Animation Conference 2026
Collaboration Program
“Connecting Through Animation: EU & Japan” and “Electro Andes” Screenings
Overview
This program welcomes Javier Fernández from Instituto Cervantes Tokyo, a Spanish government institution established to promote Spanish language education and culture. He will introduce cultural exchanges between the EU and Japan through animation, as well as initiatives at international film festivals. Drawing on his extensive experience, the discussion will explore the potential for animation to foster cultural exchange between Japan and Europe.
Speakers
Culture Manager of Spanish House of Culture / Instituto Cervantes Tokyo
Dr. Javier Fernández (Spain)
Javier Fernández is the Culture Manager of the Spanish House of Culture in Tokyo (Instituto Cervantes) and Senior Advisor to the EUxJapan Animation Initiative, supported by the European Commission. With 20 years of experience in the GAC industries (Gaming, Animation and Comics), he co-founded Doki Doki, the first and only Spanish-speaking animation festival in Asia. At Instituto Cervantes, he has supported the promotion of Robot Dreams in the Japanese market and facilitated collaborations with the San Sebastián Film Festival, the Tokyo International Film Festival and the Niigata International Animation Film Festival. He co-authored the report of the EU–Japan Business Animation Workshop at Expo 2025 Osaka and is now preparing the EU–Japan animation workshop at Annecy 2027. With professional experience in audiovisual companies across the EU, Japan and China, he bridges diplomacy, research and innovation.
ANIAFF Artistic Director
Tadashi Sudo
Journalist
Born in Mexico and raised in Yokohama. He specializes in news coverage and research on the entertainment industry, particularly animation, film, and manga.
After working at a major securities firm, he launched the news website "Anime! Anime!" in 2004. Following the sale of the company operating the website, he became an independent freelance journalist in 2016.
He currently serves as Artistic Director of the Aichi Nagoya International Animation Film Festival (ANIAFF).
His major publications include "Dare ga Korekara no Anime o Tsukuru no ka? Chugoku Shihon to Netto Haishin ga Okosu Shizuka na Kakumei" and "Nihon no Anime Kantoku wa Ikani Shite Sekai e Utte Deta no ka?" (both published by Seikaisha Shinsho).