Written by Aarohi
The Kichijōji International Animation Film Festival is known for backing creators at an early stage, many of whom have gone on to gain international recognition.
What happens?
This (mostly) free festival focuses on independent and small-scale animated works, with competition screenings, special programs, and an awards ceremony.
Note: We can’t guarantee that there will be English-language dialogue or subtitles. Talks will also likely be in Japanese only.
Schedule 2026
This year’s highlight is a screening of 100 meters, followed by a talk with director Kenji Iwaizawa on the making of the film.
On Saturday, February 21, 2026, the focus will be on stop-motion animation. This year’s theme looks at what stop-motion means in the age of rapidly evolving AI.
The day begins with Program A at Musashino Public Hall (Purple Hall), where doors open at 1 p.m. for a 1:30–2:55 p.m. screening of Shaun the Sheep: Back to the Home (2015, 85 minutes), Aardman Animation’s well-known stop-motion feature. Admission is free, but advance reservation is required.
From 4 p.m., Program B screens a selection of past stop-motion award-winning works from the festival’s history, spanning Grand Prix, Excellence, and Special Jury Prize winners from 2016 through 2023.
At 5:30 p.m., the program continues with a talk session titled “The Age of AI and Stop-Motion Animation”. The talk is also free to attend with a reservation.
Running alongside the screenings, there will be a hands-on stop-motion workshop. The workshop runs for approximately 50 minutes at 12:30 p.m., 2 p.m., and 3:30 p.m., with participation limited to 8 people per session.
The festival continues on Sunday, February 22, with screenings of the 16 nominated works from the 2025 public competition, followed by the announcement of the Grand Prix and other awards at the closing ceremony.
Tickets
The talk with director Kenji Iwaizawa is ticketed (¥1,300 in advance, or ¥1,500 on the day). Purchase tickets here.
Advance reservations for sessions can be made through the official website.
How to get there
The venue is Musashino Public Hall, a 5-minute walk from Kichijōji Station (Park Exit). Total travel time is around 20 minutes from Shinjuku Station.
Organizers may cancel events, alter schedules, or change admission requirements without notice. Always check official sites before heading to an event.
