The 11th Okinawa International Movie Festival (OIMF) officially began at 5pm, Thursday, April 18th. The star-studded gala featured actors and filmmakers from around the world gathering at the ANA Crowne Plaza Okinawa Harborview Hotel for the opening ceremony. They were treated to a unique performance that mixed traditional Okinawan instruments and dancers with a classical string ensemble.

The esteemed guests watched short film that introduced the festival. The animated work highlighted the funky creatures that are the mascots of the festival becoming a map of the Okinawan Islands. The upbeat clip also introduced the slogan of the 11th edition of the festival, which is “Transform! Follow your Heart.”

MCs Ayako Kisa and Yuichi Kimura introduced Hiroshi Osaki, Chairman and CEO of Yoshimoto Kogyo Co., Ltd., which organizes OIMF. Osaki reflected on his ten years as CEO, in which he has led the festival. “Although I am based in Osaka, I am always happy to return to Okinawa,” Osaki said. He also told the celebrants about a press conference that will be held during the festival to announce a new platform aimed at sharing entertainment from Okinawa with other parts of Asia.

Okinawa Governor Denny Tamaki sent a special message expressing his gratitude to Osaki and everyone at Yoshimoto Kogyo for the remarkable success of the fest since 2009.

Naha Mayor Mikiko Shiroma recounted some of the accomplishments of the festival, saying that over its now 11-year history it has attracted over a quarter of a million people. “I feel the energy that the festival brings,” enthused Shiroma. “And the energy is not only in Naha, but in all 41 of Okinawa’s towns and villages.” Masanori Matsukawa, the Mayor of Ginowan, which is also hosting some of the festival’s events, said that the celebration benefits all of Okinawa greatly.


Finally, comedian and rakugo performer Katsura Bunshi took to the stage. He urged all of the guests to get a glass and join him in a toast. In his powerful voice he said, “Mensore,” a phrase that means “welcome!” in Okinawa, and it signaled the beginning of the festival in a spirit of friendship.

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