Aug 22nd (Sat) 14:30～ @JMS ASTER PLAZA Grand Hall
HAM Competition: HAM STAR is dedicated to works with powerful storytelling that pierce the audience like the light of a shining star. An international jury will select the Best HAM STAR Award, and one film from all three HAM Competition categories will be chosen for the HAM Competition Grand Prix.
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Guest: Hana Takubo, Tomofumi Inoue, Nina Tsuji, Shunsuke Koyama, Yasuteru Ohno
MC: Nobuaki Doi
On a crumbling star, nameless twins—a timid sister and innocent brother—seek their mother. Guided by a spirit through a world dissolving in grief, they embark on a mystical nine-month odyssey toward birth. A lyrical prequel exploring the bond between a mother and her unborn children.
Born in Yamagata, Japan, in 1989, Asuka Dokai studied filmmaking at Tohoku University of Art and Design. She is an animation artist and director distinguished by her vibrant and colorful visual style. As a director of the animation collective "KIKO," she has spearheaded a wide range of projects, including music videos such as YOASOBI’s "Umi no Manimani," promotional content for the Pokémon World Championships, and commercials for SUNTORY Whisky.
A dog spends his days in quiet simplicity, taking walks in the park, playing games on his computer, and occasionally going to vote. If everyone wishes for peace, why do people continue to fight?
Born in 2002 and currently based in Tokyo. After graduating from the Department of Design at Tokyo University of the Arts in 2025, entered the Master's Program in Animation at the Graduate School of Tokyo University of the Arts.
In the near future, where the spread of the metaverse has led to a rise in cybercrime, AI investigators are given the authority to conduct criminal investigations. Violet, an AI interrogation specialist, is assigned to question a young girl named Mia. Though initially unwilling to cooperate, Mia changes her attitude the moment she hears Violet’s name and begins to reveal a dark secret. As conflicting testimonies unfold within the enclosed interrogation room, Violet uncovers a shocking truth. A neo-noir suspense story.
Polygon Pictures Inc.
Director
Born in Japan in 1985.
He directed the short animated films Eggs (2014) and Eggs in the Kitchen (2015).
Polygon Pictures Inc.
Director
Born in Japan in 1970.
He received a Bachelor’s degree in Painting from an art university in Tokyo.
He joined Polygon Pictures in 1996 and has worked as a director, animation supervisor, and animator on numerous productions. His specialties include direction, staging, cinematography, and layout.
Polygon Pictures Inc.
Director
Born in Japan in 1983.
A motion graphics artist at Polygon Pictures, she has directed various works including promotional videos for video games.
Keiko Hasegawa, 34 years old, is spending her days in her hometown while working at a funeral company. One day, Keiko is left with a strange funeral. Will she be able to complete today's ceremony without any trouble?
Born in Toyama Prefecture, Japan, she graduated from the Animation Department of the Graduate School of Film and New Media at Tokyo University of the Arts. In addition to her animation work, she creates music videos and other visual projects under the name G-ko.
A young boy named Teto rides his bed to school, while a lonely lighthouse keeper orders breakfast from a seagull. As people from all walks of life dream of tomorrow through the power of imagination, the harsh waves of reality crash against fantasies born from a desire to escape. Gradually, Teto loses his way and drifts into the darkness.
Born in Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan, he graduated from the Graduate School of Arts at Hiroshima City University. After working as an animator in Japan and the UK, he joined Amana Inc. as a video director. Specializing in the fusion of 2D animation and 3DCG, he has created numerous commercial works for major clients. His practice spans multiple disciplines, including live-action directing, planning, graphic design, and character design.
This animated film explores the question of where we can find proof that someone who has passed away once lived. After losing his father, the protagonist gradually begins to heal from the deep grief of bereavement, only to realize that his memories of his father are slowly fading. Faced with this unsettling realization, he comes to a halt and reflects on what remains of the deceased.
He graduated from Tama Art University in 2026. His short animated film Mamiko’s Poop (2025), created while still a student, was selected for the WTF section at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival and the Student Competition at the Ottawa International Animation Festival, and was screened at numerous festivals both in Japan and abroad.
Zero crash-lands on the planet Amatera with no memories. She meets Ring, local resistance leader fighting to save their world. As Zero’s identity awakens, she discovers she’s no ordinary girl - she’s a cosmic being known as Galverse.
Self-taught animator Ayaka Ohira built her name directing music videos for m-flo, YOASOBI, and Tove Lo before making her directorial debut with Shinsei Galverse. Fusing 90s nostalgia, gyaru culture, and a distinctive visual voice, she brings a long-held dream to life - an original anime built from scratch with fans at its heart.