JWTFF2026 in KOKA, Shiga
About the Festival
The 2026 edition of the Japan World’s Tourism Film Festival will be held in Koka City, Shiga Prefecture.
Koka is internationally known as the land of the ninja. Yet its identity extends far beyond that image. The city is home to the long tradition of Shigaraki ceramics, the historic Tokaido route, and the spiritual heritage of Shugendo mountain practice. It is a place where layered histories and narratives continue to shape the present.
Tourism film is not merely about capturing landscapes.
It is a medium that connects the stories of a place to its future.
JWTFF2026 will send a message to the world from Koka — a land rich in stories.
Dates
- March 18 (Wed) – Pre-Event Streaming Day 1
- March 19 (Thu) – Main Programme Day 2
- March 20 (Fri) – Main Programme Day 3 & Awards Ceremony
Please note: The programme below is provisional and subject to change without prior notice. Kindly refer to the official website for the latest updates.
March 18 (Wed) | Pre-Event
19:00–21:00 | Online Streaming from a Historic Site
A special online session featuring jury members will be streamed from a historic location in Koka.
This evening will introduce the spirit of JWTFF2026 and highlight this year’s perspectives.
March 19 (Thu) | Main Programme Day 2
Venue: Hekisui Hall
10:00 | Opening Ceremony
Official opening of JWTFF2026.
11:00 | Forum 1 (TBA)
A session exploring the present and future of tourism film.
12:00 | Excursion (Overseas Guests)
International guests will participate in a cultural excursion in Koka.
Domestic participants may join subject to seat availability.
13:00 | Forum 2 (TBA)
14:00 | Forum 3 (TBA)
16:00 | Forum 4
Reception Party
International Guests will be invited.
ART&FACTORY JAPAN
Presentation of films produced in connection with JWTFF2026.
This session highlights JWTFF’s unique “production-oriented festival” initiative.
March 20 (Fri) | Main Programme Day 3
📍 Hekisui Hall & Aikoka Civic Hall
“Koka Film Festival 2026” will be held simultaneously at Aikoka Civic Hall.
Morning Programme
10:00 | Forum 5
Tribute Event
11:00 | Parallel Sessions
- English Speakers: Master Class 1
- Japanese Speakers: Special Event – Kodan Performance by Gyokushusai Tamada
An exploration of the connection between traditional storytelling and tourism film.
Afternoon Programme (from 13:00)
13:00 | Master Classes (Parallel Sessions)
- Japanese-language session: Main Hall
- English-language session: Conference Room
13:00 | Session by World Tourism Film Association (General Incorporated Association)
13:40 | Master Class
Lecture by Masaaki Aihara
14:20 | Master Class
Lecture by Kentaro Kusunoki
15:00 | Awards Ceremony
📍 Aikoka Civic Hall
Announcement of award winners in each category.
19:00 | Closing
Participation
Further details regarding excursions, master classes, and registration will be announced on the official website.