The Tokyo International Film Festival's market arm, TIFFCOM, has achieved record participation with 322 exhibiting companies, up from 283 last year, as it shifts toward becoming a key co-production and financing hub in Asia. Managing Director Ikeda Kaori and CEO Shiina Yasushi outlined plans to strengthen regional ties, IP adaptation, and international collaborations through seminars and initiatives like the Tokyo Gap-Financing Market. The event emphasizes Japan's diverse content ecosystem, from animation to live-action, amid growing demand for Asian partnerships.
Record Growth and Strategic Shift
TIFFCOM 2025, running alongside the Tokyo International Film Festival, has seen booths nearly sell out by early July, hosting 322 companies focused on film, TV, animation, and IP business. CEO Shiina Yasushi highlighted the market's evolution from sales-driven to a comprehensive co-production platform, noting, 'It is increasingly recognized as a comprehensive market that brings together film, television, animation, and IP business. The diversity of Japanese content and Tokyo’s rich cultural and creative energy are major strengths.' This year's growth reflects stronger international momentum, with past Tokyo Gap-Financing Market (TGFM) projects selected for major festivals like Cannes, Venice, and Berlin.
Focus on Asian Expansion and Co-Productions
Managing Director Ikeda Kaori, drawing from her experience in acquisitions and international sales, aims to integrate TIFFCOM deeper into Asia's entertainment landscape. 'TIFFCOM covers the full value chain — from Japan and Asia’s rich IPs to live-action films, dramas, animation, and both theatrical and streaming content — and we aim to strengthen its position as a valuable market in Asia,' she said. The 2025 seminar program targets co-production, IP strategy, and Asian expansion, addressing gaps in practical knowledge and networks. Kaori emphasized, 'As the industry continues to evolve rapidly, interest in international co-productions and the global adaptation of IP is growing. However, I feel that a lack of practical knowledge and networks remains a challenge.' Sessions will feature experts sharing case studies on project development, financing, and distribution.
Challenges in IP and Partnerships
While Japanese IP like manga and gaming holds global appeal, hurdles persist in rights management and decision-making. Kaori noted, 'Challenges often pointed out include the complexity of rights management for library titles and the slow pace of decision-making in Japan.' The rebranded Tokyo IP Market connects rights holders, including Toei, with international producers. Shiina stressed ASEAN partnerships: 'While strengthening partnerships with the rapidly growing ASEAN countries, we aim to position Tokyo as the central hub in the expanding Asian content ecosystem.' Co-productions succeed through institutional support and trust, with initiatives like TGFM fostering lasting partnerships.
Highlight Project: 'Hum' at TGFM
Among projects at the sixth edition of TGFM, sci-fi western 'Hum' by Don Josephus Raphael Eblahan is pitching for financing. The film follows a veterinarian who communicates with animals to predict aftershocks after an earthquake, exploring climate change and indigenous identity. Developed at Cannes Residency, Berlinale Script Station, and Sundance Native Lab, it has secured Polish co-production funding and awards from Busan. Producers seek sales agents and investors, with Eblahan stating, 'The film is a meditation on earthquakes, environmental disasters, and weather anomalies in the age of climate change.'
