Kobe is the birthplace of film in Japan. Many western cultures were introduced to Japan through the international port of Kobe, and in November of 1896, a film was shown in Japan for the first time in Kobe.

Kobe Film Office was established in September of 2000 to carry on the traditional film cultures and to launch a new film and visual media culture in the 21st century. Kobe Film Office was also the first film commission in Japan to be accepted as a full member of AFCI.

At KOBE FILM OFFICE, we provide various services in relation to film, television, TV commercials, and other productions as stated below. Please feel to contact us about anything related to filming or taping in Kobe.

1. Obtaining permits for filming/taping at government and public facilities such as streets and parks
2. Negotiating with private facilities for filming/taping.
3. Providing information, photographs, and assistance in location scouting.
4. Providing information and assistance in finding crew, cast, equipment, hotels, transportation, etc., including negotiating for discounts.
5. Providing a list of local extras.
6. Providing assistance in any area related to filming／taping

Kobe is like a treasure box filled with film locations. Home to one of the world’s leading international trading ports, Kobe is a truly inviting city, noted for its beauty and thriving urban environment superbly enhanced by the verdant Mt. Rokko in the background. Kobe has prospered from times of old as Japan’s transportation hub of the sea. In 1868, Kobe opened itself to the outside world. The opening of its port and the subsequent construction of settlements around it attracted many from foreign lands who came to reside in Kobe, thus earning the city a reputation for being truly cosmopolitan from early on.

Within the city, you will find many places of interest for shooting, such as: the Old Foreign Settlement and Nankinmachi (Chinatowm), where the atmosphere of the exotic bygone days is retained; Kitano, famous for the old western-style houses of the early foreign residents known as “Ijin-Kan”; the town of Nada, famous nationwide for sake brewing; Mt. Rokko, which is a national park; Arima Hot Spring, one of Japan’s oldest and most famous hot springs; the scenic Suma Beach with a long coastline; Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, the longest suspension bridge in the world; two man-made islands with a modern look, and much more.

Kobe Film Office offers the Location Scouting Aid Fund, which is a system to offer opportunities for film and television creators to see the city and its versatile selection of locations for shooting in Japan, while promoting the city to the world through film and television.

A part of expenses needed for location scouting will be covered by the aid fund to those who come to Kobe with specific commercial film and television drama projects that qualify for the fund. Details of the system are as follows:

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Persons who qualify for the fund are producers, directors, assistant directors, directors of cinematography, art directors, and other core members of specific film or television drama productions that are judged as qualified by Kobe Film Office. The fund can be applied to a maximum of 3 persons from outside Japan per project.

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The fund, aimed at aiding expenses needed for transportation to and from Kobe and lodging in Kobe, will cover economy class round-trip airfare to and from Kobe and hotel expenses (room charge only) of 10,000 yen (approx. $80.00) per night, up to 3 nights.