Top 5 movies to see at the Japanese Film Festival
From the nuanced artistry of anime to poignant, award-winning dramas, this year’s lineup promises a range of narratives that highlight the depth and diversity of Japanese filmmaking.
Daily TribuneFrom the nuanced artistry of anime to poignant, award-winning dramas, this year’s lineup promises a range of narratives that highlight the depth and diversity of Japanese filmmaking.
The 2025 Japanese Film Festival (JFF), which will kick off on 30 January, boasts an impressive slate of twelve films — each offering a distinct taste of Japan’s cinematic mastery. From the nuanced artistry of anime to poignant, award-winning dramas, this year’s lineup promises a range of narratives that highlight the depth and diversity of Japanese filmmaking. All screenings are free, and in Manila, they will be exclusively held at the Shangri-La Plaza Red Carpet Cinema.
After careful consideration, here are my top five picks:
While Godzilla Minus One may already be available on Netflix, experiencing it on the big screen is an irresistible draw. Set in postwar Japan, the film follows a former kamikaze pilot as he grapples with the trauma of his past while confronting the looming threat of Godzilla. Widely hailed as one of the finest entries in the iconic franchise, this 37th installment is a cinematic event not to be missed.
Directed by Yoshiyuki Momose, a veteran of Studio Ghibli, The Imaginary is an adaptation of A.F. Harrold’s beloved novel. The film explores the limitless imagination of children, brought to life through stunning hand-drawn animation. Produced by Yoshiaki Nishimura, whose work has earned two Oscar nominations, this enchanting film promises to captivate viewers of all ages. I’m especially excited to bring my niece to experience it with me.
Having missed its initial release in the Philippines, I’m eager to see Monster at last. Directed by Hirokazu Kore-eda, this psychological coming-of-age drama debuted at the Cannes Film Festival, where it won the Queer Palm and Best Screenplay awards. The film follows a teacher who, noticing troubling changes in his student, begins to unravel a mystery that explores themes of justice, innocence and human nature.
Perfect Days, directed by Wim Wenders, tells the story of Hirayama, a public toilet cleaner in Tokyo. Premiering at Cannes, where Kōji Yakusho won Best Actor for his portrayal, this Japan-Germany co-production is celebrated for its subtle yet powerful storytelling and its sensitive exploration of life’s seemingly ordinary moments.
The chance to see Akira on the big screen is a rare opportunity. Directed by Katsuhiro Otomo, the film is set in a dystopian Neo-Tokyo, a key feature of the cyberpunk genre. It portrays a futuristic world defined by advanced technology, societal decay and corruption. With its themes of power, technology and social unrest, along with its groundbreaking animation style, Akira remains a critically acclaimed milestone in both sci-fi and anime.
Other films in the lineup are Mitsunaka Susumu’s sports film Haikyu!! The Dumpster Battle; Miwa Nishikawa’s drama Under the Open Sky (2021); Uchida Eiji’s suspense-thriller Matched (2024); Kentaro Takemura’s Our Secret Diary (2023); Nobuhiro Yamashita’s comedy Let’s Go Karaoke! (2024); Takashi Yuki’s drama Dito (2024); and Toshihisa Yokoshima’s animated marvel Sand Land (2023).
Inaugurated in 1997, the Japanese Film Festival, formerly known as Eigasai, has grown into one of the country’s most eagerly awaited cultural events.
The JFF will run at the Shangri-La Red Carpet Cinema in Manila until 9 February. Regional screenings will begin on 7 February at SM City Baguio, followed by SM City Iloilo and SM Seaside Cebu on 14 February. The festival will conclude on 21 February at SM City Davao, while simultaneously returning to Manila at SM City North EDSA, where it will run until 2 March.