The Tokyo International Film Festival (TIFF) has officially announced the appointment of Takeo Hisamatsu as the new Festival Director for its 39th edition. Effective immediately as of April 14, 2026, Hisamatsu steps back into the leadership role he previously held from 2017 to 2021, signaling a strategic move toward institutional stability and continued global growth for Japan’s premier cinematic event.
Hisamatsu succeeds Hiroyasu Ando, who has served as the festival’s chairman since 2019. Ando is scheduled to formally step down on May 31, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of significant structural modernization, including the festival’s high-profile relocation to the Hibiya-Yurakucho-Marunouchi-Ginza area.
A Vision of Artistic and Commercial Balance
In his first official statement since the reappointment, Hisamatsu emphasized his commitment to the philosophy of “Entertainment and Art in Symmetry.” This dual-focus approach aims to maintain the festival’s prestige as a world-class artistic platform while simultaneously boosting its commercial appeal and audience engagement.
Hisamatsu’s return coincides with a period where the Japanese government is increasingly prioritizing the “content industry” as a vital pillar of national economic growth. The new director expressed his intention to ensure TIFF plays a central role in this expansion, serving as both a cultural sanctuary for filmmakers and a robust business hub for international distribution and co-production.
The Legacy of Hiroyasu Ando
The transition marks the end of an era defined by transformation. Under Hiroyasu Ando’s guidance, the festival achieved several key milestones:
• Geographic Relocation: Moving the main hub from Roppongi to the more accessible and historic central Tokyo districts.
• International Recognition: Strengthening global exchange initiatives, such as the TIFF Lounge conversation series, which fostered dialogue between Asian and international creators.
• A-List Status: Ensuring the festival retained its “A-Festival” distinction from the International Federation of Film Producers Associations (FIAPF).
In recognition of his contributions to cultural diplomacy, the French government recently awarded Ando the Officer of the Order of Arts and Letters, with the ceremony held at the French Embassy in Tokyo.
Professional Pedigree
Takeo Hisamatsu brings decades of high-level industry experience to the 39th TIFF. His career includes significant tenures at Shochiku Co., Ltd. and Warner Bros. Pictures Japan, as well as leadership roles at Shochiku Broadcasting. His deep understanding of both the Hollywood studio system and the Japanese theatrical landscape makes him uniquely qualified to navigate the complexities of the modern festival circuit.
Following his previous term as director, Hisamatsu remained active in the industry through his independent venture, My Way Movies, further broadening his perspective on the independent and global film markets.
Looking Toward October 2026
With the leadership transition underway, preparations for the 39th edition are already in full swing. The festival is scheduled to run from October 26 to November 4, 2026.
The upcoming edition is expected to build upon the increased audience numbers and international participation seen in recent years. As Hisamatsu takes the helm, the focus remains clear: amplifying the voice of cinema from Tokyo while fostering a diverse, interactive environment for a global audience.
Key Upcoming Deadlines for the 39th TIFF:
• Early Bird Submissions: April 7 – May 26, 2026
• Regular Submissions: May 27 – July 7, 2026
As the global film community looks toward Tokyo this autumn, the reappointment of a familiar and seasoned leader suggests that TIFF is ready to solidify its position as one of the most influential cultural landmarks in the Asia-Pacific region.
April 14, 2026.
