History

1986

January

Company established. (Headquarters located in Hamamatsu-cho, Minato-ku, Tokyo)

1987

April

"A BIGGER SPLASH," GAGA's first distribution, was released theaters. Established the US office in Los Angeles, USA.

November

Launched the video industry monthly magazine "VIDEO INSIDER JAPAN".

1988

August

Completed the US film "THE JITTERS", GAGA's first production.

October

"MOTHER TERESA", GAGA's first co-distribution with Humax Pictures was released in theaters throughout Japan.

1989

April

Joined the Foreign Film Importer-Distributors Association of Japan.

May

Transformed the US office into a locally-incorporated company (GAGA AMERICA INC.).

1990

September

"THE FABULOUS BAKER BOYS", GAGA's first film released nationwide, became a hit.

1991

March

Joined the JAPAN VIDEO ASSOCIATION (present name: JAPAN VIDEO SOFTWARE ASSOCIATION). Received Best Foreign Film Importer-Distributor Award - Special Award from the Foreign Film Importer-Distributors Association of Japan.

September

Formed a capital tie-up with Culture Convenience Club Co., Ltd., the biggest company in the AV rental/sales industry.

December

GAGA's first Japanese film "ZEIRAMU" was released in theaters.

1992

January

Received the Highest Number of Recommended Films Distributor Award in 1991 from the Excellent Film Appreciation Society.

April

Established offices in the five (5) biggest cities in Japan.

November

Relocated headquarters from Hamamatsu-cho, Minato-ku, Tokyo to Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo.

1993

February

Joined the Japan New Business Conferences.

March

"BODY OF EVIDENCE" starring Madonna became a big hit and marked the largest box office revenue that GAGA has ever had.

1994

September

Launched the industry's first company-own monitor organization "GAGA Monitors 1000" (present name: Cinema Research 2000).

1995

February

"THE MASK" became a big hit and broke GAGA's box office record.

July

Established an internet website.

1996

January

"SEVEN" starring Brad Pitt became a big hit.The film marked the second largest annual box office among films in the same genre, and broke GAGA's box office record.

October

The comprehensive movie information database "LINDA" went into operation.

1997

May

The first GAGA's full-scale Japanese theatrical film "MISTY" was released.

September

"KISS"(for internal use), an information sharing database containing over 2500 films for purchasing, went into operation.

November

Established the subsidiary COMIN' SOON TV Co., Ltd., aiming to provide programming to digital satellite broadcasting.

1998

February

"THE GAME" starring Michael Douglas became a big hit.

March

"BEAN" became a big hit while TV series "MR. BEAN" was also a big success.

June

The first movie fund "Paribas/GAGA Cinema Fund 1[Crank In]" was sold.

1999

January

"RUSH HOUR" starring Jackie Chan became a big hit.

August

Established the subsidiary GAGA MUSICS Co., Ltd., aiming to manage music copyrights.

September

"NOTTING HILL", GAGA's first co-distribution with SHOCHIKU Co., Ltd. became a big hit.

October

Introduced cost accounting system by department of small group.

December

"END OF DAYS", GAGA's first release for Toho Cinemas Nichigeki chain theaters, became the best New Year's movie.

2000

February

The full-CG film "A・LI・CE" was projected in theaters by DLP for the first time in Japan.

March

"THE GREEN MILE" was released in Nichigeki chain theaters and became a big hit. The film marked the second largest annual box office among films in the same genre, and broke GAGA's box office record.

April

"ALL ABOUT MY MOTHER" became a big art house hit and broke GAGA's box office record in the art house movies category.

June

Established GAGA PUBLISHING Co., Ltd.

September

GAGA PUBLISHING Co., Ltd. launched a monthly magazine "DVD NAVIGATOR". "U-571" starring Matthew McConaughey became a big hit.

2001

March

Shared the 39th Best Foreign Film Importer-Distributor Award - Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry Award with Humax Pictures.

June

Went public on the NASDAQ Japan on June 29.

July

In the film industry, Gaga first secured a syndicated credit line underwritten by SUMITOMO MITSUI BANKING CORPORATION. Became highest grossing distributor in the first half of 2001.

2002

February

NAMCO, GAGA, and Crystal Sky signed a planning and development contract for a film adaptation of NAMCO's popular game "TEKKEN" for the world market.

March

GAGA CROSSMEDIA MARKETING Co., Ltd started operations on April 1, 2002.It developed movie information service business which aggregates media such as publication, broadcasting, internet, etc.

June

GAGA acquired exclusive DVD & video rights for both Japanese and Korean versions of "2002 FIFA World Cup Korea/Japan".

December

GAGA CROSSMEDIA MARKETING Co., Ltd acquired shares of Kinema-Junpo, Co., Ltd. CAPCOM and GAGA reached a basic agreement to make CAPCOM's popular game "ONIMUSHA" into a live-action Hollywood film.

2003

March

The 75th Academy Awards were held. "CHICAGO" won numerous awards including Best Picture.

June

CAPCOM and GAGA reached a basic agreement to make CAPCOM's popular game "DEVIL MAY CRY" into a live-action Hollywood movie.

July

GAGA started a short film label.Its first step was to begin airing a new program to introduce short films on COMIN' SOON TV.

September

GAGA　Communications strengthened its partnership with Culture Convenience Club Co., Ltd., and "GAGA Corner" was created in the TSUTAYA shops. Revised hospitality programs for stockholders, and developed the first ticket system run by distributors in Japan.

2004

February

Announced the allocation of new shares to a third party.

March

The 76th Academy Award were held.　 Charlize Theron won the Best Actress Award for her performance in "MONSTER" distributed by GAGA in autumn 2004.

April

Kinema-Junpo took over the rights of "MOVIE/TV MARKETING", a film industry magazine written in English for overseas readers and relaunched it as "MOVIE　MARKETING　ASIA".

May

The winners of the 57th Cannes Film Festival were announced. GAGA's "FAHRENHEIT 9/11" received the Palme d'Or, the top prize. "LOOK AT ME" received the Best Screenplay Award.

June

Announced the co-foundation of a new company.

August

Launched GAGA's official free magazine "GAGA FAN".

August

Announced the start of "CINEMA POCKET", a service which provides a movie-related motion picture/ information content site for the Docomo 900i series.

November

Announced a final agreement in allocation of new shares to a third party and share option issues.

2005

March

Transferred headquarters operations to Sanno Park Tower in Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo.

March

Redesigned the Company's logo, GAGA　Communications.

March

Received the 43th Best Foreign Film Importer-Distributor Award-Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry Award, the top prize from the Foreign Film Importer-Distributors Association of Japan.

June

Established a strategic cybermedia group specialized in planning and promotion using new media such as internet, etc.

July

Started "GAGA☆USEN" service, the mobile site for moviegoers.

August

Started distribution of "Cinema People", a podcast radio program.

August

GAGA CROSSMEDIA MARKETING Co., Ltd started to run "COMIN' SOON DVD" in cinema complex across Japan.

October

Redesigned the corporate site.

October

"A MOMENT TO REMEMBER" was released nationwide. The film broke the all-time box office record for Korean films.

December

Set a new record for the largest annual total box office revenue that GAGA has ever had.

2006

January

Invested in the "integrated contents fund" which USEN CORPORATION created with Daiwa Securities SMBC Group.

March

Opened "CINEMA GAGA!" as the first step of GAGA's movie theater business.

March

"THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA" won the 29th Japan Academy Prize for the Best Foreign Language Film.

March

Rachel Weisz received the 78th Academy Award for the Best Supporting Actress for her performance in "THE CONSTANT GARDENER".

May

Started animation production.

July

Established DVD/Video direct sales department in the context of copyright business.

August

Concluded a share exchange agreement with USEN CORPORATION.

October

Became a wholly owned subsidiary of USEN CORPORATION, and was delisted.

2007

January

"BABEL" won Golden Globe Award for the Best Picture.

February

Rinko Kikuchi received a 79th Academy Award nomination for the Best Supporting Actress for her performance in "BABEL", which became a popular topic among people.

March

Transferred the office to Midtown Tower in Minato-ku, Tokyo.

June

Donated a part of box office revenue of "ABDUCTION: THE MEGUMI YOKOTA STORY" to funding for activities for abductees.

December

"BLADES OF GLORY" broke the opening box office record in CINEMA GAGA! theater.

2008

February

"EARTH" broke the all-time box office record for documentary films in the past decade.

March

Launched "GAGA MOVIE CHANNEL" on YouTube.

April

Received the 46th Best Foreign Film Importer-Distributor Award-Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry Award, the top prize from the Foreign Film Importer-Distributors Association of Japan.Received the award for distribution of "BABEL", "VOLVER", "HAIRSPRAY", "EAR TH", "SICKO", and "THE GOLDEN COMPASS" (co-distributed with SHOCHIKU).

May

"BLINDNESS", which GAGA co-funded with overseas companies, was selected as the movie for the opening of Cannes Film Festival.

May

Benicio Del Toro received the award for Best Actor at Cannes Film Festival for his performance in the "CHE" series.

July

Introduced a 3D system in the in-house screening room in preparation for nationwide screening of the live-action digital 3D film "JOURNEY TO THE CENTER OF THE EARTH 3D".

August

Established the Project Development Department, in charge of development of new business. The new organization started operations.

August

"BURN AFTER READING" (presented by NIKKATSU) was selected as the movie for the opening of the Venice International Film Festival.

December

"THE GOLDEN COMPASS" (co-distributed with SHOCHIKU) received the 2008 Golden Gross Award -Silver Award, and "EARTH" received the Special Award from JAPAN ASSOCIATION OF THEATER OWNERS.

December

"CLIMBER'S HIGH" (co-distributed with TOEI) swept Japanese awards including Hochi Movie Awards for both the Best Actor and the Best Supporting Actor.

December

"SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE" swept awards including the National Board of Review Award for Best Picture in the run-up to the Academy Awards.

December

Redesigned the official HP.

2009

February

"SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE" won　8 Oscars including Best Picture.

April

Received the 47th Best Foreign Film Importer-Distributor Award - Encouragement Award from the Foreign Film Importer-Distributors Association of Japan. Received the award for distribution of "CHE: PART ONE" and "CHE: PART TWO" (presented by NIKKATSU).

July

T.Y. Limited, Inc. and KINOSHITA MANAGEMENT CO., LTD purchased all shares held by USEN CORPORATION and ALMEX INC., and share transfer was complete.

September

Changed the company name to GAGA CORPORATION Transferred headquarters operations to Minamiaoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo Redesigned the Company's logo.

October

"OCEANS" was selected for the opening of the 22nd Tokyo International Film Festival.

2010

February

"CORALINE" received awards in 3 categories at the 37th Annie Awards presented by the Association Internationale du Film d'Animation (ASIFA), 4 movies produced by GAGA were nominated in 9 categories at the 82nd Academy Awards. "A SINGLE MAN" and "THE YOUNG VICTORIA" received awards in 3 categories at the BAFTA Awards.

March

"THE YOUNG VICTORIA" received awards of Best Costumes and Best Makeup at the 82nd Academy Awards.

April

Announced structure changes and change in personnel "OCEANS" set the best box office record ever in the history of nature documentary movies.

May

“LE CONCERT” became a big art house hit.

October

“POTICHE” and “BYAKUYAKOU” were selected for special screening at the Tokyo International Film Festival.
“FUTATABI swing me again” was selected for official screening at the Tokyo International Film Festival.

December

“THE KING’S SPEECH” was nominated in 7 categories, the highest number of nominations at the Golden Globe Awards, and won numerous awards including the Special Award from American Film Institute.

2011

January

“BYAKUYAKOU” was selected for the Panorama section of the Berlin International Film Festival.

Colin Firth received the Award for Best Actor for his performance in “THE KING’S SPEECH”, and Christian Bale and Melissa Leo received awards for Best Supporting Actor and Best Supporting Actress respectively for their performance in “THE FIGHTER” from the 68th Golden Globe Awards.

“THE KING’S SPEECH”, “THE FIGHTER” and “127 Hours” received a total of 25 nominations in 24 categories at the 83rd Academy Awards.

February

“THE KING’S SPEECH” earned awards in 4 major categories at the 83rd Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Actor (for Colin Firth), Best Director (for Tom Hooper) and Best Original Screenplay.

Christian Bale and Melissa Leo received awards for Best Supporting Actor and Best Supporting Actress respectively for their performance in “THE FIGHTER” from the 83rd Academy Awards.

April

Received the 49th Best Foreign Film Importer-Distributor Award-Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry Award, the top prize from the Foreign Film Importer-Distributors Association of Japan. Received the award for distribution of “DISTRICT 9” (co-distributed with Warner Brothers), “LE CONCERT”, “A SINGLE MAN”, “THE KING’S SPEECH”, and “THE FIGHTER”.

July

“KISEKI” was selected for competition at the 59th San Sebastian International Film Festival.

“HIMIZU” was selected for competition at the 68th Venice Film Festival.

August

“KISEKI” and “HIMIZU” were selected for the Masters Section and the Contemporary World
Cinema Section, respectively, at the 36th Toronto International Film Festival.

September

“THE KING’S SPEECH DVD Collector’s Edition” held the top spot in the overall ranking on the
Oricon’s weekly DVD hit chart (dated on Sep. 12).

“KISEKI” and “HIMIZU” were selected for the A Window on Asian Cinema Section at the 16th
Busan International Film Festival.

Shota Sometani and Fumi Nikaido, the leading stars in “HIMIZU”, won the Marcello Mastroianni
Award for Best New Young Actor or Actress at the 68th Venice Film Festival.

October

“THE THREE MUSKETEERS” was screened as the opening movie, and “GOETHE!”, “PINA” and “Magic Tree House” were specially screened at the 24th Tokyo International Film Festival.

November

“Byakuyako” won the Nikon Most Excellent Visual Award at the KINOTAYO Film Festival, which screens Japanese films mainly in Paris.

December

“THE KING’S SPEECH” won the 37th Golden Gross Award for Best Foreign Language Film and the 24th Nikkan Sports Awards for Best Foreign Language Film.

“THE ARTIST” was nominated in 6 categories, the highest number of nominations at the Golden Globe Awards this year, and won numerous awards including The Broadcast Film Critics Association Award.

“SHAME” was nominated in the Best Actor category at the Golden Globe Awards.

“THE IRON LADY” was nominated in Best Actress category at the Golden Globe Awards.

2012

January

“THE ARTIST” earned awards in 3 categories at the 69th Golden Globe Awards, including Best Picture.
Meryl Streep received the award for Best Actress for her performance in “THE IRON LADY” at the 69th Golden Globe Awards.

“THE ARTIST”, “THE IRON LADY”, “PINA”, “TINKER TAILOR SOLDIER SPY” and “JANE EYRE” received a total of 17 nominations in 14 categories at the 84th Academy Awards.

“THE KING’S SPEECH” won the 66th Mainichi Film Awards for Best Foreign Language Film.

February

“THE ARTIST” received awards in 5 categories, the highest number of awards won including key Oscars at the 84th Academy Awards. It won awards for Best Picture, Best Director (for Michel Hazanavicius), Best Actor (for Jean Dujardin), Best Costume Design, and Best Original Score.

“THE IRON LADY” received awards in 2 categories including Best Actress (for Meryl Streep) and Best Makeup at the 84th Academy Awards.