Buyers Series 2023

NHK Enterprises Inc’s Kayo Fukuda understands that as a buyer for scripted series, Chinese dramas work well for him across Japan, where his prime genre of interest is strongly set in the costume/period series.

“Hopefully, these dramas are loosely based on historical figures in Chinese history,” Kayo noted.

Kayo also explained that his audiences are also becoming quite familiar with action, fusion, and mythical programs, “…all of which are showing certain successes, especially in the VOD market.”

Today, Kayo expounds that with regards to his current focus, “S-class mystery and detective stories, in addition to costume/period dramas from China and Korea are significant. From the US and Europe, good detective stories with very strong characters do well.”

And what has been the biggest change in the industry that Kayo has experienced personally?

“Bosses think that we can buy programs without meeting up in person. However, actual acquisition and salespeople feel that there is nothing better and more productive than physical meetings. So, we need to have more in-person events,” said Kayo candidly. 

It does give even more reason to be at ATF this year.