Tokyo International Film Festival Appoints Takeo Hisamatsu as Festival Director
The Tokyo International Film Festival (TIFF), Asia’s largest cinematic event, has announced a significant leadership transition. Effective April 14, 2026, Takeo Hisamatsu has been appointed as the Festival Director, returning to a role he previously held for several years. Hisamatsu takes over from Hiroyasu Ando, who is scheduled to step down as chairman on May 31.
A Return to Leadership for Takeo Hisamatsu
Takeo Hisamatsu is no stranger to the helm of the Tokyo International Film Festival. He previously served as the Festival Director from March 2017 to March 2021, overseeing the 30th through 33rd editions of the event. During his first tenure, Hisamatsu championed a vision of “Entertainment and Art in Symmetry,” focusing on a diverse lineup of films and events to drive attendance and create a celebratory atmosphere.
Beyond his work with TIFF, Hisamatsu is a veteran of the Japanese entertainment industry with an extensive professional pedigree. His experience includes roles as the deputy general manager of Warner Bros. Pictures Japan and president of what is now Shochiku Broadcasting. He also launched his own production company, My Way Movies, before his initial appointment to the festival.
A Prolific Producing Career
Hisamatsu’s influence on Japanese cinema extends to his work as a successful film producer. His portfolio includes several critically acclaimed titles, such as:
- Unforgiven (2013) directed by Lee Sang-il
- Rurouni Kenshin (2012) directed by Keishi Ohtomo
- Air Doll (2009) and Still Walking (2008) directed by Hirokazu Kore-eda
- Dear Doctor (2009) directed by Miwa Nishikawa
- All Around Us (2008) directed by Ryosuke Hashiguchi
- Love and Honor | Bushi no ichibun (2006) directed by Yoji Yamada
The Legacy of Hiroyasu Ando
Hiroyasu Ando’s tenure as chairman, which began in 2019, was marked by a period of significant transformation and resilience. Under his leadership, the festival underwent a major physical relocation, moving its main hub from the Roppongi Hills complex—where it had resided for 17 years—to the Hibiya-Yurakucho-Marunouchi-Ginza area of central Tokyo.
Ando also focused on structural and international growth, implementing a reorganization of the programming structure and launching the TIFF Lounge conversation series to foster deeper international exchange. He successfully shepherded the festival through the global challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent recovery of the film industry.
In recognition of his contributions to the arts, the French government is awarding Ando the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres (Officer of the Order of Arts and Letters) on April 15.
Key Takeaways: TIFF Leadership Transition
- New Director: Takeo Hisamatsu (Effective April 14, 2026).
- Outgoing Chairman: Hiroyasu Ando (Exiting May 31, 2026).
- Hisamatsu’s Experience: Former TIFF Director (2017-2021), former exec at Warner Bros. Pictures Japan and Shochiku.
- Ando’s Impact: Relocated the festival to the Hibiya-Yurakucho-Marunouchi-Ginza area and expanded international exchange.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the new leadership take effect?
Takeo Hisamatsu officially began his tenure as Festival Director on April 14, 2026. Hiroyasu Ando will remain in his role as chairman until May 31, 2026.
What are the main goals of the new director?
While specific new goals for the upcoming term haven’t been detailed, Hisamatsu has previously focused on the synergy between art and entertainment to increase festival attendance and celebration.
Where is the Tokyo International Film Festival currently held?
The festival is currently based in the Hibiya-Yurakucho-Marunouchi-Ginza area of Tokyo, following its move from Roppongi.
As TIFF enters this new chapter under Hisamatsu’s return, the festival continues to strive for greater heights in international cinema, balancing the legacy of Ando’s structural reforms with Hisamatsu’s proven track record in production and festival management.