TIFFCOM Sets 4,600 Visitor Goal as Japanese IP Demand Rises

Tokyo’s content market TIFFCOM expects to host approximately 4,600 visitors and 300 exhibitors this year. The figures match the attendance recorded in 2025, which marked a sharp increase over previous editions. The market opens on October 28 at the Tokyo Metropolitan Industrial Trade Center Hamamatsu-kan and runs through October 30.

Managing director Kaori Ikeda attributes the growth to a sustained increase in international interest for Japanese intellectual property. She notes that nearly 43 million tourists visited Japan last year, creating a tailwind for the cultural industry. Ikeda stated that Tokyo is a fascinating city and Japan is experiencing a boom, which directly supports the market's activities.

The market has expanded its scope beyond anime to include manga, games, and film productions like Shogun. This diversification aligns with the success of Japan-related titles in global markets. The program also includes a keynote session on artificial intelligence, featuring executives Chris Brearton and Dominic Hughes from AGBO.

Ikeda is in her third year leading TIFFCOM. Her previous roles include acquisitions work at Asmik Ace, a project with DreamWorks, and a five-year tenure at Japanese cable provider J:COM. She oversaw the relaunch of the Tokyo Story Market as the Tokyo IP Market: Adaptation and Remake. This year's event includes rights holders such as Toei, Shochiku, and Takara Tomy.

A key initiative was the collaboration with the Cannes Marché du Film, where Japan served as the Country of Honour. Ikeda described the venture as a success, noting it connected international producers with Japanese rights holders. She plans to repeat the effort, aiming to include smaller publishers with limited global experience.

The market features a session titled Unlocking the Global Potential of Japanese IP. Speakers include producer Shinzo Matsuhashi, known for Kokuhō and Kingdom, Steven Maeda, a producer on Netflix's One Piece, and Buddy Marini, head of Amazon MGM Studios Japan. The Association of Japanese Animations will also release its annual industry data during the event.

The Tokyo Gap-Financing Market, now in its seventh year, links partially funded projects with production partners. Two productions from last year's cohort will screen in the Crosscut Asia+ section. Ikeda highlighted The Violinist, an animation that found an Italian partner at the 2023 event, which recently won the top award at the Annecy Festival.

Industry shifts are reshaping the market's approach. Short dramas are gaining popularity, while streamers are adjusting budgets. Ikeda says the market is focusing on becoming a better venue for business meetings and networking amidst these changes.