Japanese Producers Drive Tokyo Market Growth as Exhibition Space Sells Out

TIFFCOM’s exhibition space at the Tokyo International Film Festival market sold out early, as more Japanese producers use it to seek partners while projects are still in development. The growth reflects rising international interest in Japanese content and a broader shift towards markets helping projects find financing and collaborators, rather than only trading completed films.

Last year, TIFFCOM attracted more than 4,600 industry professionals from 46 countries and regions, up 13%. This year’s Tokyo IP Market has 10 participating rights holders and new categories, while the Tokyo Gap-Financing Market is presenting 24 live-action and animation projects and has partnered with Canada’s Frontières. The article also cites projects that secured financing through TIFFCOM connections, including “The Violinist”, which won Annecy’s top prize this year, and highlights Japanese broadcasters’ plans to expand internationally.