The 27th Tokyo International Film Festival has kicked off in Japan.
Mascots of animated characters and superheroes paraded down the red carpet for the opening night.
Disney's "Big Hero 6" opened the festival that taps into Japan's love of animation.
Japanese actress Rie Miyazawa was at the event representing "Pale Moon" the only Japanese film to be in competition.
"There's only one Japanese film - so I feel the weight of many different areas of the Japanese film industry, I hope they will recognize that in the very end."
Setting the stage for the opening ceremony was Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and pop group Arashi.
Chinese director Li Ruiqun also attended the opening ceremony, bringing his film "River Road" as the only Chinese contender for the top prize.
Rock singer Cui Jian also made his presence at the ceremony.
Cui is in Japan to promote his film production "Blue Bone" at this year's "Chinese Film Week in Tokyo."
The festival runs until 31st of October.
