Markets

TIFFCOM, Asia’s leading content market affiliated with the Tokyo International Film Festival, will return for its 23rd edition from October 28 to 30, 2026, at the Tokyo Metropolitan Industrial Trade Center HAMAMATSUCHO-KAN. The three-day event will bring together international film, television and animation companies, buyers, producers and industry executives, with a strong focus on IP, project markets, pitching, networking and international co-productions. Organisers have also reported strong early interest, with visitor registrations currently running around 20% ahead of the same period last year.

Starting this year, TIFFCOM’s traditional seminar programme has been rebranded as “Conferences”, covering issues including artificial intelligence, IP strategies, international co-productions, the overseas expansion of Japanese content and current market trends. The first wave of sessions puts Japan’s broadcasting industry firmly in the spotlight, with Nippon TV, TBS and the Broadcast Program Export Association of Japan (BEAJ) presenting their latest international strategies and case studies.

Nippon TV will present the session “Nippon TV's Journey to Becoming a Global Content Powerhouse”, focusing on the broadcaster’s international growth strategy through co-productions, fandom building and AI. The session will examine new models designed to connect directly with audiences worldwide, including the international co-development and distribution of drama and entertainment formats, the expansion of anime and character IP, and fandom-based ecosystems built around events and licensing. Among the case studies will be Merry Berry Love, the drama co-produced by Nippon TV and CJ ENM Japan, while the company will also showcase AiDi, its AI-powered video solution. The initiatives form part of Nippon TV’s ambition to evolve into what it describes as a “Global IP Studio”.

Speakers will include Kazuo Takaya, President, Global Strategy at Nippon TV; Ken Akiyama, Head of Gyokuro Studio; Shinji Enari, Executive Vice President, Content Business; and Gi Young Choi, CEO of CJ ENM Japan.

TBS will meanwhile present “TBS Global Strategy in Action: From Partnership with Hollywood’s Legendary Entertainment to Expanding SASUKE Worldwide”.
Under its global brand purpose, “Inspiring Global Love for Japan through Timeless Moments”, the Japanese group will highlight several international initiatives, including its investment and partnership with Legendary Entertainment and the creation of StudioMonowa, a joint venture involving CJ ENM and U-NEXT HOLDINGS.
The conference will also explore the multi-platform expansion of KASSO, described as a skateboarding version of SASUKE, as well as the continuing international development of SASUKE / NINJA WARRIOR. Recent developments include the format’s return in Australia and Vietnam, cooperation with UIPM around Obstacle Racing ahead of its inclusion at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, and gaming adaptations.
The session will feature Katsuaki Setoguchi, Executive Officer of TBS Holdings’ Global Business Division and President & CEO of THE SEVEN, alongside Shinya Watanabe, President of the Global Business Division at TBS Holdings. TBS Television anchor Maoko Hibi will serve as MC.

A special session organised by BEAJ, titled “Japan's IP Frontier 2026: Beyond Broadcasting”, will focus on how Japanese broadcasters are extending their intellectual properties beyond traditional television and into new businesses and international markets.
Among the examples announced, Fuji Television will present the expansion of its hit variety show Run for Money into a VR location-based entertainment business. San-in Chuo Television will showcase its self-funded Dopamine Project and its plans for worldwide expansion, while Hokkaido Television Broadcasting will discuss its one-year-old Local Content Bank and the catalogue it is developing for international distribution.
Speakers include Ryohei Aoki of Fuji Television, Yu Kawanaka of San-in Chuo Television and Yuki Akutsu of Hokkaido Television Broadcasting, with BEAJ’s Ikuo Ichiki participating as MC and Executive Director Aki Harazono moderating the session.