Japanese companies explore Gran Canaria’s opportunities in video games and animation
A delegation of 13 prominent Japanese studios from the video game, animation, and live-action sectors visited Gran Canaria this week to explore opportunities for developing productions and building synergies with the local industry.
Organized by Proexca with the institutional and logistical backing of the Economic Promotion Agency of Gran Canaria (SPEGC), the mission presented Gran Canaria as a prime destination for audiovisual, gaming and animation projects, while connecting Japanese firms with the island’s professional ecosystem. The primary objective was to explore opportunities for collaboration and corporate establishment, backed by a value proposition combining tax incentives, local talent, and specialized infrastructure.
An environment to grow and develop content
The visiting companies learned about the combination of talent, specialized services, and infrastructure available across Gran Canaria. For video game and animation studios, this environment offers significant potential for partnerships in content creation, software development, and production services.
In the live-action sector, the island’s offering pairs purpose-built facilities -such as Gran Canaria Platós- with diverse outdoor locations and favorable year-round climate conditions that facilitate continuous filming.
Incentives for audiovisual and technology sectors
The itinerary included a presentation on the Canary Islands Economic and Tax Regime (REF) and the pathways for setting up operations through the Canary Islands Special Zone (ZEC).
Subject to applicable requirements, international audiovisual productions can access tax deductions of up to 54% on the first million euros of eligible expenditure incurred in the Canary Islands, and 45% on amounts thereafter. Meanwhile, technology projects benefit from targeted tax credits for R&D and technological innovation, depending on the nature of their activity.
The trade mission established key contacts for future partnerships between Japanese companies and the Gran Canaria business community, spanning both content production and technological development.
As a real-world case study of a successful setup in Gran Canaria, the delegation gained firsthand insight into the experience of Gigglebug Entertainment, an international animation studio operating on the island since 2024. Its management and technical team shared their 2D animation workflow, which balances developing proprietary intellectual property with high-profile service work for major global brands, including titles such as The Unstoppable Yellow Yeti and 101 Dalmatian Street (Disney), Best & Bester (Nickelodeon), The Last Kids on Earth (Atomic Cartoons) and the animated feature Merry Little Batman (Warner Bros. Animation).
Looking for a hub to develop your video game, animation, or audiovisual projects? Contact Best in Gran Canaria to discover what Gran Canaria can offer your company.