Metzler supports Japanese Film Festival Nippon Connection

From 2 to 7 June 2026, Frankfurt will once again be dedicated to Japanese cinema. The Nippon Connection Film Festival is regarded as the world’s largest platform for contemporary Japanese cinema and is being held for the 26th time this year. Metzler Bank is supporting the festival as one of its main sponsors for the 21st time.

Over the six days of the festival, around 140 current feature-length and short films will be presented – including numerous German, European and international premieres. The film programme will be complemented by a diverse cultural programme featuring tea ceremonies, cooking classes, workshops, performances, exhibitions, lectures, panel discussions, concerts and offerings for children and young people. On the final day of the festival, the NIPPON CINEMA AWARD, an audience award donated by Metzler Bank, will also be presented during a closing ceremony.

Gerhard Wiesheu, CEO of Metzler Bank, says: “Every year, Nippon Connection makes an important contribution to cultural exchange between Germany and Japan. At the same time, the festival has become an integral part of Frankfurt’s cultural landscape. My special thanks go to the entire team of Nippon Connection e.V. around Marion Klomfass, who make this outstanding event possible. Japan has been an important market for Metzler for many years. At the same time, our ties with the country go far beyond business relations.”

Metzler’s long-term commitment to Nippon Connection is also linked to its close ties with Japan. Since 2001, Metzler Bank has been represented at the Tokyo financial centre by Metzler Asset Management (Japan) Ltd. Since then, the employees on the ground have established themselves in asset management as recognised contacts for institutional clients from Japan. With the establishment of Metzler Japan Holdings Inc. (“MJH”) in June 2025, Metzler further expanded its activities in Japan. MJH enables closer integration with Metzler’s business areas and thus marks another milestone in the Bank’s long-term Japan strategy.

About Nippon Connection

The Nippon Connection Film Festival is the world’s largest platform for Japanese cinema and takes place annually over six days in early summer at various locations in Frankfurt am Main. The unique film and cultural program covers a wide range of events, including both traditional and modern aspects of Japanese culture. The 26th Nippon Connection Film Festival takes place from June 2 to 7, 2026, in Frankfurt am Main.

In 2025, more than 20,000 visitors attended the festival events. The festival was founded in the year 2000 and is organized mainly on a voluntary basis by the non-profit registered association Nippon Connection e.V. In 2026, the festival is under the patronage of the Hessian Minister for Science and Research, Art and Culture, Timon Gremmels, the Lord Mayor of the City of Frankfurt am Main, Mike Josef, and the Consulate General of Japan in Frankfurt am Main.