A welcome message from the Comic Con Africa team and JETRO Johannesburg before we deep dive to the world of Japanese Anime and Manga content licensing and merchandising.

Once again thank you JETRO Johannesburg and JapanStreet for making the Japan Pop Culture Connect Seminar and Networking possible. 

This has enabled Comic Con Africa to bring Japan closer to you at Otaku Town in September.

Get ready to gain unparalleled insights into the captivating world of anime and manga merchandise as Japan Pop Culture Connect proudly presents the keynote presentation on “The Current Situation of The Character Product Market in Japan.” Renowned industry expert, Mr. Kazuo Rikukawa, Managing Director/CBLA and President/CHARACTER DATABANK Co., will take the stage on 27 July to shed light on the dynamic landscape of character-based products in Japan.

As the demand for Japanese pop culture reaches new heights, businesses in South Africa seeking official anime and manga merchandise and content will find this session to be an invaluable resource. Mr. Rikukawa, a leading authority in the field, will delve into the latest market trends, consumer preferences, and emerging opportunities within the character product market in Japan.

Drawing from his extensive experience and expertise, Mr. Rikukawa will guide attendees through the licensing processes, best practices, and strategies for establishing fruitful partnerships with Japanese rights holders. This keynote presentation serves as a golden opportunity for South African entrepreneurs, retailers, and anime enthusiasts to understand the intricate workings of the Japanese character product market and explore the avenues for obtaining authentic merchandise and content for their ventures.

Japan Pop Culture Connect invites all enthusiasts of Japanese pop culture to join us on 27 July and be part of this enlightening session. Don’t miss the chance to connect with Mr. Kazuo Rikukawa and other key industry players, as we bridge the gap between South African businesses and Japanese rights holders, paving the way for a vibrant exchange of anime and manga treasures in South Africa. Secure your spot now and embark on a transformative journey into the captivating realm of anime merchandise!

After serving as an editor for a journal specializing in advertisement and marketing, as well as a researcher for a marketing company, etc., Rikukawa became the executive general producer of CHARACTER DATABANK, Ltd. (CDB) (of which he is currently the president) in July 2000. In addition to overseeing CDB’s operations, Rikukawa also separately served as a commentator for TV programs, newspapers, magazines, etc., and was also involved in writing and lecture activities.

In July 2002, Rikukawa succeeded in attracting LIMA (International Licensing Industry Merchandisers’ Association/Currently: Licensing International), the world’s largest licensing association, to Japan, and established the Japanese branch of LIMA.

Currently, Rikukawa serves as an advisor to other companies, and is a Visiting Fellow at the Content Business Institute Sanno Institute of Management, is a Executive director and Secretary general at Character Brand Licensing Association.

Books that Rikukawa has authored include “Zukai de wakaru kyarakutā māketingu (Character marketing as demonstrated through illustrations)” (co-author; published by the JMA Management Center), etc.

In this session, Riaan Le Roux from the dtic discusses various techniques for best doing business with Japan from a South Africans perspective.

TALKING POINTS

1. Trade relations: current deals with Japan and how SA businesses benefit

2. Trade requirements: requirements for benefits of trade agreements

3. Working with Japan: hours, etiquette and general tips for working with Japanese businesses

4. Import expedition: Things to consider before importing to make the process faster

Riaan Le Roux is a The South African Economic Representative in Japan, and advisor to the dtic.

In this session, Christiaan Steyn from STEYN IP walks us through SA laws for copyright in South Africa, and gives the differences and distinctions between fan art and what may be considered copyright infringement. He will then describe what this means for local crafters and retailers who make fan fair goods and merchandise.

TALKING POINTS

1. Differences: Fan Art | Copyright

2. Distinctions: Fan Art | Copyright

3. Implementation: Crafters and traders

4. Implementation: Retailers and distributers

5. Implementation: Rights holders, agents and merchandisers

Christiaan specialises in Intellectual Property Law, with specific expertise and interest in Trade Marks, Copyright and Domain Disputes, and founded STEYN IP, a specialist law firm dealing in these legal spheres, where he currently holds a position as Managing Director. He is also the Founder of a Non-Profit Organisation known as FAME.org.za (the Foundation for the Advancement of Musicians Empowerment), which is dedicated to support and uplift South African musicians.

Christiaan has further built his experience in these areas of law through his employment at various Intellectual Property Law Firms, as well as being part of the team responsible for the Trade Mark and Domain portfolios at Sasol Technology, and in holding a legal position in Intellectual Property at the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) in the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission’s (CIPC) Trade Marks Office.

Christiaan obtained a LLB degree at North-West University, Potchefstroom, and is an admitted and practicing attorney of the High Court of South Africa. He is currently a candidate for a Masters Degree in Intellectual Property Law at the University of South Africa (UNISA). Christiaan is further involved in Intellectual Property Law in South Africa as a Senior Domain Dispute Adjudicator, as well as serving on the SAIIPL (South African Institute of Intellectual Property Law) ADR and Copyright Committees, and on the IPIRA (previously AIPLITL) Communications Committee. Christiaan is also a member of WILL (Worldwide Independent Lawyers League).

Christiaan has great passion for Intellectual Property Law, specifically in the creative sector, and continuously strives to build his expertise and reputation in this field. He further aims to be among the leading professionals in Intellectual Property Law, as well as continue to be actively involved in the advance of legal innovations and Intellectual Property development in South Africa.

In this session we, explore the real value of buying and selling official merchandise with some of the top brands and rights holders.

TALKING POINTS

1. Quality of product: product lifespam, durability
2. Community: acceptance, feeling part of something
3. Collector Value: Value of official merchandise VS fakes
4. Creative Support: supporting the studios and businesses that make the properties we love
5. Legal action: Selling fake merchandise
6. Brand reputation damage: retailers and rights holders

Scott Saunders is a senior associate in the Intellectual Property (“IP”) department at the international law firm, Eversheds Sutherland, where he heads up the Anti-Counterfeiting (“AC”) team. Scott is a highly regarded intellectual property lawyer with over eight years of experience in the field.  He holds a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of the Witwatersrand and was admitted as an attorney of the High Court of South Africa in 2016.

Prior to joining Eversheds Sutherland, Scott worked at the international IP law firm, Spoor & Fisher for 5 years (2017-22).  During his tenure there, he honed his skills in trademark and copyright law, emerging as specialist in brand protection, with a strong focus on combating counterfeiting.  Throughout his career, Scott has effectively represented clients from a diverse array of industries, including technology, luxury goods, sportswear, pharmaceuticals, consumer goods, and the toy industry.  Some notable clients he has successfully represented include the LEGO Group, Nike, adidas, Mattel, Gucci, Puma, FUNKO, and Sony (PlayStation), among many others. 

Scott is known for his deep understanding of IP law and his ability to find creative and effective solutions to complex legal issues.  He is highly sought after for his expertise in brand protection, and he has a proven track record navigating his clients through high-stakes IP litigation and negotiations.  

Having previously worked in advertising himself, Scott now assists many brands, agencies and industry organisations with their advertising and marketing related issues, like preparing promotional terms & conditions, drafting artist agreements, as well as advising on the Code of Advertising Practice and the Consumer Protection Act.

Beyond his practice, Scott is a sought-after speaker at conferences and events, where he imparts his knowledge and insights to industry professionals. His dedication to his field is also evident through his active involvement in various professional organizations. Notably, he contributes as a member of the Trademark Office Practice subcommittee for Africa and the Middle East within the International Trademark Association (INTA).  Additionally, Scott played a pivotal role in the establishment of the SA Toys and Games Association (SATAGA), an association dedicated to combating counterfeiting within the toys and games industry.

Scott’s passion for Asian culture originated during his residence in Shanghai, China, where he fostered enduring friendships with numerous Asian clients and colleagues. This experience, combined with his intermediate-level proficiency in Mandarin, has significantly contributed to his ability to understand and cater to the needs of his Asian clientele.  Scott is avid anime watcher and collector of figurines, with his favourite anime being Demon Slayer. 

Scott’s commitment to excellence and his unwavering dedication to his clients has earned him a reputation as one of the top brand protection lawyers in the country. He is respected by his peers, colleagues, and clients. 

In order to take part in facilitated meetings with Japanese companies through JETRO, you need to sign up for their business matching platform JapanStreet and to fill out the Buyer Schedule availability form. (All attached for download under the networking sessions)

1. Select the timeslots that suit you.
2. Choosing more slots than necessary.
3. Save the file and forward to: ruan_botha@jetro.go.jp