Matt Schley
FeaturesHow Netflix anime ‘Cosmic Princess Kaguya!’ became a box office sensation in Japan
The film broke out from streaming to become one of the highest grossing titles of 2026 to date.
NewsGaga boards ‘The Potentials’ from Koreeda protégé Shoichi Morimoto
EXCLUSIVE: The drama is co-directed by Takuma Sato of ‘Any Crybabies Around?’
NewsYukiko Sode’s ‘All The Lovers In The Night’ lands multiple deals after Cannes bow
EXCLUSIVE: The film received its world premiere in Un Certain Regard.
NewsJapanese stop-motion animation ‘The Bear Hunter’ set as first feature from Taiyo Kikaku
EXCLUSIVE: The stop-motion animation will mark the feature directorial debut of Takeshi Yashiro.
News‘Missing Child Videotape’ director Ryota Kondo readies fresh horror ‘Afunruparo’
EXCLUSIVE: Produced by Synca Creations, filming is set to begin summer 2026.
NewsJapan’s Toei, Thailand’s M Studio, Korea’s Showbox team for horror ‘The Long Hair In The Attic’
EXCLUSIVE: The film is based on a Japanese manga by prominent artist Junji Ito.
FeaturesHirokazu Koreeda talks AI-inspired new film ‘Sheep In The Box’ and his Cannes nerves: “It can be a tough crowd”
”I still get nervous every time I premiere a film in Cannes. It can be a tough crowd”.
FeaturesJapan’s expanded incentive proves a boost to international film and TV production
The incentive, launched in 2023 following a pilot scheme, now has a two-year window, expanded from the previous one-year arrangement.
FeaturesCannes 2026: Japan hot projects
Japan has a bumper crop in the festival’s official selection from its leading auteurs, alongside projects from renowned horror and thriller directors at the market.
FeaturesGaga president Satomi Odake talks Koreeda at Cannes and boosting the appeal of film
The established producer and distributor is also making moves into North America.
NewsShinya Tsukamoto readies Vietnam veteran drama ‘Mr. Nelson, Did You Kill People?’
Tatyana Ali also stars in the real-life story of anti-war activist Allen Nelson.
NewsJapanese chiller ‘Sai: Disaster’ lands first sales in France, Asia
EXCLUSIVE: The psychological thriller premiered in Competition at San Sebastian.
FeaturesFilmart 2026: 12 buzz titles from Japan
Anime, romance, drama and the latest from Oscar winner Ryusuke Hamaguchi are being showcased by Japanese sellers at Filmart.
NewsNikkatsu boards ‘Unchained’ starring Wataru Ichinose of Netflix sumo series ‘Sanctuary’
EXCLUSIVE: The upcoming feature is directed by Keisuke Yoshida and is set for launch at Filmart.
NewsZaven Najjar’s ‘Allah Is Not Obliged’ wins top prize at Japan’s Niigata animation festival
Runner-up jury award presented to ‘Nimuendajú’ by Tania Anaya.
NewsJapan’s Toei pacts with Thailand’s M Studio to co-produce Thai films
EXCLUSIVE: M Studio is known for the blockbuster ‘Death Whisperer’ horror franchise.
NewsShochiku boards Venice doc ‘The Ozu Diaries’, lands key sales including North America
EXCLUSIVE: Daniel Raim’s documentary will be introduced to buyers at the EFM.
NewsJapan box office hit record high in 2025 boosted by ‘Demon Slayer’, ‘Kokuho’
Box office reached $1.8bn from 188.7 million admissions
NewsNetflix Japan unveils Hiroki Kazama film ‘One Year to Live, Buy a Man’
The feature is among the titles lined up for the streamer’s 2026 slate.
FeaturesBeyond Studio Ghibli: the impact of anime on this year’s awards race
Anime is no longer just big in Japan, it’s now a truly global sensation