The 2016-2021 Outlook for Motion Picture Production, Distribution, and Theaters in Japan

This econometric study covers the latent demand outlook for motion picture production, distribution, and theaters across the prefectures and cities of Japan. Latent demand (in millions of U.S. dollars), or potential industry earnings (P.I.E.) estimates are given across some 1,000 cities in Japan. This statistical approach can prove very useful to distribution and/or sales force strategies. Using econometric models which project fundamental economic dynamics within each prefecture and city, latent demand estimates are created for motion picture production, distribution, and theaters. This report does not discuss the specific players in the market serving the latent demand, nor specific details at the product level. The study also does not consider short-term cyclicalities that might affect realized sales. The study, therefore, is strategic in nature, taking an aggregate and long-run view, irrespective of the players or products involved. This study does not report actual sales data (which are simply unavailable, in a comparable or consistent manner in virtually all of the cities in Japan). This study gives, however, my estimates for the latent demand, or the P.I.E., for motion picture production, distribution, and theaters in Japan. It also shows how the P.I.E. is divided and concentrated across the cities and regional markets of Japan.