In a keynote and interview remarks at the Cannes Film Market’s Marché du Film, Sanford Panitch, President of Sony Pictures Entertainment Motion Picture Group, argues that Japan’s entertainment “IP” strength is best supported through theatrical releases. Speaking as Japan is this year’s Country of Honor, Panitch highlights the global appeal of Japanese content and says entertainment culture is becoming both more niche and more international. He also frames theatrical distribution as the “window” that helps create durable, broadly recognized global IP, contrasting it with streaming, which he says has not produced truly global IP on its own. Panitch further suggests that Japanese rights holders may be missing opportunities by waiting too long to engage with markets and release strategies connected to mainstream global audiences. Across the comments reported by multiple outlets, the message centers on anime’s growing momentum and the role of cinema releases in accelerating international visibility for Japanese properties, even as the industry’s audience patterns continue to evolve.