I would like to take this opportunity to convey my congratulations on the grand opening of the 37th Tokyo International Film Festival.
I would like to express my sincere respect for the efforts of all the filmmakers and people involved in the film industry and film culture in Japan, who have made the Tokyo International Film Festival a driving force in the Japanese film industry and film culture and have helped it to continue to develop over the years.
On August 7 of this year, a co-production agreement on cinema between Japan and Italy came into effect. We are planning to feature Italian filmmakers at this year's festival, and I look forward to this agreement as an opportunity to facilitate co-productions and exchange between filmmakers from both countries, which will result in the production of wonderful films.
In addition, the Women's Empowerment Section will be newly established this year, focusing on the activities of women in the film industry. We believe that this new category, which is in line with international trends, will attract more people to the spotlight.
We hope that the Tokyo International Film Festival will continue to grow as an international film festival representing Asia that attracts excellent films from around the world, and as a festival that powerfully communicates the appeal of Japanese culture to the world.
In closing, I would like to express my sincere wishes for the success of the 37th Tokyo International Film Festival and the further development of the Japanese film industry.

It is with great pleasure that we welcome you to the 37th Tokyo International Film Festival, which will be held in grand style this year.
This year, the 37th iteration of the festival will once again be a celebration of films representing Asia, screening works by world-renowned directors and up-and-coming young directors from Europe, the U.S. and Asia, providing an opportunity to encounter or discover a wide range of talent.
The Tokyo International Film Festival is held in theaters and halls throughout downtown Tokyo, centering on the Hibiya, Yurakucho, Marunouchi, and Ginza areas. We hope that the festival will go beyond film as a visual medium and create connections with new cultures and new industries.
The 96th Academy Awards® held in the United States selected Godzilla Minus One, as the closing film of last year’s TIFF, and Japan's content has received other awards overseas as well. In addition, at the 76th Emmy Awards®, “Shōgun,” featuring Japanese actors, won a record number of 18 awards, a brilliant achievement.
Japan's content industry has become a key industry with overseas sales of 5 trillion yen, and by 2033, our goal is to achieve 20 trillion yen in overseas expansion, and the government is firm in its commitment to provide support for this goal.
In closing, I would like to express my sincere wishes for the success of the 37th Tokyo International Film Festival and the further development of the Japanese film industry.
Muto Yoji

As Governor of Tokyo, it gives me great pleasure to welcome all of you who share the love of films to the 37th Tokyo International Film Festival (TIFF), an event co-organized by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government.
TIFF is a major event that introduces superb films from around the globe to Japan and the world. With the understanding and support of everyone affiliated with the festival and film enthusiasts, it has grown to become one of Asia’s largest film festivals, launching many talented creators from its stage. I would like to take this opportunity to once again express my gratitude to all of you for helping make the festival what it is today.
The world around us has been changing dramatically. Risks that threaten the future of humanity are also increasing, such as wars and intensifying climate change. Yet, amid such circumstances, films provide inspiration and bring joy to life, enrich our hearts and minds, and help us build a deeper sense of connection. I hope that by holding this festival the hopes and dreams spun by the films will help drive the realization of a bright and sustainable future.
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.