Japan IP Market Confirms May 2027 Return to Cannes
TIFFCOM and the Cannes Film Market will co-host the event on May 14 and 15 to facilitate new international adaptation deals.
By Nour Haddad ·
The Japan IP Market will hold its second edition in Cannes in May 2027. The Cannes Film Market and TIFFCOM, the content market of the Tokyo International Film Festival, will co-organize the event. The 2027 dates are set for May 14 and 15.
The announcement was made during a conference in Tokyo. The session focused on building new international partnerships following Japan's role as Country of Honor at Cannes. Alexandra Zakharchenko, head of industry programs at the Cannes Film Market, participated in the panel.
The market debuted in May 2026 as part of Japan's Country of Honor initiatives. It connected Japanese rights holders with international professionals through pitches and one-on-one meetings. Participating companies included Kadokawa, Shochiku, and Toei Company. Fujimura Tetsu, executive producer of One Piece and founder of Filosophia, Inc., spoke at the event.
Guillaume Esmiol, executive director of the Cannes Film Market, stated the program demonstrated the impact of a focused national presence. He described the market as a collaboration that extends beyond a single edition. Esmiol said the goal is to give Japanese intellectual properties greater access to international partners.
Zakharchenko explained that the aim is to create conditions for business between Japanese rights holders and overseas companies. She stated that bringing these parties together in Cannes helps turn interest in Japanese content into concrete adaptation deals and acquisitions.
Shiina Yasushi, executive adviser at UNIJAPAN and CEO of TIFFCOM, noted that the Cannes market is the largest attached to any film festival. He said meeting international professionals there is key to developing Japanese IP into global content. Ikeda Kaori, managing director of TIFFCOM, added that the first edition showed strong global interest in working with Japanese intellectual property.
The organizing bodies will announce the full lineup of companies and the remaining program details for the 2027 edition in the coming months.
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