Hirokazu Kore-eda to Receive 2nd TAKANAWA GATEWAY CITY AWARD at SSFF & ASIA 2026 Opening Ceremony (May 25th)

The Short Shorts Film Festival & Asia (SSFF & ASIA) 2026, an Academy Awards-accredited international short film festival, announced that film director Hirokazu Kore-eda will receive the prestigious 2nd TAKANAWA GATEWAY CITY AWARD. This award recognizes individuals and projects that cherish the history of cinema while pioneering the future of visual arts and creatively connecting Japan and the world.

Director Hirokazu Kore-eda has consistently led the Japanese film industry by portraying the human psyche and societal nuances with sharp yet warm perspectives over many years. His achievements extend internationally, including the Palme d'Or at the 71st Cannes Film Festival for 'Shoplifters' in 2018, and a nomination for the 91st Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. He has also transcended cinematic 'boundaries' by collaborating deeply with local staff and cast in countries like South Korea and France.

In recent years, he has also dedicated himself to supporting young creators and improving working conditions. His stance of respecting cinematic traditions while striving to make its future more open aligns with the award's spirit of 'pioneering the future of visual arts and creatively connecting the world.'

Director Kore-eda will attend the film festival's red carpet and opening ceremony on May 25th (Monday) at "MoN Takanawa: The Museum of Narratives," where he will be presented with the trophy.

<SSFF & ASIA 2026 2nd TAKANAWA GATEWAY CITY AWARD>

Comment from Director Hirokazu Kore-eda upon receiving the award: "I have been away from feature film production for about three years, and during that time, whether I liked it or not, I spent more time on improving the film industry and supporting young creators. I am greatly encouraged that these efforts have also been recognized and evaluated. Thank you. I am struggling to update myself, but I will not give up on myself and the future of cinema that nurtured me."

<SSFF & ASIA 2026 Opening Ceremony>

The opening ceremony, marking the start of screenings at the Tokyo venue, will be held at "MoN Takanawa: The Museum of Narratives," a cultural experimental museum with exterior design by architect Kengo Kuma, newly opened in March within TAKANAWA GATEWAY CITY. Following the red carpet ceremony, the event will feature various guests, including festival president Tetsuya Bessho, and will include announcements and presentations of awards such as the TAKANAWA GATEWAY CITY AWARD and J-WAVE SOUND OF CINEMA AWARD, as well as new project announcements and short film screenings. *Event content and screening films are subject to change.

◆Date: May 25th, 2026 (Monday)

◆Venue: Red Carpet at MoN Takanawa: The Museum of Narratives Park Terrace; Ceremony at the same location, Box1000.

◆Tickets: Sales begin April 23rd (Thursday) at 14:00.

<Director Hirokazu Kore-eda Profile>

Born in Tokyo in 1962. After graduating from Waseda University, he joined TV Man Union, primarily directing documentary programs. He made his film directorial debut in 1995 with 'Maborosi.' In 2014, he became independent and established the production 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 the Box' and 'Look Back,' are scheduled for release in 2026.

[Short Shorts Film Festival & Asia 2026 Overview]

Festival President: Tetsuya Bessho

Period: May 25th (Monday) Opening.