TIFFCOM 2026, taking place October 28-30 in Tokyo, will center its newly rebranded conference program on the internationalization of Japanese intellectual property (IP), cross-border co-productions, and AI integration. With professional registration running 20% ahead of last year’s pace, the market is positioning itself as a critical hub for Asian content monetization, format distribution, and transnational alliances.
Major Japanese networks are actively transitioning from traditional domestic distribution to a global IP studio model, a shift that will dominate the market’s agenda. Nippon TV will detail its evolving co-production frameworks, highlighted by the joint development of the drama Merry Berry Love alongside South Korean media company CJ ENM. The broadcaster will also outline the integration of AI-powered video solutions, specifically its AiDi system, aimed at optimizing content workflows and accelerating the distribution of anime and entertainment formats across international markets.
TBS Holdings is expanding its international footprint through direct investments in Western markets and strategic Asian joint ventures. The company will break down its recent capital partnership with Hollywood’s Legendary Entertainment, as well as the operational structure of StudioMonowa, a joint venture established with CJ ENM and U-NEXT. Furthermore, TBS continues to monetize its physical competition formats globally, leveraging the integration of SASUKE (Ninja Warrior) into the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games framework and launching the multi-platform, skate-focused property KASSO.
Diversification beyond linear television is another core theme, driven by the Broadcast Program Export Association of Japan (BEAJ). Distributors are exploring alternative revenue streams to maximize IP lifecycle. Fuji Television, for instance, is transitioning its Run for Money variety format into a Virtual Reality Location-Based Entertainment (LBE) business. Simultaneously, regional broadcasters like San-in Chuo and Hokkaido Television are structuring self-funded IP projects and local content banks designed specifically for overseas syndication.
As the Asian audiovisual industry increasingly prioritizes cross-regional financing and multi-platform adaptations, the upcoming sessions at the Tokyo Metropolitan Industrial Trade Center will provide executives with practical blueprints for international IP licensing. Press accreditation and industry registrations remain open ahead of the October event.
