and to consider it as a potential shooting location. If you have any inquiries regarding shooting in Kobe, please do not hesitate to contact us.


Organization

The Kobe Film Office is a member of the Kobe Tourism Bureau—a public interest incorporated foundation and an external organization of Kobe City. As a non-profit public institution serving as a central contact point for shooting support within Kobe City, it provides one-stop services for shooting and actively works to attract film projects to Kobe.

Kobe Film Office(Established on Sep. 13, 2000)

Kobe Tourism Bureau(Head Office)

Phone: +81-78-262-1261
Fax: +81-78-230-0808

9F Sannomiya Building East Wing, 6-1-12 Gokodori, Chuo-ku, Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture 651-0087 JAPAN


Services

Productions We Support

We support the following types of film production.

  • Feature films, dramas, and television programs
  • Online streaming films, dramas, and online streaming programs
  • Other video productions that contribute to promoting Kobe

Support Details

  • Providing information on all aspects of shooting in Kobe, including related industries and hotels
  • Assistance with obtaining shooting and recording permits at public and private facilities
  • Support for recruiting volunteer extras under the Kobe Film Office Supporter Registration System
  • In addition, we are available for consultations regarding shooting in Kobe.

Location Scouting

We operate a Location Scouting Aid Fund System. This system provides filmmakers with opportunities to explore Kobe City and its diverse shooting locations, with the aim of promoting Kobe to the world through visual production. Eligible projects include film, television drama, streaming content, and other forms of video production, and the system subsidizes a portion of the expenses required for location scouting.

This program is subject to a pre-screening process. Please review the details in the PDF guidelines below. Interested parties should contact the Kobe Film Office (film@kcva.or.jp) with their project proposal.

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