Tokyo International Film Festival Participation Guide
The Tokyo International Film Festival (TIFF) is one of the most prestigious film festivals in Asia, held every year around October to November in Tokyo, the capital of Japan, where filmmakers, actors, and film fans from around the world gather. For those coming to Tokyo for TIFF or those who happen to visit Tokyo during this period, this page provides detailed information about the Tokyo International Film Festival to help you enjoy it to the fullest.
Mission of TIFF
The mission of TIFF is “to send the possibilities of cinema from Tokyo and contribute to exchanges with diverse worlds.”
Overview of the Tokyo International Film Festival
The Tokyo International Film Festival was founded in 1985 with the goal of introducing excellent films from around the world to Japanese audiences and promoting cultural exchange. Films of various genres, including feature films, short films, documentaries, and animation, are screened, and it is a place to discover emerging talents, as well as renowned filmmakers. Additionally, TIFF serves as an important platform for people in the film industry to build the business of cinema. TIFF is the only competitive feature film festival in Japan recognized by the International Federation of Film Producers Associations (FIAPF), alongside festivals like Cannes and Berlin.
Dates and Locations
The Tokyo International Film Festival is typically held over ten days from late October to early November.
Schedule and Locations
TIFF typically lasts for 10 days, from late October to early November.
Cine Switch Ginza
Address: 4-4-5 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Ginza First Building
Official Website
Marunouchi TOEI
Address: 3-8-3 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Marunouchi TOEI Building
Official Website
Kadokawa Cinema Yurakucho
Address: 1-10-1 Yurakucho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Yurakucho Marion 7F
Official Website
TOHO Cinemas Chante
Address: 1-2-2 Yurakucho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Toho Chante Building
Official Website
TOHO Cinemas Hibiya
Address: 1-1-2 Yurakucho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Tokyo Midtown Hibiya 2F・3F
Official Website
Human Trust Cinema Yurakucho
Address: 1-5-3 Yurakucho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Yurakucho Marion Annex 7F
Official Website
Marunouchi Piccadilly
Address: 3-2-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Tokyo Building TOKIA 1F
Official Website
Yomiuri Hall
Address: 1-11-1 Yurakucho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Official Website
Tokyo Midtown Hibiya
Address: 1-1-2 Yurakucho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Official Website
Hibiya Step Square
Address: 1-1-2 Yurakucho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Hibiya Park
Official Website
LEXUS MEETS…
Address: 7-7-7 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Official Website
Tokyo Takarazuka Theater
Address: 1-1-3 Yurakucho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Official Website
Ticket Purchase and Access
To participate in the Tokyo International Film Festival, you need to purchase tickets in advance. Tickets can be purchased online from the official website or at the venue’s box office. Additionally, if you plan to watch multiple films during the festival, it is more economical and convenient to purchase a festival pass. Since tickets for films and gala events sell out quickly, be sure to buy them as early as possible.
Highlights and Programs of TIFF
The Tokyo International Film Festival offers various programs:
- Competition: A section where new films from around the world compete.
- Asian Future: A section featuring works by emerging directors from Asia, supporting the discovery of next-generation talents.
- Gala Selection: A special section featuring globally recognized films and buzz-worthy works.
- World Focus: A section that introduces films from around the world, showcasing diverse cultures and perspectives.
- Nippon Cinema Now: A section showcasing the latest Japanese films, presenting the appeal of Japanese cinema to domestic and international audiences.
- Animation: A section dedicated to exceptional animation films from both Japan and abroad, highly appreciated by animation fans.
- Japanese Film Classics: A section screening remastered versions of classic Japanese films, reevaluating masterpieces from the past.
- Youth: A section targeting younger audiences, aimed at nurturing the next generation of film fans.
Additionally, you can enjoy stage greetings from lead actors and directors at the premieres of the films.
Tokyo Film Market – TIFFCOM
TIFFCOM is a multi-content market representing Asia, held alongside the Tokyo International Film Festival (TIFF). It gathers content holders from various sectors, including film, television, animation, and more, with prominent buyers from around the world. TIFFCOM covers not only the sale of finished content but also intellectual property, remake rights, book adaptation rights, co-productions, localization, funding/investments, and filming locations, among other topics.
2024 Schedule
- October 30 (Wed): 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
- October 31 (Thu): 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
- November 1 (Fri): 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Venue: Tokyo Industry and Trade Center Hamamatsucho
5-minute walk from JR Hamamatsucho Station (North Exit).
Tips for First-Time Attendees
- Arrive early: Popular films may sell out quickly, so be sure to arrive early before the screening.
- Check transportation: Public transport in Tokyo is convenient, but rush hours can be crowded. Use Google Maps or Hyperdia to travel efficiently.
- Check schedules: Screening schedules may change, so always check the official website or TIFF’s social media for the latest updates.
This concludes the guide to the Tokyo International Film Festival. TIFF offers a chance to watch new international films, as well as Japanese classics and modern releases. You can also buy film-related merchandise, attend events, and see stage greetings from actors and directors from various countries. Make sure to visit Tokyo during this time and fully enjoy the Tokyo International Film Festival.
