Sanford Panitch came to the Cannes Film Market with a thesis he wanted the Japanese entertainment industry to hear: theatrical is still the only window that creates lasting global IP, anime’s moment has arrived, and Japan ‘s rights holders are leaving opportunities on the table by waiting too long to engage. The Sony Pictures Entertainment motion picture group president made those arguments at a session organized by Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and the Japan External Trade Organization – part of the industry programming accompanying Japan’s designation as Country of Honor at this year’s Cannes Film Market, a distinction that has brought an unprecedented concentration of Japanese titles, talent and industry delegations to the Croisette. The conversation, moderated by entertainment sociologist Atsuo Nakayama of Re-Entertainment, covered Sony’s approach to Japanese IP, the growth of Crunchyroll and the studio’s strategy for expanding its presence in local Asian content markets.…