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 — a recognition that will see the nation lead the market’s opening festivities and mount a large-scale showcase of its film, animation, and content industries.

The plans were outlined at a press conference during the ongoing Tokyo International Film Festival by Junichi Sakamoto, chair of the executive committee for Japan, Country of Honor 2026, and Guillaume Esmiol , executive director of the Cannes market. The 2026 edition will run May 12–20 alongside the 79th Cannes Film Festival.

As Country of Honor, Japan will co-host the market’s opening night — an industry gala drawing more than 1,200 global delegates — and feature across its

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