A three-day international exhibition of animated films opened Friday at Tokyo Big Sight, with the aim of promoting Tokyo as the capital of the animation industry, organizers said.

Tokyo International Anime Fair 21 is being held at the Koto Ward convention center and is sponsored by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, the organizers said.

The first part of the festival will target people in the animation industry as well as the business side of the industry before it opens to the public this afternoon, they said.

Domestic small and medium-size firms, which previously did not have opportunities to showcase their works, will exhibit their films alongside those of foreign production companies.

More than 100 foreign companies are participating and it is hoped that the event will provide a venue for Japanese and foreign companies to exchange ideas, the organizers said.

The fair will feature, among other things, a display tracing the history of Japanese animated films since the popular "Astro Boy" series from the 1960s to more modern works, and a studio on animation production.

Over the weekend, the public will be treated to a variety of shows featuring popular voice actors, as well as performers dressed as cartoon characters, such as those of "Pokemon" ("Pocket Monsters").

The metro government will also provide consultation services on funding for the production of animated films, the organizers said.