Greetings

The “Tokyo Kinder Film Festival” is Japan’s only international film festival for children. My first encounter for this film festival was in 2008, I participated in the film festival and was moved greatly that I started thinking, “I want to do something for this film festival!”

What is outstanding is the variety of the films and the rich quality. Of course, there are many wonderful films in Japan’s animation but I was surprised by the richness and depth of the visionary world born in foreign countries.
From the various animation films, we found THE long- length film. It is targeted towards children but is not only for children. Adults can also cry and laugh, be moved and think “What is important and needed to be told to the next generation”.
The Tohoku Region Earthquake happened this year. Through the shocking visuals and unfortunate occurrences to their relatives influenced children in many ways. I think that now, more than ever, high quality films are needed for them. We need to face the difficulties of the truth, and films can help us do so. Maybe the children will not realize the importance right away, but something will strike their heart. If their parents learn something from the films, they can convey that to their children, too.

Another attractive point of this film festival is the “Live” performance. During the film festival, you can jump up, laugh, and cry, all at the same time as the person next to you. Everyone in the audience can share the same time and feelings. I think that experience is something valuable. Some experiences such as “seeing your father cry for the first time” can be very influential for your children.

I want people to know the greatness of this film festival and hope that the “kinder film festival” will be a major event everyone will look forward to, every summer. I will do my best as a committee chairperson, so please enjoy.

The 19th Tokyo Kinder Film Festival Committee Chairperson
Keiko Toda, actress

Keio Toda
Kinder Film Festival committee

I would like to express my most sincere condolences for those affected by the Tohoku Area Earthquake and wish for the urgent recovery of the affected area. The Kinder Film Festival is held in Chofu for the 4th time this year. We have to be united and get through the difficulty. Many staffs are preparing for the film festival in August. It is Japan’s largest international film festival for children where people of all ages can enjoy. I want everyone to feel warm inside and go home with a smile.
The films screened are all full of warm messages. I would like to welcome the people who are looking forward for this festival every year and also, people who are coming for the first time.
I hope to see the Children’s growth through the films they see.

The 19th Tokyo Kinder Film Festival Committee Member
Yoshiki Nagatomo, Mayor of Chofu City

Yoshiki Nagatomo,
Mayer of Chofu City