The Tokyo International Film Festival (TIFF) opened on October 28 with a dazzling red-carpet event, featuring Jury President Tony Leung and prominent Japanese stars such as Haruka Ayase, Kiko Mizuhara, and Rinko Kikuchi. As one of Asia’s premier film festivals, TIFF offers a rich lineup of Japanese and international films, with 15 entries selected from over 2,000 submissions across 110 countries for the Competition section. Tony Leung, acclaimed for his performances in In the Mood for Love and 2046, leads this year’s Competition Jury.
The festival’s opening film, 11 Rebels, directed by Kazuya Shiraishi, premieres on November 1. Shiraishi and lead actors Takayuki Yamada and Taiga Nakano introduced the historical drama about condemned prisoners on a mission, adapted from screenwriter Kazuo Kasahara’s work. Shiraishi encouraged audiences to embrace this impactful retelling of a Boshin War-era story, rich in cinematic depth and national history.
Highlighting Japanese cinema, TIFF’s Competition section includes Enemy by Daihachi Yoshida (releasing January 2025), Lust in the Rain by Shinzo Katayama (November 29), and I Still Can’t Say Today’s Sky Is My Favorite, a romance adapted from comedian Shusuke Fukutoku’s novel, slated for April 2025.
New “Women’s Empowerment” and Series Categories
This year, TIFF introduced a “Women’s Empowerment” section, spotlighting films directed by and focusing on women. Among these is Doctor X: The Movie, starring Ryoko Yonekura as the indomitable surgeon Michiko Daimon. In her TIFF debut, Yonekura dazzled on the red carpet alongside co-star Ittoku Kishibe, showcasing a radiant look that captured the evening’s spirit.
TIFF also celebrates serial storytelling in its TIFF Series category, with a highlight being The Song of Vengeance, based on the popular manga Zenkoku no Kuzu. Stars Yosuke Kubozuka and Kazuya Kamenashi attended, generating excitement for serialized narratives at TIFF.
Sunset Sunrise: A Unique Look at Japan’s Societal Challenges
As part of the Gala Selection, Sunset Sunrise, directed by Yoshiyuki Kishi and written by Kankuro Kudo, explores themes of rural life, depopulation, and the impact of COVID-19 through a humorous yet heartfelt lens. Lead actor Masaki Suda, joined by cast members Mao Inoue and Ken Miyake, shared thoughts on the film’s insights into the realities faced by Minamisanriku’s residents in Miyagi Prefecture. Inoue, who plays Momoka—a landlady involved in tackling the region’s vacant property issues—highlighted the film’s reflections on community connections and cultural heritage.
Suda commented, “The energy from filming shines through, and I’m thrilled to finally share it.” Miyake, who plays a spirited member of a group supporting Momoka, remarked on the film’s power to bring audiences together in renewed appreciation of Japan’s rural landscapes.
Crowd-Pleasers and Global Representation
The red carpet featured other high-profile attendees, including Festival Navigator Rinko Kikuchi, as well as stars like Yuumi Kawai, Ryo Narita, Tori Matsuzaka, and Tsuyoshi Morita. Tony Leung, joined by the Competition Jury members Ildiko Enyedi, Ai Hashimoto, Chiara Mastroianni, and Johnnie To, rounded out the evening, formally signaling the start of TIFF’s week-long celebration of cinema.
Special Performances and Official Declarations
At the opening ceremony in the Tokyo Takarazuka Theater, virtual singer KAF captivated audiences with a performance, accompanied by artists including koto musician LEO and singer-violinist Sarah Alainn. Following speeches by Minister of Economy Yoji Muto and a video message from Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, Rinko Kikuchi expressed her gratitude for the art of film.
TIFF Chairman Hiroyasu Ando formally declared the festival open, noting the rise in attendees despite earlier rain, with both the red carpet event and opening ceremony drawing large crowds. He praised the expanded film lineup as part of TIFF’s continued commitment to fostering cultural exchange.
The 37th Tokyo International Film Festival, showcasing 208 films, runs through November 6, bringing both global audiences and industry professionals together to celebrate film and storytelling in Tokyo’s iconic districts.
