56 Japanese Cinema Films
56 titles
- 1
Love & PeaceMovie · 2015 · 117m · Comedy, Fantasy, DramaOnce, he aspired to be a punk rocker, but now works a dead-end job at a musical instrument parts company. He harbors a secret love for a coworker. One day, he discovers a small turtle on the roof and names it Pikadon.IMDb 6.8TMDB 6.9 - 2
When Marnie Was ThereMovie · 2014 · 103m · Animation, Drama, FamilyTo recover from an illness, a withdrawn teenage girl is sent to live with relatives in the countryside. She becomes increasingly fixated on a nearby abandoned mansion and develops an intense fascination with a girl who lives there – a girl whose existence remains uncertain.IMDb 7.6TMDB 7.9 - 3
The Case of Hana & AliceMovie · 2015 · 99m · Animation, Comedy, MysteryA Japanese girl having trouble adjusting to her new school finds an unlikely ally in a withdrawn neighbor. Together, they investigate the disappearance of an older student whose vanishing was shrouded in mystery.IMDb 7.1TMDB 7.3 - 4
Journey to the ShoreMovie · 2015 · 128m · Drama, Fantasy, RomanceYusuke, Mizuki's husband, returns home after being missing for three years – as a ghost. He asks her to join him on a journey to visit those who aided him during his travels before he disappeared.IMDb 6.3TMDB 6.5 - 5
The Birth of SakéMovie · 2015 · 90m · Documentary, History"The Birth of Sake" is a visually stunning documentary set in the frozen north of Japan. It explores the world of sake production, where workers face difficult winter conditions to continue a tradition dating back over two thousand years. The film offers intimate glimpses into the lives of those dedicated to making sake, revealing the labor-intensive process behind this culturally significant drink. It highlights the challenges and sacrifices of sake artisans and celebrates the human spirit that keeps this tradition alive.IMDb 7.2TMDB 7.1 - 6
Gonin SagaMovie · 2015 · 129mSeiji, a third-generation member of the "Gosei kai" gang, dedicates himself to strengthening the organization. At the same time, a journalist's investigation into a 19-year-old case leads him to Hayato, Daisuke, and Asami.IMDb 5.3TMDB 5.1 - 7KingMovie · 2015 · 24mIMDb 8.0TMDB 7.0
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The Whispering StarMovie · 2015 · 102m · Drama, Science FictionA delivery robot with a human-like form travels the galaxy, making deliveries. While completing her routes, she contemplates the complexities of humanity.IMDb 6.5TMDB 7.2 - 9
DoglegsMovie · 2015 · 90mDoglegs is a vibrant, unconventional community where disabled people challenge able-bodied people – all to dismantle societal assumptions. When a disabled fighter seeks a life and love outside the arena, his mentor, an able-bodied organizer, attempts to undermine his pursuit of independence. A story of resilience, can the protagonist’s spirit help him achieve his dreams?IMDb 8.0TMDB 8.8 - 10
The Ghost of YotsuyaMovie · 1959 · 77m · HorrorA couple's life takes a dark turn when they become involved in an old Japanese legend. They find themselves caught in a dangerous game of temptation and betrayal, as one man's desperate desire for power escalates. Reality and the supernatural become blurred, forcing the couple to confront their own fears and desires to escape a deadly curse. This unsettling drama explores how greed can destroy relationships and challenges viewers to consider the limits of their own ambition.IMDb 7.0TMDB 6.5 - 11The Ark in the MirageMovie · 2016 · 99mA young man becomes entangled with a gang preying on vulnerable elderly people, stealing their retirement funds. He struggles with feelings of disconnection and uncertainty, largely stemming from a lack of purpose and unfulfilled aspirations.IMDb 4.6
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HarmonyMovie · 2015 · 119m · Thriller, Animation, Science FictionIn a future Japan, advanced medical technology governs ethics, health, and social behavior, supposedly creating a flawless society. Three young women try to rebel by taking their own lives, but fail. Years later, Tuan, one of the girls who attempted suicide, must now avert a crisis that endangers this carefully constructed "perfect" world.IMDb 6.1TMDB 6.9 - 13
Under the Cherry TreeMovie · 2016 · 91mThis is the feature film debut of 29-year-old director Kei Tanaka. In Kawasaki, Japan, elderly residents facing the end of their lives reside in a public housing complex called “Danchi.” The film explores Japan's aging population by focusing on the quiet, personal lives of a few residents living on the fringes of society. Some find connection and friendship with their neighbors, while others choose to spend their remaining years in solitude.TMDB 6.0 - 14
Oyster FactoryMovie · 2015 · 145mUshimado, a Japanese town facing a severe labor shortage due to its shrinking population, traditionally relies on local residents for oyster shucking. However, recent years have forced some factories to hire foreign workers to stay afloat. The Hirano oyster factory, which has always been exclusively local, makes the decision to hire two workers from China. Can the existing employees and their new colleagues find common ground?IMDb 7.1TMDB 5.0 - 15
Pink and GrayMovie · 2016 · 119mThe sudden death of popular actor Rengo Shiraki thrusts his less-liked friend, Daiki Kawata, into the public eye. As the two were close, questions arise surrounding Shiraki's death: was it suicide, or something more sinister?IMDb 6.5TMDB 6.5 - 16
OnibabaMovie · 1964 · 105mDuring the war, a mother and daughter-in-law live in a swamp, surviving by killing samurai who wander into their territory and selling their belongings. They are heartbroken by news of their son Kichi's death. Soon after, Kichi’s wife begins an affair with Hachi, a neighbor who also survived the war. The mother disapproves of the relationship and, unable to have Hachi for herself, attempts to frighten her daughter-in-law with a strange mask taken from a deceased samurai.IMDb 7.8TMDB 7.7 - 17ANOHITO -THE ONE-Movie · 2016Four young soldiers become responsible for the orphaned son of their commanding officer. When the soldiers leave for munitions factories, four women take on the task of caring for the boy while they await their return.
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Live Fashionably or DieMovie · 2016 · 75m - 19
My Technicolor GirlMovie · 2016 · 71mNagano has suffered from a lifelong heart condition and spent 40 years hospitalized in a Fukushima mental institution. During the evacuation following the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011, he decides to leave, believing himself fully recovered. Having been hospitalized since his teens until his fifties, his experience mirrors that of Urashima Taro, a Japanese fisherman who returned from an underwater world to find everything changed. For the first time in decades, Nagano's heart is filled with a desire to see the woman he loves. He discovers she's in Tokyo, living with her son and daughter-in-law, and sets off on a bicycle to find her.IMDb 6.2 - 20The Sheep StoryMovie · 2015 · 97m
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Katabui, In The Heart Of OkinawaMovie · 2016 · 80mFacing U.S. military presence, the people of Okinawa have developed a unique form of peaceful resistance. This has allowed them to preserve a distinct cultural identity, which has even garnered attention from within Japan. - 22
Nagasaki: Memories of My SonMovie · 2015 · 130mIn Nagasaki, Japan, Nobuko is a midwife still grieving the loss of her son, who died in the atomic bombing three years prior. On August 9, 1948, Koji, her son, unexpectedly reappears. He continues to visit her, and they share memories of happier times. These moments of joy, though strange, feel like they will never end.IMDb 6.4TMDB 6.6 - 23
Flying ColorsMovie · 2015 · 117m · Comedy, DramaSayaka Kudō was a struggling high school student, consistently at the bottom of her class. After a year of intense effort, she significantly improved her academic performance, raising her deviation value from 30 to 70. This achievement allowed her to successfully gain admission to Keio University, one of Japan's most prestigious and competitive institutions.IMDb 7.3TMDB 7.5 - 24
The Empire of CorpsesMovie · 2015 · 120m · Animation, Horror, Science FictionSet in 19th century Europe, the story follows John Watson, who is recruited by the government as a secret agent. Watson operates in a society where "Frankensteins"—human corpses given artificial souls for labor—are commonplace and driving industrial progress.IMDb 6.0TMDB 6.2 - 25
The ActorMovie · 2016 · 123mTakuji Kameoka, a 37-year-old bachelor working as a "miscellaneous actor," lives a life centered around drinking. His routine is disrupted when he falls in love, sparking a transformation. This film adapts "Actor, Takuji Kameoka," the acclaimed book by Akito Inui, a five-time nominee for the Akutagawa Prize. Directed by the promising Satoko Yokohama, a director with a distinctive and insightful approach, the film showcases her talent extending to both her cast and crew.IMDb 6.2TMDB 6.2 - 26
Ryuzo and the Seven HenchmenMovie · 2015 · 125m · Comedy, ActionRyuzo and his seven former associates are retired yakuza, living quiet lives. When Ryuzo falls victim to an online scam, he gathers his old crew to revive their former organization.IMDb 6.4TMDB 6.2 - 27
Miss HokusaiMovie · 2015 · 90m · Animation, Drama, HistoryA daughter struggles for recognition while living in the shadow of her celebrated father, fiercely pursuing her own path to success.IMDb 6.7TMDB 6.7 - 28
Twilight of the CockroachesMovie · 1987 · 105mIn Saito's apartment, cockroaches thrive under the generous care of their human. With ample space and a constant supply of food, they live in comfortable abundance. Amidst this peaceful existence, Naomi and Ichiro are planning their wedding and future family. However, the arrival of Hans, a hardened cockroach messenger, brings unsettling news: war with the humans across the yard. This news threatens to disrupt not only Naomi and Ichiro's plans, but the entire cockroach community's way of life.IMDb 6.5TMDB 5.8 - 29
Hakodate CoffeeMovie · 2016 · 90mIMDb 5.8 - 30
Being GoodMovie · 2015 · 121mA new elementary school teacher finds it challenging to connect with his students and navigate their overly involved parents. His resolve shifts when he discovers one of his pupils is suffering abuse, prompting him to intervene.IMDb 7.2TMDB 7.5 - 31
CreepyMovie · 2016 · 130m · Crime, Drama, HorrorFollowing a near-fatal attack by a disturbed individual, Detective Inspector Takakura leaves the police force to become a criminal psychology lecturer. However, his need to understand criminals doesn't fade, and he readily agrees when a former colleague, Nogami, asks him to revisit a long-unsolved case.IMDb 6.4TMDB 6.7 - 32
That's ItMovie · 2015 · 110mSamao Daikoku wants to leave the criminal world behind. After stealing a hard drive filled with sensitive information about runaways, homeless individuals, and sex workers, he is brutally punished by a gang leader, and the truth about his history begins to emerge.IMDb 6.1TMDB 5.4 - 33
The Mohican Comes HomeMovie · 2016 · 124mEikichi moves from Hiroshima to Tokyo hoping for musical success, but his band's dreams don't materialize. Years later, he returns home to tell his father, Osamu, that his girlfriend is pregnant. While initially angry, Osamu is overjoyed at the prospect of a grandchild and throws a celebratory party. However, during the celebration, he collapses and is hospitalized. Eikichi finds himself trying to bring happiness back to his ailing father.IMDb 6.6TMDB 5.8 - 34
Dear DeerMovie · 2015 · 107mGrowing up in a mountain village, siblings Fujio, Yoshio, and Akiko shared a childhood experience no one would believe: they saw a remarkable deer.IMDb 6.0TMDB 4.7 - 35
Their DistanceMovie · 2016 · 106mReon, a young Korean man who keeps to himself as a shoemaking apprentice, encounters a woman named Sona unconscious on a park bench. He finds himself repeatedly thinking about her. Meanwhile, Kokaze, who works with Reon at the shoe shop, harbors feelings for him.IMDb 6.7TMDB 6.8 - 36
Good StripesMovie · 2015 · 119mMidori Mantani and Masao Minamisawa, both 28, have been together for four years but feel their relationship has become stagnant, and consider ending it. However, Midori becomes pregnant, prompting them to decide to marry. As they prepare for the wedding, they begin to learn more about each other's lives. Midori grew up in a provincial city, raised by parents who owned an iron factory and where cultural opportunities were limited. Masao, in contrast, was raised in Tokyo by wealthy parents – his father a photographer, his mother a doctor – and now works as a web designer. Through this shared preparation, the couple starts to gain a deeper understanding of one another.IMDb 7.0TMDB 7.0 - 37
Dryads in a Snow ValleyMovie · 2015 · 100mTen years ago, the Kogures left Tokyo for a traditional farming village in the Echigo-Tsumari mountains. They restored an old thatched farmhouse and started growing organic rice. Their life seems peaceful, but they rely on their friendly neighbors for help. In the spring of 2011, an earthquake hits the region. The Kogures' home is destroyed, but they are determined to rebuild. This is a story of adventure, told with a touch of fantasy, about finding joy in life, even with nature's challenges.IMDb 6.6TMDB 6.0 - 38
The Man Who Was EatenMovie · 2016 · 100mFactory worker Yoshio Murata learns he's scheduled to be eaten by aliens in a week, a consequence of a global peace treaty called the "Earthling Man Eater System." His only concern? Whether he will taste good. He spends his remaining time preparing for the encounter by applying cream and choosing special headgear to enhance the dining experience. He also forms unexpected connections with a friend he meets at the same time, his ex-wife who constantly discusses finances when visiting their daughter, and a kind girl named Yuki-chan.TMDB 9.0 - 39
The LookMovie · 2015 · 94m - 40
Pieta in the ToiletMovie · 2015 · 120mHiroshi, who abandoned his aspirations as a painter for a part-time job cleaning office windows, receives a devastating diagnosis: he has only three months to live. In his final summer, he meets Mai, a high school student, and finds himself drawn to her.IMDb 6.5TMDB 6.7 - 41
The InerasableMovie · 2016 · 107mA novelist receives a letter from Kubo, a university student, about unsettling noises coming from a room in her apartment. They start looking into strange things that happened to previous tenants, and uncover disturbing secrets hidden within the building itself.IMDb 6.1TMDB 6.9 - 42
Sanchû Uprising: Voices at DawnMovie · 2015 · 117mIn 1726, farmers in Okayama Prefecture struggle to avoid crippling tax increases from the feudal domain. Internal conflict allows the samurai to crush their efforts, prompting the farmers to rise up in rebellion. This story of injustice highlights bravery and sacrifice, though the courageous characters are largely unseen in Juichiro Yamasaki’s film. Instead, the hesitant protagonist Jihei (Naohisa Nakagaki) grapples with the dangers of rebellion and its consequences, themes relevant today. This unique period drama features stunning digital black and white photography inspired by classic Japanese cinema, enhanced by animated sequences from Tomomichi Nakamura and a distinctive score by Ayako Sasaki.IMDb 5.9TMDB 5.0 - 43
UgetsuMovie · 1953 · 96m · Fantasy, Drama, MysteryIn 16th century Japan, two peasants, Genjuro and Tobei, become involved in war and the pursuit of personal goals. Ignoring warnings, they travel to a nearby village to sell pottery, unknowingly triggering a series of dangerous events that endanger their lives.
Genjuro is drawn to wealth and Lady Wakasa, while Tobei dreams of becoming a samurai. Their ambitions threaten not only themselves but also their wives, Miyagi and Ohama. The story explores themes of desire, ambition, loyalty, and the repercussions of risking everything. It's a story that questions the true cost of wealth and personal fulfillment when pursued at the expense of morality and relationships.IMDb 8.1TMDB 8.0 - 44
Tokyo SonataMovie · 2008 · 120m · DramaAs his family falls apart following his father's job loss, a young boy discovers a passion for the piano.IMDb 7.6TMDB 7.4 - 45
The Bride from HadesMovie · 1968 · 89mDuring the summer Obon festival, Hagiwara Shinzaburo encounters a captivating courtesan named Otsuyu. Unaware that she is a spirit, he falls deeply in love with her.IMDb 7.2TMDB 7.0 - 46
KwaidanMovie · 1965 · 183m · Horror, Fantasy, Drama"Kaidan: Ghost Stories" is an anthology film inspired by traditional Japanese folklore, presenting unsettling tales about human longing, the results of choices, and supernatural forces. Each story is richly detailed, transporting viewers to a chilling glimpse of Japan's past.
One story follows a poor samurai who marries for money, but his decision leads to a devastating tragedy that challenges the worth of wealth and love. Another tells of a man saved from a blizzard by the Snow Maiden, Yuki, who then demands a terrible price.
The film also features Hoichi, a blind musician whose talent brings him unwanted attention from vengeful samurai spirits, forcing him to play for an invisible audience. The final story involves an author telling a tale about a samurai who discovers a dark secret in his teacup's reflection.
"Kaidan: Ghost Stories" blends horror and tradition, offering a collection of frightening stories that make viewers reconsider their beliefs about life, death, and the supernatural.IMDb 7.9TMDB 7.7 - 47
Black Cat MansionMovie · 1958 · 69mA woman, descended from the servant of a ruthless samurai, returns to her hometown. There, she discovers a cat haunted by the vengeful spirits of the samurai's victims, who are now determined to kill her.IMDb 6.5TMDB 6.3 - 48
Yotsuya Ghost Story Part 1Movie · 1949 · 85mIemon Tamiya is a poor samurai without a lord, longing for a better life. However, his marriage to Oiwa prevents him from achieving it, as she is utterly devoted to him.IMDb 6.9TMDB 6.5 - 49
Lowlife LoveMovie · 2016 · 110mTetsuo is a down-on-his-luck film director. He achieved a minor success with an independent film years ago, but has since resisted any commercial opportunities, clinging to his principles.IMDb 6.4TMDB 6.0 - 50
Yotsuya Ghost Story Part 2Movie · 1949 · 73mPart 2 picks up immediately after the first film, showing Iemon concealing the bodies of his wife and Kohei, then marrying into a higher social class. However, he is subsequently blackmailed by the malevolent Naosuke.IMDb 6.7TMDB 6.5 - 51
Ken and KazuMovie · 2015 · 98mKen has been smuggling methamphetamine with his longtime friend, Kazu, to make a living. When Ken learns his girlfriend, Saki, is pregnant, he decides to start a new life. Meanwhile, he discovers Kazu has begun selling independently, without their boss Mr. Todo's permission. Ken tries to intervene, but Kazu instead seeks out a new partner, a move that puts their lives in jeopardy if Mr. Todo discovers it. Suspecting their involvement, Saki leaves Ken. Mr. Todo learns of the situation and takes action, sending his men after Ken and Kazu.IMDb 5.3TMDB 5.5 - 52
The Ghost of YotsuyaMovie · 1959 · 84mThis film adapts a classic Japanese ghost story: a woman who was murdered seeks revenge in the afterlife.IMDb 6.8TMDB 6.0 - 53
A CappellaMovie · 2016 · 132mIn 1969, Sendai, Japan. High school student Kyoko Noma participates in campus protests and meets Wataru Domoto, a university student, at the Mubansou ("A Cappella") tea cafe. Kyoko falls for Wataru, but their involvement in an incident results in a surprising conclusion.IMDb 6.1TMDB 5.1 - 54
JigokuMovie · 1960 · 99m · Horror, DramaThis drama follows a group of people connected by secrets and wrongdoing – murder, betrayal, and infidelity – as they face the consequences of their actions. Their stories intertwine, revealing how their past haunts them and leads them toward a final reckoning. The film explores themes of guilt, redemption, and fate as these characters confront the brutal price of sin.IMDb 6.7TMDB 6.3 - 55
Three Stories of LoveMovie · 2015 · 140mThis film explores the lives of three people grappling with loneliness. A grieving widower, a woman feeling trapped in her marriage, and a gay lawyer each find their paths unexpectedly intertwined.IMDb 6.6TMDB 5.9 - 56
CureMovie · 1997 · 112m · Crime, Thriller, HorrorA seasoned but jaded detective in modern Tokyo investigates a series of brutal murders that have terrified the city. The killings share unsettling similarities, and as the detective investigates, he becomes increasingly consumed by guilt and paranoia. He navigates the city's dark side, confronting a disturbing blurring of predator and prey. This psychological thriller explores human depravity and the toll it takes on a man pushed to his limits. Racing against time to stop more deaths, the film blends suspense with intense emotion, delivering a chilling story that will captivate audiences.IMDb 7.5TMDB 7.5
