Entertainment · October 26, 2026
Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi Pledges Support For Japanese Film At Tokyo Fest Opening
The 39th Tokyo International Film Festival (TIFF) opened on Monday in the Hibiya district, featuring a rain-soaked red carpet attended by numerous Japanese and international stars. Despite the weather, the event showcased significant industry optimism, with the Japanese government reiterating its ambitious goal to increase overseas content sales to approximately $130 billion (20 trillion yen) by 2033. The festival received 1,892 submissions from 112 countries and regions, opening with the film 'Sukiyaki,' a story about the famous 1963 song of the same name.
Read the original coverage
Tokyo Film Festival Kicks Off With Rain-Soaked Red Carpet, Japanese Stars and ‘Godzilla Minus Zero’ Anticipation
Read at The Hollywood Reporter ↗- VarietyTrade
Tokyo Film Festival Opens With ‘Sukiyaki’ and a Plea for Peace as Japan’s Government Restates Global Content Ambitions
Read at Variety ↗ - DeadlineTrade
Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi Pledges Support For Japanese Film At Tokyo Fest Opening
Read at Deadline ↗
Reported by multiple outlets
- The 39th Tokyo International Film Festival opened on a Monday.
- The opening day featured a red carpet event in Tokyo's Hibiya district during heavy rain.
- Japan's government used the opening to restate a goal of reaching 20 trillion yen in overseas content sales by 2033.
- The festival opened with the film 'Sukiyaki.'
- Actor Junichi Okada attended the opening event.
Reported by only some outlets
- The Hollywood Reporter and Variety estimate the 2033 content goal value at $130 billion and $133 billion respectively, while Deadline cites $127 billion.
- Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi addressed the festival via a video message.
- The content sector is designated as one of 17 Strategic Sectors in the Japan Growth Strategy.
- The festival received 1,892 film submissions from 112 countries and regions.
- Director Milcho Manchevski used a replica manhole cover as an umbrella to promote his film.
- Academy CEO Bill Kramer attended representing Hollywood.
Confirmed
- The 39th Tokyo International Film Festival opened on Monday in Tokyo's Hibiya district.
- The Japanese government's goal is to reach 20 trillion yen in content exports by 2033.
- The festival opened with the film 'Sukiyaki' directed by Zeze Takahisa.
- Heavy rain occurred during the red carpet ceremony.
Reported
- The content sector is one of 17 Strategic Sectors within the Japan Growth Strategy. (Deadline)
- Academy CEO Bill Kramer was in attendance representing Hollywood. (The Hollywood Reporter)
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