Hong Kong: Mr. Wilfred Wong, Chairman of the Hong Kong International Film Festival Society presented a Letter of Appreciation to Mr. Tom Yoda, Chairman of Tokyo International Film Festival (TIFF & TIFFCOM) at the opening ceremony of the 7th Asian Film Awards 2013 (Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Center) on March18, 2013.

 
During his tenure Mr. Yoda served as Chairman of Tokyo International Film Festival for five years from 2008 and led its team to grow and consolidate the festival and market to be truly international with the signature Green Carpet, and made great efforts to establish a solid platform for collaboration between Hong Kong and Japan.
 
Mr. Yoda will step down from the chairmanship at the end of March. His successor is Mr. Yasushi Shiina (Director-Executive Advisor, Kadokawa Pictures, Kadokawa Shoten Co., Ltd.) who has been appointed as Director General of TIFF and TIFFCOM to head the team, effective April 1.
 
In making the presentation, Mr. Wong commented, “I would like to express our sincere congratulations to you on your successful completion of your tenure as Chairman of the Tokyo International Film Festival and TIFFCOM.
 
Under your leadership we have admired the growth of the events, and your devotion and persistence in advocating environmental responsibility as an important feature of the festival. Such global awareness has shown the international outlook that has characterized your leadership.
 
I would also like to express our grateful thanks to you for your friendship extended to the Hong Kong International Film Festival Society over the years. We have benefited from your generous support and sage advice that have helped to nurture and enhance our Hong Kong International Film Festival, the Asian Film Awards, and the Hong Kong Asia Film Financing Forum.”