Kore-eda Hirokazu's 'Look Back' Spearheads Japanese Selection at Cannes via Tokyo Film Festival Showcase

Five Japanese-language films are set to premiere at the forthcoming Cannes Film Festival as part of the Tokyo International Film Festival's prestigious Goes to Cannes program, with acclaimed director Kore-eda Hirokazu's 'Look Back' serving as the centerpiece of the curated lineup.

The selection, announced on April 23, 2026, showcases a diverse range of genres spanning drama, suspense, animation, mystery, and family storytelling. All five titles are scheduled for completion in 2026.

'Look Back', directed by Kore-eda Hirokazu, centers on a poignant narrative following two young women whose lives become intertwined through their shared passion for manga creation over a span of 13 years.

The broader slate benefits from industry support across major Japanese production houses. Kadokawa Corporation and Toei Company each contribute one feature to the program, while Shin-Ei Animation provides the showcase's sole animated offering, further diversifying the selection presented to international audiences.

The Goes to Cannes initiative continues to serve as an important platform for Japanese cinema on the global festival circuit, highlighting the country's contemporary film production across multiple genres and production scales.