Discoveries from Japan World Cinema

Too shy to speak out the word of appreciation, too busy to show that you care... Many excuses lie between each and every couple, when they look back the distance created during the long years in which they took each other for granted... Love Letters sent from husbands to wives and from wives to husbands, quietly voice their unspoken appreciation for each other over the years that they have shared. The original idea comes from the postcard project "Love Letters at Sixty" which has brought a wave of sympathy to the precious emotions shared by many married couples.

Ishihara Toru is an everyday guy with an on-and-off girlfriend and a position working for a train buff. Things become complicated when a ghostly vehicle dubbed the X Train begins to ride the rails, destroying everything in its path. Somehow, it seems that Toru is connected with the X Train by a strange power, which draws the attention of some very dangerous and power hungry people who would wield it for their own...

TV adaptation of the novel "Twenty-Four Eyes", combining animation with a few live-action scenes.

To combat rising crime and terrorist activities in Japan, the Japanese National Police Agency authorizes the formation of a secret motorcycle unit known as the Wild 7. The motley group consists of reformed convicts - ranging from simple thugs to former Yakuza members. The Wild 7 are tasked to take out criminals the police cannot touch - due to the criminal's connections with politicians and wily lawyers.

A violent story of loyalty and revenge among the many "yakuza" or gambling groups in Japan.

Psycho-mystery in which two men confront each other over the murder of a woman in Shibuya.

When the kingdom of Cephiro invades Earth, three girls (Hikaru, Umi and Fuu) are chosen to awake mythical spirits to protect the planet. Compilation of the 3 OVA mini-series launched between 25/07/1997 and 24/11/1997.

Son-Goku is a monkey who was born from a stone and is endowed with magical powers. He gets carried away and goes on a rampage until at last Buddha confines him within Mt. Gogyo. Saved by Sanzohoshi, Son-Goku accompanies him on a journey to India. But on their way, monsters lie in wait for them.

Love at Twenty unites five directors from five different countries to present their different perspectives on what love really is at the age of 20. The episodes are united with the score of Georges Delerue and still photos of Henri Cartier-Bresson.

When a strange group of men attempt to kidnap Atsuko Fukune, a dancer at a club, she seeks the help of Mamiya Mugen, a famous detective - who also happens to be a child. When it turns out that other girls have gone missing, Mamiya, with the help of his butler Alucard, springs into action to solve the mystery.

Yuri Ebara is inexplicably laid off, abandoned by her closest friend, and is suddenly asked to move out of her apartment. As she nears rock bottom, she begins to suspect someone is out to drive her insane, or worse.

A tranquil forest and all of its residents must face the destruction of man. A squirrel, born and raised in the forest, fights to defend his home and faces trials and adversities along the way.

Assassin Nanjo goes on a solitary mission to take revenge on the man who trapped him into a complicated drug deal.

A squadron of Japanese fighter pilots realise that they are never going to win the war when they understand that Japanese military tactics have little regard for life. Seeking the companionship of any woman who will have them, they spend their days indulging in every fantasy in order to escape the overwhelming fear of death looming just over the horizon.

Dungaree-wearing teenage tomboy Kaori lives next door to the brothers Ko and Yasu. One day as Kaori is walking to school, a US jet crashes near the boys' house. Based on the real life 1977 Yokohama F-4 crash incident.

The first instalment in Toho's popular Wakadaishō (Young Guy) series.

A beautiful bride came to the old house. No one knew her past. Life with Husou Genzo was happiness itself... The younger brother, who had returned home, was once the bride's lover. She seems to keep in touch with her brother-in-law... However, they are discovered by the villagers.

Live-action movie adaptation based on Risa Itou's "Hey Hey Pitan!" Manga.

The special will be set several months after the events of the drama. "Onizuka" learns of the imminent closure of the "Smile Duck" orphanage ("White Swan" in the original manga) due to a certain city development plan and some conflicts of interest for the politicians involved. Of course, he cannot let that happen, and together with his students from class 2-4, he will do everything possible to protect the orphanage.

A decadent count in 1920′s Japan becomes obsessed with the life and works of the Marquis de Sade. He creates a theatre to show plays adapted from the notorious writer’s novels and recruits thieves, prostitutes and low lives to act out his fantasies on stage for the delectation of his rich, jaded friends. In search of new sensations the nobleman orders one of the actors, on pain of death, to make love to the nobleman’s wife while he watches. Unfortunately, this incursion of real life into his fantasy world will have dire consequences for the count and his divinely decadent coterie.

The Zenkai Sentai Zenkaiger Final Live Tour 2022 Until the Final-'ish' Zenkai!!

How much of a role does luck play in a person's life? Some people believe you create your own luck. Kingpin Akutsu Akira relies only on himself to get what he wants. Dako gets a taste of her own medicine when Akutsu cheats her of her money to avenge his friend, who was a victim of Dako's scam. Will Dako give in to her fate? How will she climb out of the rut this time?

A family restaurant faces hard times due to customers running out on their bills. In his past, Shogo Kawatani was a premiere athlete. Now, Shogo Kawatani works for the family restaurant. His job is to catch customers who run out on their bills.

Shoko and Maiko Ougi are apparently two ordinary schoolgirls in pursuit of graduating and having fun. Shii-chan is the more serious while Mai-chan is more fun-loving. In reality, the two sisters are powerful exorcists from the Karura temple. Each wields half the power... Shii-chan can see the spirits, and Mai-chan can banish them. This is a spooky series with heavy emphasis on traditionally Japanese occult themes.

Japan, 2024. The Earth is dominated by a mysteriously giant creature (That Thing) and the group of 12 survivors has formed an uneasy community out of necessity to survive Two years later, Hirayama, the hotel owner, is found dead. Is it suicide or murder? As they search for the truth behind his death, the past and the secrets of each individual are revealed.

An older brother who can't fit into society, a father who has given up on his future, and a younger sister who is tied to the house. This is the story of the small steps these three people take. The Great East Japan Earthquake suddenly changed the peaceful daily life of the people of Fukushima. Many people lost their homes and jobs due to not only the earthquake and tsunami, but also the nuclear accident, and left Fukushima. This is the story of a family living in the aftermath three years later, in Fukushima, where deep scars remain.

Wataru, a freelance cameraman who works for a travel magazine in Tokyo. He had aimed to be a teacher but failed to achieve his goal and left home to go to Tokyo. However, he does not do well in Tokyo and has to return to his hometown. Wataru reunites with his former girlfriend who is a primary school teacher now and through his interaction with his family, friends and a group of primary school students who want to take part in a choir contest, he begins to take steps to resurrect his dream of being a teacher.

Mitsuo, unhappy in his new job as a shoe salesman, is invited to a festival and is introduced to a friend’s sister. Tora-san meanwhile helps an injured housewife on her yearly vacation.

Kuruma Torajiro is discovered looking around Kyoto for someone special to him.

The third and final film in the social erotic suspense series about a lonely man with a traumatic experience who is driven by the urge to abduct and confine.

Two young delinquent girls survive on the streets by selling themselves as high school students. But the local girl gang catches them working their territory and brings them to their boss. After they witness a girl getting brutally punished for not obeying their rules the two are given a choice. Join or suffer the consequences. Thus begins a battle of wills and razors as two headstrong women clash.

Mika Hino is a sharp-shooting investigator that belongs to the infamous "Gator Branch.” When an executive board member of a trading company is accused of being involved in a bribery, Mika is assigned to keep watch over him. A few nights later her target is found dead outside of his 30 floor office building. With an apparent suicide note as evidence, local police conclude the case as a suicide. Mika’s assignment may have ended in failure, but her mission has just begun...

A couple originally from Okinawa run an inexpensive restaurant in Kobe, with their grade-school daughter, Fuuchan. The movie depicts the warm interaction between her and adults that grew up with the rough history of Okinawa and discrimination from the mainland. Shots partly on location at beach of Itoman, Yogi Park and Hateruma Island. This is the movie version of the well-known novel by Kenjiro Haitani.

Under the shining sun and clear blue sky, Pikachu and friends visits a beach to play! Excited, Piplup and Buizel start to test their speed in the ocean. Meanwhile, Meowth and its team bring the surf board saying "We are going to catch the Big Wave and become the Legend!" Trying to scramble for the play space, all the Pokemon get into a big fight! All of the sudden, a huge snowstorm blows everyone away from the play space. After the incident, Pikachu and friends wake up in a world of ice! Pikachu, Piplup and Meowth found themselves separated away from everyone by the snow storm. What was the cause of the storm? Can Pikachu and everybody come back to where they came from safely? Pikachu and friends' adventure begins in a world of ice!

Tadashi Imamura is a burglar who idolises Ozaki, a star baseball player he shares a birthday with. One day he realises their connection is much deeper than that and decides to find out more.

Tokyo, 1934. The boss of the clan that controls gambling agonizes and some of his followers propose to Nakai to take his place, but he refuses the offer.

Kaori, the beautiful proprietress of a small restaurant, witnesses the murder of her lover. One day, a hostess living in the next room suffers the same fate as Kaori. When they find out that the culprit is the same person, they vow to take revenge... A sensual revenge drama starring the sexy actress Iori Kogawa.

Sequel to Made in Abyss: The Golden City of the Scorching Sun.

"Project Sekai COLORFUL LIVE 3rd - Evolve -" (Sekai 3rd), a real live performance of the game held from January 26 to 28, 2024.

Junichi is a drug dealer who has no place in society and wanders the streets. The only thing that makes him feel alive is running and sex. Kumiko is raped by the misanthropic Junichi, but for some reason she is attracted to him and falls in love with him. However, after being chased by the detectives, Junichi disappears from Kumiko's life and starts working at a factory in the town where she washed up...

When hopeful Olympic triple-jump competitor injures both his Achilles tendons, he discovers an old manuscript about self-confidence to join the best company in Japan try to triple-jump his way to the top and marry the company model (Mie Hama) in the bargain. The second installment in the "Japan's No. 1" film series.

Jirocho (Kiichi Nakai), a fledgling bakuto who left his wife, goes on a year-long training with his minions: right-hand man and military master Ohmasa (Kishibe Ittoku); stinky priest Daigoro (Takashi Sasano); well-known stranger Ishimatsu Mori (Yoichi Nukumizu); beautiful Masagoro Oiwake (Kazuki Kitamura); and others. As Jirocho's fame spreads, he gains more enemies. Among them are Katsuzo Kurokoma (Koichi Sato), who is one of the most powerful in Koshu, and the villain who is also Ishimatsu's nemesis, Masaru Mima (Riki Takeuchi). A traitor also emerges from the family, Yoshikazu Ebisu (Yoshikazu Ebisu). Meanwhile, Jirocho's wife falls ill and other terrible situations occur. Jirocho falls into a pinch of absolute despair. What on earth will he do? What is the fate of his minions? The Jirocho family will face a fierce battle...

Samao Daikoku seeks a way out of the underground life that he has led. He is tortured by a gang boss after stealing a hard disk containing personal information on runaways, homeless people and prostitutes, and the mystery behind his past is revealed.

News comes out that several people found 1 kg of solid gold in their mail boxes. Maya Yamabuki moves back to her hometown and surprises the movers by the amount of money she gives them.

Cleaning worker Moriya finds solace in listening to ASMR streams of a woman named Akiha. Despite never meeting in person, the two develop a connection through the intimate sounds Akiha shares in her videos. However, Moriya is shocked when he discovers that Akiha is broadcasting from a public restroom he regularly cleans. What kind of fate awaits this faceless pair connected through sound?

Japanese splatter film inspired by the Saw franchise.

Satoshi Makino is a genius classical guitarist. One day, he meets journalist Yoko Komine. They become attracted to each other, but Yoko Komine has a fiancé.

Ryo Hanaki was raised to be a professional assassin. One day he was defeated by some accident in the mission. Here he meets Rio, an attractive high school girl. He spent days as a heartless assassin, but his life starting changes after he helps Rio. By a twist of fate, Rio who was a complete unknown became an assassin target overnight. A single mistake from his decision to save Rio decided the destiny of the masses...

Japanese rock band Ziggy comes to London and gets attacked upon arrival at the hotel after a recording session. The musicians barely escape the attack; however, soon they learn that their producer has been murdered, and they are the suspects! Chased by police and some mysterious organization, they find shelter at a local rockers' place and even give a performance there; but it is not too long before their pursuers appear again.

Two pilots compete to be the best jet fighter. A commander with a troublesome past, a female director who wants a good scoop, a competition that is looking for their best guy.

A female barber is hired by one-handed man for a little shave. But she soon finds out that he has a kinky obsession that awakens her own.

In 1934 (Showa 9), Maj. Gen. Yamamoto Isoroku was ordered to be the chief representative of the preliminary negotiations for the Disarmament Conference to be held in London. If negotiations break down and Japan becomes isolated from the international community, the gap with Britain and the United States will deepen, and it may eventually become a war. Knowing the mighty national power of the United States and thinking that war should be avoided, Yamamoto is forced to make a tough decision with the speculation of senior military personnel who want to withdraw from the disarmament system and hope for a path to arms race. Under such circumstances, Yamamoto comes up with a secret plan!

A detective sets out on a manhunt to catch a murderer before the crime's statue of limitations runs out.

A sentimental drama about aspiring artist, Eiji, who rescues a blind girl. His friends Goro and Minoru and the blind girl's sister Kazue are a happy group until Goro steals money from Kazue's purse. Goro is arrested and his friends start bothering Eiji. To escape their harassment he changes jobs. But then he becomes the victim of an unexpected accident.

After the battle against Zogu was over, both Gamu and Fujimiya began to live normal lives until another threat arrives on Earth - a surviving monster soldier of Zogu's army named Gakuzom.

After failing her university entrance exam, Sakuko is invited by her aunt Mikie to spend summer vacation in a beautiful seaside town. Sakuko gets to know the people of the town, including Takashi, a shy relative of her childhood friend.