MPA and The Hollywood Reporter Japan Announce Fourth American Film Night
Tokyo, 4 September 2026 — The Motion Picture Association and The Hollywood Reporter Japan have announced the fourth American Film Night, to be held on Tuesday 27 October at the Tokyo American Club during the Tokyo International Film Festival.
The invitation-only evening has become one of the fixtures of the Tokyo festival week since it was first held in 2023, drawing representatives of the American studios, the Japanese film, television and streaming industry, the diplomatic community and American business leaders in Japan.
This year’s edition is presented as part of America250, the programme marking the 250th anniversary of the United States.
Four Years of a Tokyo Tradition
The Hollywood Reporter Japan is published by Hersey Shiga Global K.K. under licence from Penske Media Corporation, and has co-hosted the evening with the Motion Picture Association since its founding.
“This evening was envisioned to strengthen the relationship between the American and Japanese film industries. Since we launched it in 2023 it has gone from strength to strength, and that is a testament to the relationship between our two countries. In a year marking 250 years of the United States, it carries particular meaning. We are proud to host it alongside the Motion Picture Association.”
Tsukasa Shiga, Chairman, The Hollywood Reporter Japan
“The energy and creative ambition across Japan’s film, television and streaming sector are truly inspiring. Japanese stories and talent are captivating audiences around the world, and MPA member studios are proud to be long-term partners in that success. By investing in local content, creative talent and international distribution, and by collaborating closely with Japanese partners, our members are helping build an even stronger and more globally connected industry. American Film Night is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate that partnership and imagine what we can achieve together next.”
Urmila Venugopalan, President and Managing Director, Motion Picture Association, Asia Pacific
The Trailblazer Award
The centrepiece of the evening is the presentation of The Hollywood Reporter Trailblazer Award, co-presented with the Motion Picture Association, which recognises an individual whose work has helped to elevate Japanese talent and storytelling internationally.
Previous recipients are Tadanobu Asano, of Shōgun, Ichi the Killer and Thor, and Takehiro Hira, of Shōgun, Rental Family, Monarch: Legacy of Monsters and Tokyo Vice. The 2026 honoree will be announced in the coming weeks, and guests can expect familiar faces from both industries in the room.
Japan on Screen
Winners of the Motion Picture Association’s Japan Location Short Film Competition will also be announced during the evening. Filmmakers across the country were invited to produce films of sixty to ninety seconds showcasing their own regions as locations for film and television production.
The competition is supported by the United States Embassy, the Japan Tourism Agency, the Japan Film Commission and Digital Hollywood University. Six awards will be presented, including the MPA Grand Prize, the Commissioner of the Japan Tourism Agency Award and the United States Embassy Award.
Attendance
American Film Night is by invitation only. A limited number of corporate tables are available to companies wishing to host guests at the evening. Enquiries may be directed to The Hollywood Reporter Japan at afn2026@hollywoodreporter.jp.
The Tokyo International Film Festival runs from 27 October to 5 November 2026.
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