TIFFCOM has unveiled an expanded conference program for its 2026 edition, highlighting artificial intelligence, global anime co-productions, and cross-border intellectual property adaptations. Scheduled to run from October 28 to October 30 at the Tokyo Metropolitan Industrial Trade Center Hamamatsucho-kan, the three-day market reflects a strategic shift within the Japanese content sector to look beyond traditional distribution models and toward global financing and comprehensive partnerships.
A major highlight of the conference lineup is a keynote address by executives from AGBO, the independent studio founded by directors Anthony and Joe Russo. Moderated by Variety Asia editor Naman Ramachandran, the session will explore the intersection of artificial intelligence and storytelling, examining how emerging technologies are shaping global content development and the broader film production landscape.
Anime will take center stage through multiple dedicated panels and data unveilings. Industry executives, including Kazuko Ishikawa, president of the Association of Japanese Animations, and Masahiro Hasegawa, editor-in-chief of the Anime Industry Report, will present the 2026 market data and overseas sales strategies. Further sessions will focus strictly on international anime co-productions, moving past legacy licensing agreements to discuss collaborative ventures involving partners across different territories. Studio executives from Nippon Animation, Foliascope, and Production I.G are slated to share strategic roadmaps for navigating this evolving global framework.
The market’s pivot toward international collaboration is heavily anchored by its project tracks, notably the expanded Tokyo IP Market (TIPM). Focused strictly on adaptation and remake rights, the second edition of the TIPM will connect eight major Japanese IP holders—including Toei, Square Enix, and Kadokawa—with international producers to foster screen adaptations of Japanese novels, manga, and video games. This runs concurrently with the Tokyo Gap-Financing Market, aimed at helping feature film and animation projects secure global experts to complete their budgets.
Beyond Japanese animation and IP, TIFFCOM 2026 will feature broader Asian content slates designed to attract international buyers and investors. Dedicated showcases will present upcoming Taiwanese television dramas and original thrillers targeting cross-genre co-production, alongside a presentation of Linmon Pictures’ 2026–2027 Chinese drama slate. Japanese broadcasters will also outline their strategies for pushing domestic intellectual property beyond linear television, with sessions examining TBS’s partnership with Legendary Entertainment and the continued international rollout of formats like SASUKE.
