Fest veteran and international producer Shozo Ichiyama is the man tasked with overhauling Tokyo's film offerings and using his global connections to raise the event's profile.
For Ichiyama, the move away from the Roppongi Hills complex after nearly two decades is something of a return to the feel of the festival’s roots.
“In Shibuya, where it was held until the early 2000s, when you went to watch films, you could also enjoy the town. As well as the theaters, there were was a stage in front of the station, flags and banners on the street, and coffee shops where people would get together,” recalls Ichiyama. “Roppongi was convenient, but isolated from the town; for a festival, you need to connect with the town. Like in Cannes or Berlin, where the venues are scattered within walking distance,” says Ichiyama, who has hopes that such an atmosphere can be fostered in its new home.
However, this year’s new-look fest is going to be something of a dry run. Despite the fact that more than 70 percent of Japan’s population is fully vaccinated, daily COVID-19 cases in Tokyo are in the low double digits and cinemas open at full capacity, travel restrictions mean only a handful of overseas guests will be in attendance.
Those who received special government permission to enter Japan, such as French actress and jury president
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