Full details
The Tokyo International Film Festival (TIFF) and the audiovisual content market TIFFCOM have announced the dates for their 39th edition in 2026. The festival will take place over ten days from October 26 to November 4, while the TIFFCOM market will run for three days from October 28 to 30.
Key Dates
- October 26 - November 4, 2026: 39th Tokyo International Film Festival events.
- October 28 - 30, 2026: TIFFCOM audiovisual content market.
- April 7, 2026: Opening of submissions for films and entries via the festival's official website.
Brief Background
The Tokyo International Film Festival is held across the Hibiya, Yurakucho, Marunouchi, and Ginza districts, while TIFFCOM hosts its events at the Tokyo Industrial Trade Center in Hamamatsucho-kan. The festival is one of Asia's premier cinematic events, attracting both international and local stars. It serves as an important platform for showcasing new films and exploring current cinematic trends.
The 38th edition, held from October 27 to November 5, 2025, featured notable appearances by stars such as Juliette Binoche, Fan Bingbing, and Paul Schrader. It also honored Japanese cinema legend Sayuri Yoshinaga with a Lifetime Achievement Award. Additionally, the edition launched the Asian Film Students Conference, highlighting emerging talents from film schools across the region.
Why These Dates Matter
These dates come at a time when the Japanese film market is experiencing significant growth. Box office revenues in 2025 reached a record ¥274.45 billion (approximately $1.79 billion), marking a 32% increase from the previous year, fueled by successful films like "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Swordsmith Village Arc Part 1."
The expansion and update of the TIFFCOM market to include the intellectual property market "Tokyo IP Market: Adaptation & Remake" reflect the growing international demand for Japanese content, further solidifying the festival’s status as a key marketplace for the film and television industries.
What to Expect
The 39th edition is expected to attract more stars and outstanding films, especially with submissions opening in April 2026. Audiences are also eagerly anticipating the release of "Godzilla Minus One," scheduled for November 3, 2026, the penultimate day of the festival, continuing the tradition of launching Godzilla films during this period.
The Tokyo International Film Festival and TIFFCOM market remain vital platforms for filmmakers, distributors, and buyers, offering opportunities for networking, idea exchange, and project development, thereby enhancing Japan’s position in the global cinematic landscape.