Japanese Wind at the Cannes Film Festival: Hidari and Wasted Chef Take the Stage
The Annecy Animation Showcase, held as part of the Cannes Film Festival's prestigious Marché du Film (Film Market), is putting two ambitious projects from the Japanese animation world on the global stage this year. The stop-motion samurai film Hidari, prepared by dwarf studios, and the new anime film Wasted Chef by renowned director Takayuki Hirao will be presented to international industry representatives. This event not only promotes new films but also reaffirms Japan's unshakable position in the global animation industry.
Hidari stands out as a unique stop-motion project that emphasizes wood texture, inspired by the life and works of the legendary Japanese sculptor Hidari Jingoro. Realized in collaboration with dwarf studios, known for Rilakkuma and Kaoru, and TYO Inc., the production was previously funded via Kickstarter and received great acclaim with its released pilot episode. Combining traditional Japanese craftsmanship with modern animation techniques, the film promises viewers an unconventional visual feast by blending samurai action with the aesthetics of wooden figures.
On the other hand, director Takayuki Hirao, who won the hearts of cinema enthusiasts with the film Pompo: The Cinéphile, is taking the Cannes stage with his new project Wasted Chef. Hirao's signature dynamic editing and visual language, which we recognize from works such as The Garden of Sinners: Paradox Spiral and God Eater, are among the eagerly awaited elements in this new film. Produced by Studio CLAP, the production aims to attract the attention of international distributors with its cinematic depth and character-focused narrative, as seen in the director's previous works.
The biggest news for Japan came with the official announcement made by the Marché du Film: Japan has been designated as the "Country of Honor" at Cannes in 2026. This title signifies the highest level of appreciation for a country's contributions to the film industry and aims to celebrate Japan's global influence in animation (anime) and live-action cinema. In the 2026 events, Japanese productions will be examined through special sessions, retrospectives, and comprehensive collaborations.
These developments are not just a harbinger of new productions for anime fans, but also a concrete indicator of how seriously their favorite genre is taken at the heart of world cinema. This diversity, ranging from the wooden world of Hidari to the modern narrative of Wasted Chef, proves the boundless creativity of Japanese animation. More details regarding the release dates and global distribution networks of these projects are expected to be shared in the coming period.
