New Taiwan-Japan Film Fund, Daily Capital, Launched at Tokyo Market, Backing Period Romance 'Love Ends in Bloom'

Fostering Cross-Cultural Narratives: A New Era for Taiwan-Japan Co-productions

The Inception of Daily Capital: A Vision for Collaborative Storytelling

Daily Capital, a pioneering fund dedicated to co-productions in film and television between Taiwan and Japan, officially commenced its operations. The announcement took place during the 'Taiwan Originals: Project Showcase' event at TIFFCOM, the market component of the Tokyo International Film Festival.

Financial Aspirations and Strategic Investments

The fund's ambitious goal is to secure NT$100 million, approximately $3.1 million USD, within its initial two years. This capital will be strategically deployed to support a minimum of five projects spanning feature films, television series, and animated productions. Currently, 70% of the fundraising target has been achieved, with full operational capacity expected by the close of the year, as confirmed by founder Chang Chen-yu.

The Philosophy Behind the Name: Sustained Progress in Creativity

The designation "Daily" for the capital fund symbolizes the belief that substantial and meaningful advancements in artistic endeavors are the culmination of consistent, day-to-day efforts and dedicated work.

Key Alliances: Partnering for Production Excellence

In Japan, Daily Capital has established crucial co-development partnerships with K2 Pictures and Remow. K2 Pictures, led by producer Kii Muneyuki, brings together acclaimed Japanese filmmakers, including Iwai Shunji, Miike Takashi, Nishikawa Miwa, and Kore-eda Hirokazu. Remow, supported by major Japanese entertainment and media conglomerates such as Shueisha, Toei, Amuse, Shochiku, TBS Holdings, and Fuji Media Holdings, provides access to extensive intellectual property libraries and robust distribution networks.

Investment Strategy: Cultivating Creative Teams and Ensuring Returns

The fund's investment approach is flexible, adapting to the scale and specific requirements of each project, whether it's a film, series, or animation. Investments are typically made during the development or pre-production phases, with an active role in script development and the assembly of core creative teams. A key financial objective is to achieve capital recovery within three years.

Synergizing Strengths: Japanese IP and Taiwanese Production Expertise

Daily Capital intends to leverage Japan's renowned intellectual property and production prowess in conjunction with Taiwan's agile financing and extensive experience in co-productions. The fund also plans to capitalize on local production incentives and existing distribution networks to broaden the reach of its projects beyond Japanese and Mandarin-speaking audiences.

Unveiling the Inaugural Project: "Love Ends in Bloom"

The fund's initial announced investment is the ten-episode historical romance series titled "Love Ends in Bloom." Set against the backdrop of 1930s Chiayi and Alishan, the drama narrates the story of a Japanese geisha who orchestrates a cross-border marriage to rescue her mother, only to find herself entangled in a forbidden romance with a Taiwanese timber magnate. The narrative explores Taiwan's Japanese colonial period (1895–1945), particularly the flourishing cypress industry, through the perspective of a Japanese woman.

Inspiration and Narrative Depth: Connecting History and Geography

The genesis of "Love Ends in Bloom" stems from Chang's visit to his hometown of Chiayi in 2023, where renovations at the railway station prompted reflection on the city's rich forestry and railway heritage. Chang previously noted the rare occurrence of narratives that cohesively link Taiwan, Japan, and Korea despite their geographical proximity.

Creative Talent and Production Timeline: Bringing History to Life

The series is penned by Juliana Hsu, known for her work on the period drama "Gold Leaf," and directed by Sun Jie-heng, acclaimed for the wartime historical drama "Three Tears in Borneo." Filming is scheduled to commence in February 2027, with a target release in mid-2028.

Measuring Success and Future Growth: A Pathway to Expansion

Success for Daily Capital will be gauged by its projects' ability to secure distribution with Japanese broadcasters, regional platforms, and global streaming services, as well as by achieving projected financial returns. Positive outcomes are expected to pave the way for a larger second fund, further expanding its focus on Taiwan-Japan and broader Asian co-productions.