Tokyo Film Festival sets Sukiyaki as opener with Godzilla Minus Zero as centerpiece

Opening gala and music history

The 39th Tokyo International Film Festival will open on 26 October 2026 with the gala screening of Zeze Takahisa's music drama Sukiyaki. Written for the screen by Minato Takehiko, the production chronicles the creation of the 1963 song Sukiyaki, which spent three consecutive weeks at number one on the United States Billboard chart. The narrative focuses on the collaboration among composer Nakamura Hachidai, lyricist Ei Rokusuke, and vocalist Sakamoto Kyu. Actors Okada Junichi, Matsuzaka Tori, and Nakano Taiga portray the central trio of postwar Japanese artists. Distributor Toho is scheduled to release the feature across Japanese cinemas on 25 December 2026. Festival programming director Shozo Ichiyama explained the selection of the opening title.

Sukiyaki tells the dramatic stories of three artists who inspired people in postwar Japan, interwoven with a collection of musical masterpieces. We are delighted to open the festival with this moving film, which stars three of today's most prominent Japanese actors.

Centerpiece screening for Imax sequel

Yamazaki Takashi's Godzilla Minus Zero has been selected as the festival's Centerpiece film. The production serves as a sequel to Godzilla Minus One, which won the Academy Award for Best Visual Effects at the 96th Academy Awards. Yamazaki returned to direct, write the screenplay, and oversee visual effects for the feature, which represents the first Japanese film shot specifically for Imax formats. Set two years after the events of the prior installment, the narrative follows Japan as it attempts to rebuild while facing a new emerging threat. The cast includes returning actors Kamiki Ryunosuke and Hamabe Minami, with Toho scheduling the domestic theatrical release for 3 November 2026. Ichiyama addressed the creative direction of the sequel.

Godzilla Minus Zero is a true sequel to Godzilla Minus One, one of the standouts in the Godzilla series, and it brings a powerful new interpretation of Godzilla, delivering a level of surprise that far exceeds expectations. It is a masterpiece that was truly meant to be made in these challenging times.

Closing Korean zombie thriller

Yeon Sang-ho's zombie action horror feature Colony will close the festival on 4 November 2026. Directed by the filmmaker behind Train to Busan, Seoul Station, and Peninsula, the movie follows Professor Se Jeong as she becomes trapped in a Seoul skyscraper during a bioterror attack. Within the building, infected hosts evolve into a zombie hive mind operating with collective intelligence. The cast features Gianna Jun, Koo Kyo-hwan, and Ji Chang-wook in principal roles. Following a world premiere in the Midnight Screenings section at the Cannes Film Festival, the title recorded strong ticket sales across South Korea and Asian markets. Gaga Corporation plans to distribute Colony in Japanese theaters in 2027.

Festival schedule and industry market

The 39th Tokyo International Film Festival takes place between 26 October and 4 November 2026 across Tokyo. Alongside public screenings, organizers will stage the TIFFCOM contents market from 28 October to 30 October 2026. Festival programming leadership selected the closing title after its international festival debut in France. Ichiyama commented on the zombie thriller's impact during programming evaluations. The festival lineup establishes premiere dates ahead of broader theatrical releases scheduled for late 2026 and early 2027.

Colony delivered the greatest excitement and emotional impact among the films at this year's Cannes. While an overwhelming number of zombie films have been produced, this film makes us realize that the genre still possesses untapped potential.