Kumamoto City Opens Free Tour for Game and CG Firms

Kumamoto City has announced a free two-day, one-night inspection tour on November 27-28 for companies working in digital content production, including games, anime, CG and video. Applications close on October 27 at 23:59, and the tour is limited to 10 companies, according to game.watch.impress.co.jp.

The city covers airfare, lodging and on-site experience costs for one representative per company. Food and drink are paid by the participants themselves.

On the first day, participants visit the offices of companies that have established bases in Kumamoto City and attend an evening exchange meeting with local companies and schools. The second day features an exchange event called CGWORLD Creative Cross, bringing local creative students together with the visiting companies.

The tour is organized by Kumamoto City and planned and operated by CGWORLD, the media outlet run by Born Digital. DHE, a contractor for the city, is handling inquiries.

Local talent pipeline

Kumamoto City has already attracted companies including Aiming, C2C, Digital Hearts and Digital Works Entertainment, some of which hired more than 20 local staff within a few years of opening. In 2022, Sojo University set up a 3D art course teaching Maya, Blender and Unreal Engine alongside analog modeling such as sculpture.

The city also offers subsidies for new employment and office rent to qualifying companies, which can sometimes be combined with Kumamoto Prefecture's own subsidy programs.