The memorable First Okinawa International Movie Festival’s “Laugh & Peace” used the humor and enjoyment of cinema as a theme to become a great success in an atmosphere of congeniality.

It goes without saying that Okinawa’s comfortable climate and features, superb cuisine and the kind nature of its people played a part in the success.

As the Artistic Director of the Cannes Directors Week, I was fortunate enough to have been able to be at the birth of the Okinawa International Movie Festival. I pray that this year’s festival will also be a success and that the movie festival will continue from now for a long time.

With fond memories of Okinawa from my last trip firmly in my heart, I hope that I will again be able to visit Okinawa one day.