The origin story behind the infectious melody that captured hearts around the world as Japan returned to the international stage after World War II.

With interest in Japanese culture at an all-time high, TIFFCOM managing director Kaori Ikeda says there is an opportunity to adapt IP beyond anime and manga.

‘Shōgun’ star Tadanobu Asano and Junichi Okada led the local celeb turnout, while Academy CEO Bill Kramer repped Hollywood and Japan's prime minister touted plans to boost overseas entertainment sales to $130 billion by 2033.