The Tokyo Film Festival has made the first programming announcements for its 2026 edition, confirming that Sukiyaki and Colony will bookend the festival, while Godzilla Minus Zero has been set as the Centerpiece film.
Zeze Takahisa’s Sukiyaki, which will play as the opening film on October 26, is described by the festival as “a heartwarming music-themed entertainment revealing the untold story behind ‘Sukiyaki’ – the historic song that topped the Billboard charts and remains one of the world’s best-selling tunes.”
Okada Junichi, Matsuzaka Tori and Nakano Taiga head the cast of the film, which is scheduled for Japanese release through Toho on December 25, 2026.
Yeon Sang-ho’s zombie thriller Colony has been selected as the TIFF Closing Film. After receiving its world premiere at Cannes film festival, the film has been a big hit in its domestic Korea and multiple Asian and other international territories.
Godzilla Minus Zero, the highly-anticipated sequel from the Oscar-winning Visual Effects team behind Godzilla Minus One, is scheduled for Japanese release through Toho on November 3. Directed by Yamazaki Takashi, the film is the first Japanese production to be filmed for Imax.
TIFF Programming Director Shozo Ichiyama said: “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.
“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.
“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.”
Tokyo Film Festival is taking place October 26-November 4 with the TIFFCOM contents market scheduled for October 28-30.
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