An international festival on animated films opens Friday at Tokyo's Big Sight convention center along Tokyo Bay.

With about 70 percent of Japan's estimated 300 animated film production companies already based in Tokyo, the festival is aimed at reinforcing the capital's image as the center of the industry.

The first two days will focus on the business aspects of animated film, while the main festival will open to the general public on Saturday and Sunday.

Organizers anticipate a turnout of about 50,000 people, including 10,000 who work in the industry.

On Friday, judges at the festival will choose the winning films from a preselected group of prize-worthy works released in Japan over the past year.

At the film exhibition fair, more than 100 production companies will display their works, including 28 from abroad.

Small to midsize Japanese production companies that up till now have not had a chance to release their works overseas will be given space at the fair to show their films and negotiate contracts.

Tokyo officials will also be on hand to discuss funding for production and project development.

The festival will also feature a display of the history of Japanese animated film, dating back to the days of the popular "Astro Boy" series. A model studio for making animated films will also be open to the public.

Family-oriented events -- including variety shows featuring popular dubbing artists and performers dressed as well-known cartoon characters, among them Anpanman (Bean Bun Man) and Pokemon (Pocket Monsters) -- will be held on the last two days of the festival.