Japan will take the spotlight at next year’s Cannes market, the business hub of the Cannes Film Festival, after being named the 2026 Country of Honor.

Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae says she will tackle the issue of enhancing Japan's defense capabilities and work on boosting defense spending.

A White House official said Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi privately “told the president she nominated him and presented him with the papers” in a surprise move.

Future seasons of the Emmy-winning “Shogun” could finally film in Japan if the country addresses critical infrastructure and incentive gaps, Emmy-winning producer Miyagawa Eriko indicated during a candid MPA industry panel at the Tokyo International Film Festival on Wednesday.

Sanae Takaichi, a fan of Iron Maiden, had an improbable rise to power. Like her mentor, Shinzo Abe, she is expected to lead Japan to the right.

As Country of Honour, Japan will open the 2026 edition by co-hosting the Marché du Film’s Opening Night and then have a special place in Marché du Film’s programs, including its panels, networking events and project showcases putting the spotlight on Japanese animation and genre cinema.

Japanese culture is absolutely incomparable to any in our Western world. Their deeply rooted politeness, precision, and dedication to work are rarely seen anywhere else. And though you might know Japan as a home to anime, sumo wrestlers, cherry blossoms ...