Three Japanese Directors in Cannes Competition as Country of Honor Delegation Works the Market
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- Japan marks a historic Cannes moment with three directors — Hamaguchi Ryusuke, Kore‑eda Hirokazu, and Fukada Koji — in the Palme d’Or race, a feat not seen since 2001.
- MPPAJ assembled a 10‑producer Country of Honor delegation, mixing five veteran studio producers and five emerging independent producers chosen by VIPO, to promote Japanese cinema at the Cannes market.
- Competition slate includes Hamaguchi’s “All of a Sudden,” Kore‑eda’s “Sheep in the Box,” and Fukada’s “Nagi Notes” vying for the Palme d’Or.
- Parallel sections showcase Sode Yukiko’s “All the Lovers in the Night” (Un Certain Regard), Kurosawa Kiyoshi’s “Kokurojo” (Cannes Premiere), Kadowaki Kohei’s “We Are Aliens” and Honami Yano’s short “Eri, the Cow” (Directors’ Fortnight), and Miike Takashi’s “Sham” (Écrans Juniors).
- Key producers such as Toho’s Koike Yurika, Shochiku’s Ishida Satoko, Kadokawa’s Kodera Takeo, Toei’s Takata Shiori, and Mochi’s Jerry Zhang bring extensive international co‑production experience and upcoming projects to the market.
Why it matters: Japanese filmmakers and studios gain direct market access for ten producers and multiple titles, likely boosting overseas sales and co‑production financing, while Cannes benefits from a richer, diversified program.
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