Director Hirokazu Kore-eda Selected for the 2nd TAKANAWA GATEWAY CITY AWARD; To Be Awarded at the SSFF & ASIA 2026 Opening Ceremony (Held May 25)

The Academy Awards® accredited and one of Asia's largest international short film festivals, Short Shorts Film Festival & Asia (SSFF & ASIA) 2026, announces that the prestigious 2nd TAKANAWA GATEWAY CITY AWARD, launched last year, will be awarded to film director Hirokazu Kore-eda. This award is presented to individuals, works, and projects that pioneer the future of video while cherishing the history of cinema, and creatively connect Japan with the rest of the world. Director Hirokazu Kore-eda has led the Japanese film industry for many years, continuing to depict the inner lives of humans and the subtleties of society with a sharp yet warm gaze. His achievements are not limited to Japan; in 2018, he won the Palme d'Or, the highest prize at the Cannes Film Festival, for 'Shoplifters'. Since then, he has continued to spin tales in foreign lands such as South Korea and France, resonating deeply with local staff and casts, and lightly crossing the 'boundaries' in filmmaking. In addition, in recent years, he has made great efforts to support young creators and improve working environments. His attitude of trying to update the future of cinema to make it more open while respecting its traditions embodies the very spirit of this award, which is to 'pioneer the future of video and creatively connect the world.' The director will take the stage at the film festival red carpet and opening ceremony to be held on Monday, May 25, at 'MoN Takanawa: The Museum of Narratives', where he will be presented with a trophy from the film festival. Comment from Director Hirokazu Kore-eda upon receiving the award I have been away from making feature films for about three years, and during that time, whether I liked it or not, the time I spent improving the video industry and supporting young creators increased. I am very encouraged that such efforts were noticed and evaluated. Thank you. Although I am struggling with how to update myself, I will continue to do my best without giving up on myself and the future of the cinema that raised me. The opening ceremony, which marks the beginning of screenings at the Tokyo venue, will be held at 'MoN Takanawa: The Museum of Narratives', an experimental museum of culture whose exterior design was handled by architect Kengo Kuma, located within the newly opened TAKANAWA GATEWAY CITY in March. The ceremony following the red carpet will welcome various guests, including festival representative Tetsuya Bessho, and will feature the announcement and commendation of various awards such as the TAKANAWA GATEWAY CITY AWARD and J-WAVE SOUND OF CINEMA AWARD, announcements of new projects, and short film screenings. *Event details and screened works are subject to change. ◆ Date: Monday, May 25, 2026 ◆ Venue: Red Carpet: MoN Takanawa: The Museum of Narratives Park Terrace Ceremony: Same as above, Box1000 ◆ Tickets: On sale from Thursday, April 23, 14:00~ Born in Tokyo in 1962. After graduating from Waseda University, he joined TV Man Union, primarily directing documentary programs. He made his feature film directorial debut in 1995 with 'Maborosi'. He became independent in 2014 and launched the creator collective 'Bun-buku'. 'Shoplifters' (2018) won the Palme d'Or at the 71st Cannes Film Festival and was nominated for Best Foreign Language Film at the 91st Academy Awards. 'Monster' (2023) won Best Screenplay and the Queer Palm at the 76th Cannes Film Festival. Two films, 'Sheep in a Box' (hakononakano hitsuji) and 'Look Back', are scheduled to be released in 2026. [Outline of Short Shorts Film Festival & Asia 2026] ■ Festival Representative: Tetsuya Bessho ■ Event Period: Monday, May 25 (Opening)