Actors and directors from Japan and abroad have graced the red carpet for the opening of the 37th Tokyo International Film Festival.

One of Asia's biggest film events opened on Monday.

Attendees of the opening event included Japanese actor Kikuchi Rinko who serves as the festival's navigator, and Hong Kong actor Tony Leung, the president of the international competition jury.

Fifteen films have been shortlisted for the competition from 2,023 entries from 110 countries and regions.

From Japan, three have been chosen. They include "Lust in the Rain," a co-production with Taiwan directed by Katayama Shinzo and starring actor Narita Ryo.

The festival features 208 films to be screened at cinemas across the Japanese capital.

Prize winners will be announced on the closing day, November 6.