Japan’s TIFFCOM/UNIJAPAN kicked off the road to this year’s October event, today unveiling an expanded programme and key themes for the three-day market along with the trademark visual, this year from artist Takashi Kawakami.

The 23rd edition of the market, which takes place during the Tokyo International Film Festival, runs from 28-30 October at the Tokyo Metropolitan Industrial Trade Center Hamamatsucho-Kan.

TIFFCOM/UNIJAPAN managing director, Ikeda Kaori, said the conference programme would feature about 20 sessions covering a wide range of topics, including the global expansion of Japanese IP, the latest anime industry report, AI, and international business and collaboration, with a particular focus on Asian countries.

The enhanced programme features an expanded Tokyo IP Market: Adaptation & Remake (TIPM) following the success of the first Japan IP Market in Cannes in May, where “the growing global demand for Japanese content was clearly evident,” organisers said today.

About 20 projects are expected to participate in the seventh Tokyo Gap-Financing Market (TGFM), which promotes international co-production, TIFFCOM CEO and UNIJAPAN executive advisor, Yasushi Shiina, said in today’s announcement.

Last year’s TIFFCOM welcomed more than 4,600 industry professionals from 46 countries and regions – a 13% increase on the previous year. International participation also rose by 10%. 

Visitor registration for this year’s market opened today.

The 39th Tokyo International Film Festival (TIFF) runs from 26 October to 4 November.