The 39th Tokyo International Film Festival, widely known as TIFF, is set to captivate audiences from October 26 to November 4. This highly anticipated annual event, taking place across Tokyo's vibrant Hibiya-Yurakucho-Marunouchi-Ginza area, has just revealed an exciting slate of anime films that promise to deliver something truly special for every fan. From thrilling new releases making their festival debut to celebrated classics and crucial industry discussions, TIFF is once again a must-attend for anime enthusiasts and industry professionals alike.
Animation Section: New Films Unveiled
The heart of the Tokyo International Film Festival's anime offerings lies in its dedicated "Animation Section," which boasts a diverse array of fresh and upcoming titles. Among the most anticipated is Atsushi Nishigori's original anime film Grotesqqque, previously known as Grotesque. This intriguing title is scheduled for a Japan premiere on November 6, making its TIFF screening a fantastic preview opportunity. Fans will undoubtedly be eager to discover the unique vision Nishigori brings to the screen.
Another standout making its appearance is NOTHING NEW and director Kōhei Kadowaki's We Are Aliens (Ware Ware wa Uchūjin) anime film. Set to open in Japan on September 25, this film promises a unique narrative. The title itself sparks curiosity, suggesting an otherworldly adventure or perhaps a commentary on our own existence. Its inclusion in the TIFF lineup is a significant nod to its anticipated impact.
The festival also offers a glimpse into the future of anime with several projects slated for release beyond 2024. Shingo Natsume and Madhouse's new theatrical anime project, ghost – end of night (ghost/yoru no hate), is set to open in Japan on February 11, 2027. This early showing at TIFF provides a rare chance to see a highly anticipated title well in advance of its general release. Additionally, Masanao Kawajiri's original film Cherry and Virgin, also projected for a 2027 release, further solidifies TIFF's role as a platform for showcasing anime's exciting future.
Diverse Visions from Women Directors
TIFF continues its commitment to celebrating diverse voices within the industry through its "Women Directors: Diverse Visions" section. This segment brings acclaimed films to the forefront, highlighting the significant contributions of female filmmakers. This year's selection includes some fan favorites that have already made their mark.
Leading the charge is Detective Conan: Fist of Blue Sapphire (Meitantei Conan: Konjō no Fist), the 23rd installment in the hugely popular Detective Conan anime film series. Originally released in Japan in April 2019, this film was a massive box office success, earning 9.37 billion yen by the end of 2019 and becoming the seventh consecutive Detective Conan film to be the highest-grossing in the franchise. Its inclusion at TIFF is a testament to its enduring appeal and the power of its storytelling.
Also featured is Gold Kingdom and Water Kingdom, an anime film adaptation of Nao Iwamoto's Kin no Kuni Mizu no Kuni manga. This film, which opened in Japan in January 2023, captivated audiences with its beautiful animation and engaging narrative, earning 85,896,750 yen in its opening three days. Rounding out this section is the recent anime film of Riyoko Ikeda's classic The Rose of Versailles manga. Opening in January 2025, this film quickly garnered attention, earning 108,158,300 yen in its first three days, proving the timeless appeal of its source material.
Industry Insights at TIFFCOM 2026
Beyond the film screenings, TIFF also hosts TIFFCOM 2026, a crucial industry event running concurrently. This year's TIFFCOM offers invaluable insights into the business side of anime, featuring seminars led by prominent figures from across the industry. These discussions are vital for understanding the future trajectory of Japanese animation globally.
One key seminar is "Japanese Animation's Global Expansion: 2025 Overseas Sales Update and Strategies from Two Studios." This panel brings together leaders from The Association of Japanese Animations, Nippon Animation, HumanMedia Inc., Anime Industry Report, and Production I.G to discuss strategies for extending anime's reach worldwide.
The "Anime Co-Production Conference, Anime's New Frontier: Structuring & Financing International Co-Productions" focuses on collaborative ventures. Speakers from Robot Playground Media, Salamander Inc., Foliascope, and Into Global will delve into the complexities and opportunities of international co-productions, a growing area for anime.
Finally, "Japan's IP Frontier 2026: Beyond Broadcasting" explores the broader intellectual property landscape. Representatives from TV TOKYO Corporation, YAMI inc., Fuji Television, San-in Chuo Television Broadcasting, Chukyo TV, Hokkaido Television Broadcasting, and the Broadcast Program Export Association of Japan (BEAJ) will discuss how anime IP is expanding beyond traditional broadcasting channels.
The 39th Tokyo International Film Festival promises an unparalleled experience for anime lovers and industry professionals. With a stellar lineup including anticipated new films like Grotesqqque and We Are Aliens, celebrated works by women directors, and insightful industry seminars, TIFF continues to solidify its position as a global hub for anime culture. Mark your calendars for October 26 to November 4 for an unforgettable celebration of animation.
