Tsuguhiko Kadokawa (second left) said interest in Asian films is growing

Riding Alone for Thousands of Miles follows a Japanese fisherman and his dying son as they travel to China.

Zhang Yimou's film Hero was nominated for a best foreign film Oscar in 2003.

The nine-day annual festival will also show wrestler biopic Rikidozan and award six prizes, including the $100,000 (�56,200) Tokyo Grand Prix.

'Gathering momentum'

The festival is showing fewer Hollywood blockbusters this year as movies from nations including Japan, China and South Korea take prominence.

"Asian cinema has been gathering momentum in recent years and shows no sign of abating, with films from all over the region finding audiences across the globe," said festival chairman Tsuguhiko Kadokawa.

The theme for this year's festival is collaboration, especially between Japan and Asia.

Rikidozan, from South Korean director Song Hae-seong, is based on the true story of the eponymous pro-wrestler who became a national hero in Japan after World War II.