Kramer says international membership growth, the Oscars-YouTube deal, and a new festival-qualifying pathway to nomination are all part of the organization’s expanding worldwide ambitions.

At a glitzy event at the Tokyo American Club, Hollywood and Japanese powerbrokers celebrated longtime industry and cultural links between the two countries.

Returning to lead the festival ahead of its 40th anniversary, the industry veteran sees an opportunity to capitalize on the surging international interest in all things Japan.