Japan Named Country of Honour at Cannes Marché du Film 2026
The Cannes Marché du Film has announced that Japan will be the Country of Honour for its 2026 edition, set to run from May 12–20 alongside the Cannes Film Festival. The decision was officially revealed by Guillaume Esmiol, the Marché du Film’s Executive Director, at the Tokyo International Film Festival (TIFF), withJunichi Sakomoto, Chair of the Executive Committee for Japan, Country of Honour 2026, present for the announcement.
Tokyo opened the festival with a teaser about the upcoming focus, signaling that more details would follow. As the Country of Honour, Japan will open the 2026 edition by co-hosting the Marché du Film’s Opening Night and will have a dedicated role across Marché du Film programs. Highlights include panels, networking events, and project showcases designed to spotlight Japanese animation and genre cinema, alongside a summit aimed at fostering collaboration and innovation within Japan’s film industry. A special screening day devoted to Japanese cinema is also planned.
The aim, according to organizers, is to build and strengthen international professional networks while promoting Japan’s film and content industries to global markets. With a filmmaking history spanning more than a century, Japan remains one of the world’s most influential cinema nations, shaping the medium through icons such as Kenji Mizoguchi, Yasujirō Ozu, and Akira Kurosawa, and continuing today with contemporary voices like Hirokazu Kore-eda, Kiyoshi Kurosawa, and Naomi Kawase.
The Marché du Film highlighted Japan’s robust industry, noting an annual output of around 1,200 films and a thriving theatrical sector drawing approximately 150 million cinema-goers each year, contributing to a global gross of around $1.3 trillion. The 2026 focus will build on longstanding ties with the Marché du Film, where Japanese sales companies are well established in the Palais and the Japan Pavilion—managed by UniJapan—has been a fixture at the Village International for years.
Speaking about the honor, Junichi Sakomoto said it offers a platform to showcase Japanese cinema’s appeal on a global stage and to spotlight both established talent and emerging voices. Guillaume Esmiol added that Japan holds a unique place in international cinema and at the Marché du Film, reflecting its dynamic sales networks and creative energy. He noted the personal significance of the honor, given his own Japanese roots, and looked forward to celebrating Japan’s cultural and industry achievements on an international stage.
Organization of Japan’s participation will be led by the Executive Committee for Japan, Country of Honour 2026, in collaboration with the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO). Specific program details and participating institutions are expected to be announced in early 2026.
Japan follows Brazil (2025), Switzerland (2024), Spain (2023), and India (2022) in this initiative, which the Marché du Film launched to recognize nations for their contributions to global cinema and to promote international collaboration. The 2026 Marché du Film will open on May 12 and conclude on May 20, ahead of the Cannes Film Festival, which runs through May 23.
