Tokyo Gap Financing Market Reveals 2025 Film Lineup Including Ayumu Watanabe Animation and Live-Action Adaptation

The Tokyo International Film Festival Content Market (TIFFCOM) has revealed the 23 feature-length projects chosen for this year’s Tokyo Gap-Financing Market. The event, scheduled for October 29–31 at Tokyo Portcity Takeshiba, supports films in need of final financing to complete production.

This year’s lineup includes six animated projects and 17 live-action films, representing countries such as Vietnam, China, the Philippines, and Spain. Notably, three Japan-Italy co-productions also made the list, reinforcing the market’s international focus.

Ayumu Watanabe’s Freedom in the Sky

Among the animation highlights is Freedom in the Sky, directed by acclaimed filmmaker Ayumu Watanabe. Known for works like Children of the Sea, Space Brothers #0, and several Doraemon films, Watanabe continues to expand his creative reach.

Produced by Genco, Inc., the feature promises to blend Watanabe’s signature style of emotional storytelling with his ability to capture both human connection and imaginative worlds. Fans of his work are anticipating another deeply moving animated experience.

Staring at Your Back Live-Action Adaptation

Another standout is Staring at Your Back, a Japan-South Korea live-action co-production directed by Kun-jae Jang. The film is produced by Mocushura Inc., and its website lists the project as “in development.”

The film adapts Kuro Nohara’s manga Kimi no Senaka (Staring at Your Back), first published in 2019 by Korean publisher 6699press. French publisher Akata later released the eight-chapter series digitally in French and English.

The coming-of-age romance follows Takeru Inomata, a high schooler leading a quiet provincial life, until he reunites with Kôtarô, a childhood classmate. Their rekindled bond soon blossoms into an unexpected love story, filled with tender emotion and subtle tension.

KILLTUBE and Other Animated Projects

Japanese company CHOCOLATE Inc. will also present KILLTUBE, an anime film slated for spring 2026 with plans for a global release. The 90-minute feature is produced in collaboration with Studio Dotou, which already previewed a scene during Anime Expo 2024.

CHOCOLATE Inc., previously involved in projects like the Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba exhibition and Dark Gathering publicity, aims to deliver a bold new animated spectacle that merges contemporary themes with experimental visuals.

Expanding Global Co-Productions

The Tokyo Gap-Financing Market’s 2025 lineup emphasises diversity and international collaboration. By including projects from Asia and Europe, TIFFCOM continues its role as a bridge for global creators. The event gives filmmakers the opportunity to pitch to potential investors, distributors, and co-production partners.

This year’s projects range from intimate character-driven dramas to large-scale animations, reflecting both local voices and global ambitions. The blend of anime and live-action showcases how Japanese storytelling continues to resonate internationally.

Future Release and Expectations

As the selected projects move toward completion, anticipation builds for their worldwide debuts. Watanabe’s Freedom in the Sky is expected to draw attention for its artistry, while Staring at Your Back could gain traction as a cross-cultural romance with universal appeal.

Meanwhile, KILLTUBE already has international buzz thanks to its Anime Expo showcase, positioning it as one of the most anticipated anime films of 2026. With TIFFCOM’s support, these films are set to gain the momentum needed to reach global audiences.

The Tokyo Gap-Financing Market has become a vital platform for uniting creative visions with financial backing. This year’s selection highlights Japan’s growing influence in both animation and live-action cinema, promising audiences a fresh wave of compelling stories in the years ahead.

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