Takeo Hisamatsu is set to once again lead the Tokyo International Film Festival (TIFF) as its director, a role he previously held. His reappointment comes as Hiroyasu Ando concludes his tenure as chairman, marking a significant transition for Asia's premier cinematic event. The festival's organizers are optimistic that Hisamatsu's extensive experience in the entertainment industry and his vision for combining entertainment and art will further elevate TIFF's global standing and impact on the film industry.
Takeo Hisamatsu Reassumes Leadership at Tokyo International Film Festival
In a notable development for the global film community, on April 14, 2026, the Tokyo International Film Festival (TIFF) officially announced the return of Takeo Hisamatsu as its festival director. Hisamatsu, a highly respected figure in the Japanese entertainment sector, steps into the position vacated by Hiroyasu Ando, who will depart as chairman of Asia’s largest film festival on May 31, 2026. This marks Hisamatsu’s second time at the helm, having previously served as director from March 2017 to March 2021.
Hisamatsu brings a wealth of experience, not only from his prior leadership at TIFF but also from his distinguished career as president of Shochiku Broadcasting and deputy general manager of Warner Bros. Pictures Japan. His impressive portfolio as a film producer includes critically acclaimed works such as Lee Sang-il’s "Unforgiven" (2013), Keishi Ohtomo’s "Rurouni Kenshin" (2012), Hirokazu Kore-eda’s "Air Doll" (2009) and "Still Walking" (2008), Miwa Nishikawa’s "Dear Doctor" (2009), Ryosuke Hashiguchi’s "All Around Us" (2008), and Yoji Yamada’s "Love and Honor | Bushi no ichibun" (2006).
Hiroyasu Ando, whose leadership as chairman began in 2019, is widely praised for his contributions. During his tenure, Ando successfully navigated TIFF through a major relocation from Roppongi to the bustling Hibiya-Yurakucho-Marunouchi-Ginza area of Tokyo. He also spearheaded significant programmatic restructuring and fostered greater international collaboration, notably through the TIFF Lounge conversation series. Ando’s resilience was particularly evident in guiding the festival through the unprecedented challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent recovery phase of the film industry. His remarkable service will be recognized on April 15, 2026, when he receives the prestigious French government honor of Officer of the Order of Arts and Letters (Ordre des Arts et des Lettres) from the French Ambassador to Japan.
In a statement, Ando reflected on his seven years as chairman, highlighting four key areas of focus: enhancing international exchange, addressing social issues through film, nurturing new talent, and strengthening community ties. He expressed satisfaction with the growth in audience numbers, revenues, and international guest attendance, yet underscored that TIFF remains a developing entity constantly striving for excellence. He conveyed his sincere appreciation for continued support under the new leadership.
Hisamatsu, in his own statement, expressed deep honor in reassuming the festival director role. He reiterated his commitment to the vision of "Entertainment and Art in Symmetry" which, during his previous term, fostered a celebratory atmosphere and boosted attendance through diverse film selections and events. He also acknowledged the Japanese government’s renewed focus on the content business as a vital growth sector. Hisamatsu pledged to ensure that TIFF plays a crucial role in enriching cultural value and advancing the commercial development of the film industry, soliciting ongoing support and cooperation.
The 39th edition of the Tokyo International Film Festival is slated to open on October 26, 2026, running for ten days until November 4. Concurrently, the associated film market, TIFFCOM, will operate from October 28 to October 30. Both events will once again be held in the vibrant Hibiya-Yurakucho-Marunouchi-Ginza district of Japan's capital, with TIFFCOM returning to the Tokyo Metropolitan Industrial Trade Center Hamamatsucho-Kan. UNIJAPAN, the organizing body, initiated the call for film submissions on April 7, with the deadline set for July 7, accessible via the official festival website.
The return of Takeo Hisamatsu to lead the Tokyo International Film Festival is a strategic move that promises to blend artistic integrity with commercial vibrancy. His previous success in increasing attendance and his clear vision for leveraging government support for the content industry signal a bright future for TIFF. This transition, while marking the end of an impactful era under Hiroyasu Ando, ushers in a period of renewed focus on innovation, cultural exchange, and industry development, reinforcing Tokyo's position as a key hub in the global film landscape.
