KARACHI  –  The “Japanese Film Festival 2026” was inaugurated by the Consulate-General of Japan here at the Arts Council of Pakistan, in collaboration with the Pakistan Japan Cultural Association, Sindh (PJCA) and the Arts Council of Pakistan, Karachi.  This annual event is organized by the Japanese Consulate and the Japan Foundation (JF) to promote Japanese culture through cinema. The opening ceremony featured the screening of the Japanese animated film Children of the Sea, where a lonely teenage girl forms a significant bond with two mysterious, ocean-raised brothers, she awakens a hidden telepathic relation to the deep sea.  This year’s festival features six different movies, including Children of the Sea, offering audiences a variety of genres and stories from Japan. Screenings will continue throughout September at selected venues across the city of Karachi. Speaking at the ceremony, Consul General HATTORI Masaru, expressed his appreciation for the enthusiastic response from the audience and shared his thoughts on the cultural value of cinema. He stated, “I truly hope that this film festival brings you meaningful encounters, lasting memories, and maybe even a fresh perspective or two.” Shahzeen Khan, guest of honor and an animator from The Glassworker, reflected on how her creative journey began through Japanese anime and cultural events supported by the Consulate General of Japan, including her involvement with the pop-culture group Shonen Infinity.  She expressed appreciation for the Consulate’s continued support of Pakistan’s growing pop-culture community through initiatives like Geek Haven, calling it a source of inspiration for the next generation of artists and storytellers.