Japanese Films and Anime Will Take Center Stage at Cannes 2026

Japan will take center stage at the 2026 Marché du Film in Cannes after being named the market’s Country of Honour. The designation places Japanese films, anime, and entertainment intellectual properties at the forefront in film industry’s largest business events, running from May 12 to 20 as part of the 79th Festival de Cannes (Cannes Film Festival).

Japan becomes the fifth nation to hold the Country of Honour title at Cannes since the initiative launched in 2022, and the first from East Asia. Japan will bring five titles into the Festival's Official Selection, three of them competing for the prestigious Palme d'Or.

The country will also co-host the Marché's Opening Night, while anchoring government-backed programming across four days. “We look forward to seeing Japan’s rich film culture, along with its emerging talents and technologies, shine even brighter internationally,” said Junichi Sakomoto, Japan’s Chair of the Executive Committee, while acknowledging the opportunity.

Japan at Cannes 2026: Five Titles and Anime on the Main Stage

As mentioned, five Japanese titles will be featured in the 79th Festival de Cannes Official Selection. Among the selected titles, Ryūsuke Hamaguchi’s All of a Sudden, Hirokazu Kore-eda’s Sheep in the Box, and Koji Fukada’s Nagi Notes will compete for the prestigious Palme d'Or.

Among the other two, Yukiko Sode's All the Lovers in the Night screens in Un Certain Regard, while Kiyoshi Kurosawa's Kokurojo: The Samurai and the Prisoner will open at the Cannes Premiere. Additionally, the Cannes Classics screening list adds a digital restoration of Akira Kurosawa's Sugata Sanshiro (1941).

At Cannes Animation, in partnership with Annecy International Animation Film Festival, the programming has been shaped around Japanese anime's international reach. Two projects headline the showcase, Wasted Chef by Takayuki Hirao and Hidari by Masashi Kawamura and Iku Ogawa.

Japan as Marché du Film’s Country of Honour: A Market for Deals and International Visibility

As per the official announcement, the recognition also reflects the increasing commercial and cultural influence of Japanese entertainment. The country’s anime industry alone peaked at  ¥2.52 trillion ($15.83 billion USD) in 2025, according to Skyquest, fueled by streaming demand and box office growth.

One of the significant parts of Japan's Cannes presence is the ‘Japan IP Market,’ running from May 15 to 17 at the Art Explora catamaran. It will be co-organized with TIFFCOM, the content market arm of the Tokyo International Film Festival. The entire ‘Japan Special’ initiative is also backed by Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) and the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI).

The three-day Japan IP Market event is structured around pitch sessions and targeted one-on-one business meetings, designed to move Japanese intellectual properties toward international adaptation. The catalog spans film, manga, and graphic novel IPs.

Most of the prominent Japanese anime business operators, such as Toei, KADOKAWA, Nippon Animation, Shochiku, and the like, are participating in the event.

On May 14, France-Japan Co-Production Meetings, organized with the CNC, will place 11 selected Japanese producers in direct dialogue with French counterparts. A dedicated Japan Screening Day will bring four previous Cannes Competition titles, including Shohei Imamura's Palme d'Or winner The Eel (1997) and Masaki Kobayashi's Kwaidan (Special Jury Prize, 1965).

Japanese sales companies will also maintain a strong presence throughout the Palais des Festivals, and the dedicated Japan Pavilion in the Village International arena. To honor Japan’s position and uniqueness, Executive Director of the Marché du Film Guillaume Esmiol stated “Japan holds a unique place in international cinema, and its creative legacy continues to inspire generations of filmmakers.”