In the final days of the Tokyo International Film Festival, The Hollywood Reporter Japan hosted a glamorous party at The Peninsula Hotel in Ginza, adding a touch of old-school glamour to the festivities. On October 30th, THR Japan took over Peter Restaurant for an exclusive event that brought together some of the biggest names in Japan’s movie industry. Guests enjoyed exquisite canapés and unique drinks from Sake Hundred while taking in the spectacular nighttime views of Tokyo from the 24th floor of The Peninsula.
The opening ceremony of the party featured speeches from Tokyo Film Festival chairman Hiroyasu Ando, Tsukasa Shiga (chairman of Hersey Shiga Global), Japan’s Environment Minister and film enthusiast Shintaro Ito, and THR’s Asia Bureau Chief Patrick Brzeski. The event was a celebration of Japanese cinema and its growing influence in the international film industry.
Among the notable guests from the local entertainment industry were Cannes Palme d’Or-winning and Oscar-nominated filmmaker Hirokazu Koreeda, Japanese acting icon Jun Kunimura, actor Takumi Saitoh, director Takashi Yamazaki, and producer Georgina Pope. The presence of these prominent figures highlighted the significance of the Tokyo International Film Festival and its role in showcasing Japanese talent to the world.
The Tokyo Film Festival also saw the attendance of jury members Tran Thi Bich Ngoc, Markus Nornes, and Albert Serra, who added their expertise and insights to the festival’s proceedings. Their presence further solidified the festival’s reputation as a prestigious platform for showcasing the best of global cinema.
Representatives from major studios were also in attendance at the party. This included Toho Cinemas president Takayuki Ikeda, Kazushi Sato (deputy managing director and senior VP at Sony Pictures Entertainment), Gaku Narita (head of Japan contents and executive director at Disney), and Belina Tan (VP of corporate communications at Disney APAC). Their presence indicated the strong collaboration between Japanese and international film industries and highlighted the global reach of Japanese cinema.
The party attracted not only industry professionals but also local Tokyo dignitaries. Ishii Mitsuko and Hirofumi Nakasone, members of the House of Councillors of Japan, attended the event, along with Junko Koyama (president of Clarins Japan), Kathy Knowles (marketing director of MSC Cruises), Roberto Barbieri (director at MHD), and representatives from Mitsubishi Estate and Coca Cola Bottlers. The presence of these dignitaries demonstrated the wide-ranging impact of the film industry and its ability to bring together people from various sectors.
Launched in January, THR Japan has established itself as a prominent Japanese-language entertainment publication. It provides significant industry news translated from THR’s flagship website, as well as original reporting on the Japanese entertainment business. With its focus on bridging the gap between the Japanese and international film industries, THR Japan has become an essential source of information for industry professionals and film enthusiasts alike.
Overall, the lavish party hosted by The Hollywood Reporter Japan at The Peninsula Hotel in Ginza added a touch of glamour to the Tokyo International Film Festival. The event brought together industry professionals, renowned filmmakers, and local dignitaries, highlighting the significance and influence of Japanese cinema in the global film industry.
