I would like to congratulate you on the 38th Tokyo International Film Festival.
The fact that the Tokyo International Film Festival has led the film industry in Japan and has continued to develop for a long time is the result of the efforts of everyone who has been involved to this point and I sincerely hold you in the highest respect.
This year, the Osaka-Kansai Expo was held and attracted many visitors from Japan and overseas. In addition, this year, the World Athletics Championships were held in Tokyo, making this a year that attracted more attention to Japan from around the world than usual.
Under these circumstances, I hope that the Tokyo International Film Festival will continue to develop as a festival that powerfully disseminates the charm of Japanese culture and tradition to the world, and that it will continue to be a place that inspires filmmakers and its visitors from Japan and overseas.
Beginning this year, the Asian Students’ Film Conference, a competition section for student films from Asian countries, will be newly established. Through these efforts, we hope that the Tokyo International Film Festival will support young filmmakers and contribute to the future of Asian cinema as a leading film festival in Asia.
I would like to express my heartfelt wishes for the success of the 38th Tokyo International Film Festival and my wishes for the continued development of Japan's film industry.

It is with great pleasure that we welcome you to the 38th Tokyo International Film Festival, which will be held in grand style this year. We hope that this year's film festival will be a great success as one of Asia's leading film festivals.
Recently, KOKUHO was officially screened at the Directors' Fortnight of the Cannes Film Festival, achieving a historic feat of over 15 billion yen at the box office, and the movie 、Exit 8, which is based on a game by a Japanese creator, was selected as the festival's official selection.
Japan's content industry is growing into a key industry in Japan, with overseas sales reaching 5 trillion yen. By 2033, we aim to achieve 20 trillion yen in overseas sales, and the government will firmly promote support for overseas expansion.
The content industry also contributes to regional revitalization. During this 2025 Festival, we will establish the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Award for the outstanding efforts of the Film Commission, which is indispensable for location shooting, and hold an award ceremony as a partnership project of the Tokyo International Film Festival.
In closing, I would like to express my sincere wishes for the success of the 38th Tokyo International Film Festival and the further development of the Japanese film industry.

As Governor of Tokyo, it gives me great pleasure to welcome all of you who share the love of films to the 38th Tokyo International Film Festival (TIFF), an event co-organized by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government.
TIFF is an international event that introduces superb films from around the globe and promotes cultural exchange. From its stage, many talented creators have gone on to leverage the power of films to move the hearts of people and bring new perspectives to society. I would like to take this opportunity to once again express my gratitude to everyone affiliated with the festival and film enthusiasts for their support in making the festival what it is today.
Today, we are witnessing drastic changes in the world, such as rapid advances in AI and digital technologies, intensifying climate change, and an unpredictable global landscape. In times such as these, it is diverse perspectives and ideas that enrich our world, both of which can be found in films. Additionally, a range of human emotions and values are depicted, fostering empathy that transcends borders and generations. That is why, I believe, films play a more significant role than ever before.
It is my sincere hope that stories told through films will become a driving force for the realization of a hopeful future and a sustainable world.
In closing, I would like to express my deep respect for the tireless efforts made by everyone involved, and extend my best wishes for another successful festival this year and for many years to come.