「世界知的所有権の日」記念上映会を開催しました April.24.2015

On April 24, 2015, Japan and International Motion Picture Copyright Association (JIMCA), with the support of the U.S. Embassy and Recording Industry Association of Japan (RIAJ) hosted a special screening of the feature film “Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)” at TOHO Cinemas Shinjuku to celebrate World IP Day. The film has received numerous accolades including an Academy Award for Best Picture.

Prior to the screening, Mr. Jason P. Hyland, Charge d’Affaires ad interim, said to an audience of Approximately 200, “World IP Day is a worthy day to applaud the endeavors and talent of the people contributing to the creative industries. Intellectual properties are created by a great number of people putting their hearts and souls into producing the work that enchants people. That is why, today, it is important to think that making a fraudulent use of someone’s property is not a victimless crime. America and Japan where creative contents are produced unite their efforts, taking approaches to strengthening intellectual properties. Regardless of old or new titles, I have always loved Japanese movies, animated shows, and music. Besides, Godzilla is giving us a stern look from here. It is an honor for the U.S Embassy to be able to participate in such a program, allowing the artists around the world to receive reasonable rewards. Tonight, let’s enjoy the amazing movie set in Broadway “Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)” together.”

Mr. Hideyuki Sato, Senior Sales Manager, Strategic Planning & Operation, Twentieth Century Fox Japan, Inc. which provided the film for the event, said, “Movies include a shared desire from a great number of people taking part in production and distribution hoping that their movies would be enjoyed. If you see anyone who downloads illegally or buys pirated DVDs, please tell the person that’s NO good.”, and introduced the highlights of the movie.

Mr. Yoichiro Hata, Executive Director/ Director General of RIAJ which provided support to the World IP Day special screening, said, “Not only is Music one of the important intellectual properties but it also plays a significant role in the movies. In order to successively develop with the movie industry, the music industry sympathizes with the theme “Get up, stand up. For music.” held up by the WIPO and will continue to pour efforts into protecting and promoting intellectual properties.”

World IP Day was established by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in 2000, and this year will be the 15th anniversary. Following last year’s focus on movies, this year, the creative community celebrates music, with the theme “Get up, stand up. For music.”
World IP Day has become an important opportunity to celebrate creativity and innovation and raise awareness about the need to value and robustly protect intellectual property. JIMCA will continue to celebrate this event and looks forward to holding special screening events in the future.