Kore-eda Hirokazu, Amy Homma and Murata Chieko Discuss Japanese Cinema's Global Rise at Kering Women in Motion Tokyo

At a packed Kering Women in Motion talk during the Tokyo International Film Festival, director Kore-eda Hirokazu said international festival audiences now regularly call Japanese films 'really interesting.' He was joined by Academy Museum director Amy Homma and producer Murata Chieko, known for 'Kokuho,' to explore why Japanese storytelling is resonating worldwide. The event, held Tuesday at Toho Cinemas Roppongi Hills, highlighted the growing global appetite for Japanese cinema beyond anime and genre films. Homma and Murata discussed how authentic local narratives and strong female voices are helping Japanese filmmakers break into major international markets. The conversation underscored a pivotal moment for the industry, as streaming platforms and festival exposure bring Japanese talent to wider audiences than ever before. With more co-productions and international awards, Japanese cinema's global moment shows no signs of slowing.