TIFFCOM Exhibition Space Sells Out Early as Tokyo IP Market Grows to 10 Holders

TIFFCOM's exhibition space sold out early ahead of this year's edition, managing director Ikeda Kaori said, as the Tokyo IP Market expanded to 10 participating IP holders and added new categories including toys. The market runs alongside the Tokyo International Film Festival, with the event dated October 27, 2026.

The Tokyo IP Market pitch event has also changed format: each company now gives a focused pitch on its flagship IP rather than a shared presentation. The Tokyo Gap-Financing Market, meanwhile, hosts 24 live-action and animation projects this year and has teamed with Canadian genre outfit Frontières.

Two projects developed through TGFM are at this year's Tokyo International Film Festival. One of them, The Violinist, took part in TGFM in 2023 and won the top prize at Annecy this year.

Studio sessions put international partnerships in focus

TBS will present its partnership with Legendary Entertainment and the worldwide rollout of Sasuke, the format known overseas as Ninja Warrior. Nippon TV will discuss its global strategy, including a drama co-produced with South Korea, and TV Tokyo will give a case study on taking IP overseas through experiential exhibitions in a session run by BEAJ.

TIFFCOM is also hosting a conference on international anime co-production this year. Last year's edition drew more than 4,600 industry professionals from 46 countries and regions, with attendance up 13%, according to Variety.

This year TIFFCOM expanded to the Cannes Film Market, where more than 700 people registered for its pitches, panels and related programs.