The 31st Tokyo International Film Festival kicked off Thursday with a notable dearth of Hollywood stars, namely the two who star in the opening movie.
Despite Lady Gaga’s professed love of Japan, the American singer didn’t show up as had been rumored to promote “A Star Is Born,” and neither did her co-star and the film’s director, Bradley Cooper.
The lack of high-profile Hollywood names who usually populate the red carpets of major film festivals, however, left more time and attention for Asian guests.
Despite the evening gowns, tuxedos and Mercedes-Benz limousines, a casual atmosphere prevailed at the three-hour ceremony. TIFF ambassador Mayu Matsuoka noted the event was taking place at Roppongi Hills, a venue “that’s usually a shopping area,” but this mall included a zombie horde, a nervous black-and-white cat, two sets of robots and Kumamoto Prefecture mascot Kumamon — though he was dressed to the nines....
