An Influential & Diverse Film Nation
With over 120 years of cinematic history, Japan stands as a global powerhouse in film. Its legacy includes legendary figures such as Yasujirō Ozu, Kenji Mizoguchi, and Palme d’Or winner Akira Kurosawa to contemporary auteurs such as Hirokazu Kore-eda, Kiyoshi Kurosawa, and Naomi Kawase. Emerging talents are also making their mark: most recently, Chie Hayakawa pitched her film Renoir at the Marché du Film’s 2024 Investors Circle before presenting it in competition at last year’s Festival de Cannes.
Japanese cinema continues to inspire audiences and creators worldwide. Producing around 1,200 films annually and drawing more than 150 million viewers, the industry remains remarkably strong, generating over ¥200 billion (≈ USD 1.3 billion) each year — powered by its world-renowned animation and vibrant live-action storytelling.
As the Marché du Film’s 2026 Country of Honour, Japan will host an industry summit to connect Japanese professionals with international peers, as well as a special screening day dedicated to showcasing the latest in Japanese cinema.
Participation at the 2026 Marché du Film
Japan has long shared a close relationship with the Marché du Film. Its sales companies are among the most established in the Palais des Festivals, and the Japan Pavilion — coordinated by UniJapan — has been a long-standing fixture at the Village International.
As the 2026 Country of Honour, Japanese professionals and companies will take an even more prominent role at this year’s Cannes, hosting a series of conferences and participating in flagship programs such as Animation Day, Co-Production Day, Goes to Cannes, and the Producers Network — with a special focus on Japanese animation and genre cinema, plus rich opportunities for collaboration, networking, and exchange.
Program details and partnering institutions will be revealed in early 2026.
Renowned in cinema and beloved at Cannes, Japan’s presence promises to be unforgettable!
