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Japanese documentary films from the 2020s
The best 100 of 126
- 1
Hayao Miyazaki and the Heron
A documentary that chronicles the making of The Boy and the Heron, filmed with exclusive access to Studio Ghibli across an astonishing seven years.
- 2
LiSA Another Great Day
Glimpse into the world of the songstress known as the "Rock Heroine" as she reflects on the first decade of her career and looks to the future.
- 3
Come Back Anytime
Without heir or apprentice, Masamoto Ueda's recipes will die with him, which is perhaps the secret to his vitality and hunger for new ingredients and experiences even after 40 years—he is able to invent new techniques and flavours without the burden of tradition.
- 4
Mishima: The Last Debate
Restored footage of a famous debate between Yukio Mishima and students at Tokyo University in 1969, just one year before the author's death.
- 5
Sing, Dance, Act: Kabuki featuring Toma Ikuta
Drama, heritage, soul; Actor Toma Ikuta trains for his first kabuki theater performance with his long-time friend, kabuki actor Matsuya Onoe.
- 6
Third Year Debut: The Documentary of Hinatazaka46
The first documentary for Japanese idol group Hinatazaka46.
- 7
Queer Japan
Trailblazing artists, activists, and everyday people from across the spectrum of gender and sexuality defy social norms and dare to live unconventional lives in this kaleidoscopic view of LGBTQ+ culture in contemporary Japan.
- 8
Cenote
Cenotes—sources of water that in ancient Mayan civilization were said to connect the real world and the afterlife. The past and present of the people living in and around them intersect, and distant memories echo throughout immersive scenes of light and darkness.
- 9
TXT (TOMORROW X TOGETHER) STILL DREAMING
Still Dreaming is TXT's first Japanese studio album. It was released on January 20, 2021. It was released with an accompanying DVD with the music video for the Japanese version of 'Blue Hour' and the making of the music video with interviews.
- 10
Fujii Kaze Love All Serve All Stadium Live
After making waves with fans all over the world, Fujii Kaze commemorates the release of his second album with his first ever outdoor stadium performance.
- 11
Our Lies and Truths: Documentary of Keyakizaka46
Keyakizaka46's first documentary film.
- 12
JO1 THE MOVIE『未完成』-Bon Voyage-
JO1 is a global boy group formed in 2019 by 11 members selected in PRODUCE 101 JAPAN. Since their debut in 2020, they have steadily progressed under the slogan “GO TO THE TOP!” In 2025, they held their first world tour and their first solo concert in Tokyo Dome. This is the second documentary film that shows the glory of their 5 years of challenging the world and the thoughts and conflicts that the 11 members had in their hearts, and the bond between them during their journey. The trajectory and future of the 11 members, presented to all those who are chasing after their dreams.
- 13
MISAMO JAPAN SHOWCASE "Masterpiece"
Live performance and talk of MISAMO's Japan showcase "Masterpiece" held on July 27 2023 at Pia Arena MM.
- 14
THE ORIGIN OF ULTRAMAN
The landmark Japanese Tokusatsu TV series Ultraman became a massive social phenomenon upon its debut in 1966, reaching a staggering peak viewership rating of 42.8%. Six decades later, Tsuburaya Productions continues to introduce new entries into the Ultraman series, expanding its unique universe to a global audience across generations. This documentary brings together leading voices from the fields of cinema, Tokusatsu, and design. Witness profound testimonies from an international assembly of creators, including: Guillermo del Toro, Hirokazu Kore-eda, Hideo Kojima, Hideaki Anno, Shinji Higuchi, and Nicolas Winding Refn.
- 15
ZUTOMAYO FACTORY「鷹は飢えても踊り忘れず」
Saitama Super Arena solo performance "ZUTOMAYO FACTORY 'Even if the falcon is hungry, don't forget to dance'". Held for 2 days in a row, not only is it the largest live performance held on two consecutive days, but it is also a solid band with a total of 18 people, such as familiar special instruments such as reel-to-reel, CRT TV, and fan, and pianist "Kei-chan" making a special appearance only on day 2. It was a conceptual performance like no other, with an analog stage set that made it clear that the two days had passed 100 years, and some changes to the music.
- 16
ONE OK ROCK 2024 PREMONITION WORLD TOUR at KAOHSIUNG NATIONAL STADIUM
ONE OK ROCK, a Japanese band to perform at a stadium outside of Japan for the first time will be streamed worldwide! ONE OK ROCK held their biggest world tour “ONE OK ROCK 2024 PREMONITION WORLD TOUR”, which includes 8 shows in 7 cities. The first stadium performance outside of Japan at Kaohsiung National Stadium on September 21st will be streamed worldwide.
- 17
Aqours Documentary
Documentary about the idol group Aqours, depicting the nine members' feelings and experiences over their whole 10-year run, through historical footages and exclusive three-month close-up coverage leading up to their final live concert.
- 18
Yoshiki: Under the Sky
YOSHIKI produced and collaborated with artists from various countries such as the United States, Europe, China, and Japan with songs he arranged himself. "Yoshiki Under the Sky" will be released ahead of the world in Japan on Friday September 8th. This project started with YOSHIKI's message to the whole world that we can overcome any difficulties, even in a time of global crisis.
- 19
ZUTOMAYO 本格中華喫茶・愛のペガサス ~羅武の香辛龍~
During the two-day period of May 4-5, 2024, ZUTOMAYO (ずっと真夜中でいいのに。) held their "Authentic Chinese Teahouse · Pegasus of Love ~Robu's Spicy Dragon~" themed performances at Yokohama's K Arena, presenting special concerts that mobilized their largest-ever audience of 20,000 people.
- 20
Fishmans
The words I promised to Kin-ichi Motegi, 'This is the first and last. I tell you everything about Fishmans without telling a lie.' The friends who made the sound of Fishmans devoted their lives to music. Shinji Sato's way of life is packed in this movie for nearly three hours.
- 21
BABYMETAL LEGEND - 43 The Movie
In April 2023, SU-METAL (vocal, dance), MOAMETAL (scream, dance), and MOMOMETAL (scream, dance) entered a new stage as the new BABYMETAL, and since then, they have embarked on their largest-ever world tour, "BABYMETAL WORLD TOUR 2023-2024," visiting 25 countries including Japan. The 98 performances, excluding festivals and guest act appearances, recorded a total audience of over 280,000 people.
- 22
ONE OK ROCK DETOX JAPAN TOUR AT NISSAN STADIUM 2025 IN CINEMAS
ONE OK ROCK DETOX JAPAN TOUR 2025 AT NISSAN STADIUM IN CINEMAS unleashes the raw pulse of a career-defining night—documenting the band's commanding takeover of Japan's iconic Nissan Stadium—where thunderous riffs, soaring vocals, and 70,000 voices collide into something electric, forging an unbreakable bond between the band and their worldwide legion of fans.
- 23
Buck-Tick Phenomenon - New World I
Since their debut in 1987, BUCK-TICK has been at the forefront of the rock scene with their unchanging lineup. With their unique presence and continuing to produce outstanding works, they have been a "dream" for not only rock fans but also musicians. However, their journey has not always been smooth sailing. This work is a documentary film directed by Yuichiro Iwaki that follows the band for two full years, from their Nippon Budokan performance on December 29, 2021 to December 29, 2023, centered on their 35th anniversary since their debut. From recording scenes that you can't usually see, to backstage at concerts, to interviews by the director, you can see the members' serious and peaceful expressions as they face music.
- 24
MTV Unplugged Presents: Love Live! Superstar!! Liella!
MTV Unplugged Presents: Love Live! Superstar!!! Liella! Live performance of the popular fictional band Liella!!!, a performance in the hand of MTV tradition that has been inherited with the iconic title "MTV Unplugged". Apparently, a special edition in celebration of the band's accompanying anime series and with a different arrangement of songs.
- 25
Hope and Despair: Those Tears that Nobody Knows of
The second documentary for Japanese idol group Hinatazaka46.
- 26
AiNA THE END "nukariari"
A complete recording of AiNA THE END’s one-night solo concert “nukariari”, held at Tokyo Garden Theater on December 20, 2025. The performance captures a defining moment in her career, showcasing a stage largely self-produced by AiNA herself, including choreography, staging, setlist, and costume design, representing the culmination of her artistic growth throughout 2025. The concert features a wide range of her works, including fan-favorite songs and key releases such as “Kakumei Dōchū,” alongside emotionally driven performances that highlight her distinctive vocal style and expressive artistry. The limited edition also includes documentary footage following the production period leading up to the concert, as well as footage from a surprise guerrilla live performance held in Shinjuku, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process and live energy surrounding the event.
- 27
SHINee WORLD VI [PERFECT ILLUMINATION] JAPAN FINAL LIVE in TOKYO DOME
Shinee World VI: Perfect Illumination is the sixth concert tour by South Korean boy band Shinee. It began on June 23, 2023, at the Olympic Gymnastics Arena in Seoul, and continued on to Japan later in the year. The tour is Shinee's first in several years, after a hiatus brought on by mandatory military service and the COVID-19 pandemic. It has been well received by critics, who have praised Shinee's live singing and performance skills, and was awarded Stage of the Year at the 2023 Melon Music Awards.
- 28
Pizza Toast & Coffee
A short documentary about kissaten — Showa-era (1926-1989) Japanese cafe — culture. Būgen is a small kissa in a suburb south of Tokyo. It was featured in the book Kissa by Kissa. Proprietor Yamane-san has survived four bouts of cancer and has run his cafe for close to forty-five years. He makes a mean pizza toast with a unique cutting style. Pizza toast is a staple of kissa culinary culture.
- 29
=LOVE Today is your Trigger THE MOVIE
A captivating concert film that captures the Japanese idol group =LOVE's pivotal performance at the Nippon Budokan during their 2023 nationwide tour "Today is your Trigger." Formed in April 2017 under the production of Rino Sashihara, this marked a significant turning point in the group's career. Beyond the electrifying live performances, the film offers exclusive behind-the-scenes footage and intimate member interviews that fans won't find anywhere else. Available in standard 2D as well as special formats including ScreenX, 4DX, and 4DX Screen for an immersive experience.
- 30
≠ME THE MOVIE: Yakusoku no Uta
≠ME is finally coming to the big screen! In their first-ever live and documentary film, their journey toward their dreams is etched into history.
- 31
Jun Kasai Crazy Monkey
A hard and unsparing look at the work of wrestler KASAI Jun, nicknamed Crazy Monkey, who competes mostly in so-called death matches, a brutal style of wrestling focused on bodily harm. At times fun and exciting, at other times brutal and melancholy, the film shines a light on a subculture that has long remained in the shadows.
- 32
Sawano Hiroyuki LIVE [nZk]008 @ NHK Hall
Sawano Hiroyuki LIVE [nZk]008 is a live concert film recorded on June 2, 2024, at NHK Hall in Tokyo. The performance showcases composer Sawano Hiroyuki’s [nZk] project, featuring vocalists Laco, Benjamin & mpi, Aimee Blackschleger, XAI, mizuki, SennaRin, and ASKA. The concert presents a wide-ranging setlist drawn from Sawano’s anime and original works, blending orchestral, electronic, and vocal-driven music, and concludes with a collaborative finale featuring all performers.
- 33
Still in orbit
Still in orbit is a documentary film featuring TK from Ling tosite sigure, released as part of the limited-edition Blu-ray for his album Whose Blue.
- 34
Montage of Hong Kong
November 19, 2019-January 2, 2020 We covered Hong Kong during the democratization movement. Junior high school students, University students, Musicians, Designers, Politician, Former police officer, Democrat, Office worker Why do they fight?
- 35
THE ORAL CIGARETTES: PARASITE DEJAVU
In September 2019, the band held its first-ever independently organized outdoor event in their hometown of Kansai. After a three-year hiatus, the event—PARASITE DEJAVU—was held again in October 2022 at Saitama Super Arena. The live performances from both 2019 and 2022 have been compiled. The 2019 event, PARASITE DEJAVU ~2DAYS OPEN AIR SHOW~, took place at Izumiotsu Phoenix in Osaka, chosen as the stage in their home region. It drew around 40,000 people over two days. DAY 1 was a solo headliner show, while DAY 2 was held in an omnibus format featuring various artists. This release includes not only the DAY 1 solo performance but also previously unreleased footage from DAY 2, along with a behind-the-scenes documentary!
- 36
- 37
Sato Hinata Koizumi Moeka no Batotte Dinosaur in Fukui
Hinata Sato, Moka Koizumi, Manatsu Murakami, Toruka Moriya, and Aina Aiba on location in Fukui! The long-awaited Fukui location for "Hinata Sato, Moeka Koizumi's Battle Dinosaur☆" will be released on Blu-ray! The show features battles and dinosaurs at sightseeing spots such as Tojinbo and the Dinosaur Museum, and the audience enjoys Fukui Prefecture to the fullest. Manatsu Murakami and Toruka Moriya of DIALOGUE+, who have appeared on the show before, and semi-regular(?) Aina Aiba, who is good friends with the two of them, also make guest appearances.
- 38
Revue Starlight Orchestra Concert
Gekijōban Shōjo☆Kageki Revue Starlight Orchestra Concert (劇場版 「少女☆歌劇 レヴュースタァライト」オーケストラコンサート; "Shōjo☆Kageki Revue Starlight" the Movie Orchestra Concert) was a live concert event that took place on February 6, 2022 at Makuhari Messe Event Hall in Chiba, Tokyo.
- 39
The Making of Weathering with You
A thorough account of the process to make Weathering with You. The crew appears to have been given unfettered access to the production allowing for a great walk through something we rarely see, production of an anime feature. From first audition of the voice actors, to cast and crew working with the director, to the animation process like compositing, background, temp work, 3D modelling, computer animation, to production meetings, to working on the songs with RADWIMPS, to finally the promotional tour of the final film this documentary covers every step.
- 40
Momoiro Clover Z -the future of IDOL-
As the idol group traverses a post-pandemic musical landscape after over a decade in the business, the movie covers the period from July 2021-March 2022 as the group faces new challenges performing and expressing their music with fans while touching on their experiences and hopes for the future of the group
- 41
=LOVE 7th ANNIVERSARY PREMIUM CONCERT THE MOVIE
Experience the ultimate performance on the big screen! =LOVE (Equal Love), who made their major debut in September 2017 and have gained popularity for their singing ability, performance skills, and traditional idol cuteness, will have their concert film released in theaters nationwide. The film captures their live performance from the "=LOVE 7th ANNIVERSARY PREMIUM CONCERT" held in September 2024.
- 42
福本清三 どこかで誰かが見ていてくれる
For 60 years, he toiled in obscurity, devoting himself entirely to the role of the ‘execution victim’ in the shadow of the stars. A treasure of the period drama genre, he was cast in the Hollywood film *The Last Samurai* and even starred in his own film. A documentary depicting the extraordinary life of Japan’s foremost ‘execution victim’ has now been released.
- 43
Tasting the Pancakes for Poison
- 44
Hosé! José Mujica! –Just Keep Walking–
A Japanese-produced theatrical documentary about José Alberto Mujica Cordano.
- 45
Kids Konference
Hilarious but profound documentary, filmed at a nursery school where children enjoy "conferences" throughout a year. "Why were you born?" "How can we avoid fighting?" "Who made the universe?" "The booger tastes like kinako." The strange ideas and straightforward words that the children unfold make us laugh and sometimes surprise. Their discussion may give us full of hints for thinking about "how we live in the world without answers." Now, the world's weirdest and most important "Kids konference" by little wise men is about to begin.
- 46
I Am a Comedian
Daisuke is a comedian who was excluded from TV because of his political statements. This is the story of three years filled with his challenges, suffering, and love for his family.
- 47
Salaryman
Tokyo work culture's most compelling and complex protagonist; the Salaryman. A nameless, voiceless, over-worked and under-valued cog in the labour pool, expected to compromise home and social lives. Late nights and intense drinking sessions leave many of them passed out in the city streets. This slick, incisive documentary raises questions around the ethics of our global working practices in a capitalist society.
- 48
四季 高野山
- 49
Nijiiro
- 50
Clouds of War
In this film, Chie Mikam looks not at the well-documented controversies surrounding U.S. military bases in Okinawa, but at the quiet expansion of Japan’s own Self-Defense Forces there.
- 51
the GazettE - LIVE TOUR 2022-2023 MASS "THE FINAL" LIVE AT 07.15 NIPPON BUDOKAN
Following the release of the album Mass, the GazettE toured from 2022 to 2023. This release records the band's final performance of the MASS tour at Nippon Budokan on July 15, 2023.
- 52
Sasamori Miyu Kaori "Densetsu no Ikimono - Chosa Roke in Hakodate"
Yuu Shinohara, Toruka Moriya, Miyu Tomita, Kaori Maeda, on location in Hakodate, Hokkaido! Internet radio station Onsen's popular original program "Yu and Kyoka's 'Atsumare! Sasamori! and "Mimyu Tomita and Kaori Maeda are waiting for your request for investigation! The collaboration location projects will be released on Blu-ray. The first project investigates legendary creatures in Hakodate, Hokkaido! What kind of creatures did they find? In addition, there are many enjoyable elements such as secret guests and narration by the popular hamster "Chuchumaru"!
- 53
What Should We Have Done?
In 1983, the director’s 24-year-old sister developed symptoms of schizophrenia. Her parents couldn’t accept it—refusing to seek treatment for their sick child, they confined her to their house, to the point of even fixing a padlock on the front door to lock her in. Her younger brother, suspicious of his parents’ actions, began filming the family in an effort to openly question them. A family conflict that lasted over twenty years.
- 54
Fighting Spirit: Fishmans
A documentary film chronicling the rehearsal, preparation and performance of a Fishmans concert performed on February 19, 2019 @Zepp Tokyo.
- 55
- 56
When A Song Begins
This is the story of a deaf photographer who has always chosen to see rather than hear. He encounters “song”, and explores it, marries his deaf partner and fathers a hearing child. One day, a lullaby slips through his lips and his life is changed forever.
- 57
Green Jail
The film follows the last 4 years life of Grandma Hashima, the last existent from colonial Taiwan, who knows the secrets of "Green Jail," the notorious coal mine before World War II on Iriomote Island, Okinawa, Japan.
- 58
Seigi no yukue
- 59
E233 Series 1000 Keihin-Tohoku Line: Ōfuna to Ōmiya [4K Video Production]
A rapid overview of the Keihin-Tohoku Line, traversing north to south through the metropolitan area, spanning one metropolis and two prefectures.
- 60
Japan's Single Cherry Blossom Tree
- 61
Train Night View: Yurikamome at Night Round Trip Shimbashi to Toyosu
Tokyo Night Cruise on the Yurikamome Line The "Yurikamome" line, connecting Shimbashi and Toyosu, is popular for its scenic route past commercial facilities and high-rise buildings. Departing Shimbashi at dusk, the train curves right to Shiodome, then passes Takeshiba, Hinode, and Shibaura-futo stations before crossing the Rainbow Bridge. After the bridge, it enters Odaiba, where Mount Fuji’s silhouette is visible. This once-vacant area is now densely developed. The train passes Toyosu Market before reaching Toyosu. On the return journey, as darkness falls, the lights of Odaiba create a captivating glow. The vibrant nightscape, captured in high-definition 4K 10-bit HDR, provides a stunningly detailed experience.
- 62
Dogs and War: What I saw in Ukraine
When Russia invaded in February 2022. Japanese director Akane Yamada travelled to the war zone to document an often-overlooked story - the fate of animals and the people who refuse to abandon them. Known for her work in disaster zones since Fukushima, Yamada witnessed animal welfare groups mobilising at the Polish border to help refugees and their pets, and followed Ukrainians who continued to adopt shelter animals amid the chaos. In Borodianka, near Kyiv, she uncovered the tragic deaths of shelter dogs left behind during occupation. Her three-year investigation led her deep into Ukraine's frontline regions, from flooded Kherson after the Kahkovka Dam's destruction to a children's hospital in Kyiv struck by a missile. Through the stories of people who refuse to abandon animals even amid the devastation of war, this documentary portrays the resilience and dignity of those who refuse to su
- 63
Ushiku
The Ushiku immigration center near Tokyo mainly holds people seeking refuge in Japan. Using a hidden camera, award-winning filmmaker Thomas Ash interviewed inmates there from late 2019. His film publicly accuses Japan’s uncompromising refugee policy through one of the country's biggest human rights scandals. Ushiku has been making international headlines for years.
- 64
Fujiyama Cotton
Disgusted by the eugenicist and ableist Sagamihara massacre of 2016, emerging documentarian Taku Aoyagi offers a radiant film about Mirai Farm, a social welfare center he frequented as a child in Yamanashi, a city in the shadow of Mount Fuji. Through gestures, Aoyagi introduces us to the different individuals who work at Mirai, as well as their distinct talents and personalities. In the process, he constructs an exemplary documentary about life with a disability, one that does not treat those filmed as “subjects,” but rather as friends with whom to occupy their own space, alongside those who care and encourage us to see the world with kindness.
- 65
Book-Paper-Scissors
Nobuyoshi Kikuchi has devoted his life to books. Over the course of his career, he has designed more than 15,000 book covers. Even in the digital age, he still works with a ruler, scissors, and pencils, creating unique fonts, and being meticulous about the properties of the chosen paper. He enjoys the personal exchange with authors, a good cup of coffee, and a stroll through the flea market. Nanako Hirose presents a fascinating portrait of a seemingly old-fashioned personality – but maybe it is exactly this kind of personality which can give an inspiration to reflect on the really valuable things in life?
- 66
Kodokushi
Norihito works for a company that cleans the homes of the deceased alone. The lonely deaths he encounters push him to confront his own past, but this effort also leads to unexpected new problems. Elder Muramatsu, on the other hand, lives his life in silence in social isolation. The upcoming Sakura Festival creates hope to change his destiny. Will he find a reason to exist in the world?
- 67
Tokyo Uber Blues
Shot with a mix of smartphones and GoPros, filmmaker Taku Aoyagi takes us on his daily bike rides as an Uber Eats worker. But pedaling on Tokyo’s deserted streets, delivering boba tea to cloistered condos, he starts to wonder… what was it that Ken Loach said about the Uberization of society? And what does gig-work offer an unemployed young person with student debt?
- 68
Philosopher King -Lee Teng-hui's Dialogue-
A suicidal Japanese girl gets a lesson in Taiwanese history from the spirit of former Chinese leader Lee Teng-hui.
- 69
Tokyo Kurds
In the 1990s, fearing persecution from the Turkish government, about 2,000 Kurdish refugees of Turkish nationality came to settle in a suburb of Tokyo. Here live Ohzan (18), Ramazan (19) and Memet (38). This documentary focuses on these three young Kurds in Japan.
- 70
The Lit-up Calm
The documentary follows the inhabitants of Suzu City as they recover from the 2023 and 2024 Noto earthquakes, and their attempts to keep their local festivals alive.
- 71
The Unnameable Dance
The Unnameable Dance shows the life and dance of Tanaka Min, an elderly dancer in his 70s, in a multifaceted and dynamic manner.
- 72
With Each Passing Breath
Asakusa’s Mokubatei is the only theater in the Kanto region that regularly bills rokyoku—a form of narrative singing accompanied by shamisen. Backstage, a variety of lives intersect, and the art is passed down from practiced singers to the younger generation. The film’s main character is Minatoya Kosome. It follows Kosome from her growing enraptured by rokyoku singer Minatoya Koryu, then becoming the legend’s apprentice—until to the day she is formally announced as Koryu’s successor and namesake.
- 73
Lily, I am crying
A documentary about actress and singer-songwriter Lily, who passed away in 2016 at the age of 64. The theatrical version combines live footage of "Lily + Hiroshi" recorded between 2013 and 2015 by Takama Kenji, cinematographer of "Radio Time," with additional interview footage of guests who had connections with Lily. Starring Lily, Saito Hiroshi, Takahashi Kazuya from "Between the White Keys and the Black Keys," Negishi Toki from "At the Bus Stop Until Dawn," Toyokawa Etsushi who co-starred with Lily in the 1997 TV drama "The Blue Bird," and Iwai Shunji, director of "The Bride of Rip Van Winkle," in which Lily starred.
- 74
Gewalt no Mori - Kare ha Waseda de shinda
A documentary about the end of the student movement in 1972 and the lynching of Daizaburo Kawaguchi, a student at Waseda University. The documentary interweaves testimonies from japanese intellectuals and a short play, written and directed by Shôji Kôkami, about the murder.
- 75
Life Tape
- 76
Circle of Donuts
Here we meet a Japanese immigrant who traveled across the world at a young age and paved a unique path to success.
- 77
Spring, On the Shores of Aga
- 78
Alone Again in Fukushima
“Alone Again is Fukushima” is the long-awaited sequel to "Alone in Fukushima" (2015), which followed Naoto Matsumura, a man who remained in the nuclear zone in Fukushima to tend animals. The film has followed Naoto for nearly a decade and portrays how Naoto and the animals survived the residents' return to the town, Tokyo Olympics, and COVID-19. In the course of 10 years, many animals and humans were born and died. But Naoto remained in the town and took care of the animals. He raised chickens and kept bees in order to survive. In 2017, Tomioka became the place where people can come back to live, however most young people didn’t return. There is no end in sight for the nuclear crisis in Fukushima. The contaminated water is overflowing and will be pumped out to the ocean soon. Meanwhile the government is trying to restart the nuclear reactors all over the country. The film will give us
- 79
R 21 AKA Restoring Solidarity
The growing struggle for Palestinian self-determination between 1960 and 1980 was supported by radical left-wing movements worldwide, also in Japan. This is illustrated by a collection of 16mm films by militant filmmakers from various countries, which were dubbed and screened in Japan. Their Japanese audiences felt oppressed by the US after World War II, and not only sympathized but also identified with the Palestinians.
- 80
Umuijishi
The film follows wood sculptor Nakasone Masahiro's techniques and thoughts on creating a new replica of the lion of Shitahaku and Shitahaku people's thoughts on their lion dance.
- 81
Mottainai Kitchen
Mottainai Kitchen is a culinary road movie, tackling the issue of food waste and other environmental issues in Japan, searching for sustainable solutions. The film follows filmmaker and food activist David Gross as he discovers the fascinating Japanese concept of “Mottainai“, meets local chefs, scientists and farmers while creating tasty recipes for a “Zero Waste Kitchen Revolution”.
- 82
Ripples of Physis
This documentary explores karakami, a patterned decorative paper hand printed onto washi. The director visits the Karacho studio, established 400 years ago, whose 11th generation master - Kenkichi Senda, still produces karakami using the original woodblocks from the studio's founding. We see how pattern making developed, drawing inspiration from other cultures, back in time to the rock carvings at Val Camonica.
- 83
Watashi ga Watashi de Aru Basho
Japan has an estimated 24000 actors and talents working in the media, mostly playing nameless roles in independent films. A large portion of these actors are unrecognized by the general audiences and not even listed in the talent directories. This documentary provides an intimate look into the lives of these actors, the aspirations behind their dreams, and the challenges they face in the film industry. The subjects in this film are the actors who appeared and participated in the audition of Takaomi Ogata's movie "Cinderella Girl."
- 84
Haru Wo Tsugeru Machi
A documentary about the people of Hirono, a city located 20 km away from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station. Immediately after the Great East Japan Earthquake, the whole town was forced to evacuate. In 2019, 80% of the population at the time of the earthquake is back in town.
- 85
Henbe
In Tōei, a small mountain town in Aichi Prefecture, Japan, a sacred ritual called Hana Matsuri ("Flower Festival") has been passed down for over 700 years. Widely respected by folklorists and ritual enthusiasts both in Japan and abroad, Hana Matsuri is not only a spiritual tradition, but also the cultural core of the local community—an embodied memory of who they are. Like many rural areas in Japan, Tōei faces rapid population decline and shifting social structures. This film gently follows those who sustain the festival amid such changes.
- 86
Polan
After running an antiquarian bookshop for 35 years, Kyosuke and Chiseko decide to close down their shop due to the pandemic-induced recession. The elderly couple continues their daily routine even as they prepare for the closure. Kyosuke continues filling in the shelves with a new selection of old books stored in a rented warehouse. Chiseko starts managing an online shop, while Yuki, a staff member, decides to open her own bookshop. POLAN portrays how all three relate to the customers through the books they sell.
- 87
Transform!
- 88
The Cats of Gokogu Shrine
An ample community of cats has set up home around the Shinto shrine in Ushimado. Some local residents take care of them, others are disturbed by their mess. Kazuhiro Soda observes their co-existence with kindness, precision and occasional involvement.
- 89
Daisuki, ~Nao-chan and her mother's 50 years~
Nao, who was born with a disability, was once told, "She won't live long." However, Nao has now turned 50 years old. Raised by her family and her community, and in turn, raising her family and community over the years... This is a human documentary spanning 50 years, dedicated to observing and cherishing the essence of "life."
- 90
Still a Black Star
The film follows the humanitarian efforts of Mago, one of the most influential artists from Japan, who has tracked the world's flow of waste and recycling to the slums of Agbogbloshie in Accra, Ghana.
- 91
Whereabouts of Sound
As they play carefree music, their musicianship is met with surprise, wonder, and sometimes even laughter. Captivating all who watch, Otoasobi Project’s rich variety of expression reshapes the concept of improvised music. Formed in 2005 in Kobe, Japan, Otoasobi Project has some 50 members, including people with intellectual disabilities, musicians, and music therapists, who pursue music and well-being through improvised performances. After many years of numerous workshops, concerts, and other activities, they even held their first tour in the UK in September 2013. The movie “Whereabouts of Sound” depicts the appeal of the improvised music Otoasobi creates, and the beauty of its natural, honest expression.
- 92
- 93
Archive
Tori Kudo takes us on a trip of the past several years of his life through his cellphone's camera roll.
- 94
Walk Slow
- 95
Numakage Public Pool
For over five decades, a beloved Tokyo suburban pool affectionately called “the ocean” offered health, joy, and belonging to elderly swimmers, families, and the local gay community. But when urban development forces its demolition, a wave of grief sweeps through those who called it home. Through powerful, intimate moments, this deeply human story explores loss not tied to death, but to place, memory, and identity. Guided by the five stages of grief, director Ota invites us to reflect on what it means to say goodbye not just to a building, but to a vital space of connection, healing, and shared life.
- 96
Yuho No Border
Yuho Asaka was born in the 1950s with osteogenesis imperfecta – brittle bone disease. Growing up in less inclusive times, her childhood was far from easy. Yet she overcame prejudice and became a pioneer for disability rights.
- 97
North Cormorant Island
North Cormorant Island begins as an observational documentary, following the everyday life of a remote Japanese fishing village on Sado island, observing the rituals, customs and work of the people who live there. But as the filmmaker spends more time in the village, people begin to talk about their lives, and he begins to reflect on his own childhood in his father’s village in Wales and to think about time, place, mortality and human relationships with the land and the sea.
- 98
All About "Chiaki Mayumura" (Provisional)
Besides being an excellent showcase of Chiaki Mayumura's talents, this film is a brilliant melding of documentary and fiction.
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Āto nanka iranai!
A film on the meaning of art, Session 1: Kingdom of Inertia, Session 2: 4.6 Billion Years of Solitude
- 100
Long Time Passing
After being told that her husband Greg Davis, a Vietnam veteran and photographer, died unexpectedly in 2003 from defoliant during the Vietnam War, Director Sakata began to travel to Vietnam to learn what had happened to him. There, she witnessed children born with severe disabilities due to the effects of Agent Orange, even 30 years after the war, and the families who nurtured and cared for them. Although Vietnam has achieved remarkable economic development since then, the victims and their families have been left behind. The film depicts these people, the doctors who continue their support activities, and the former journalists who filed a lawsuit against the U.S. government and the company that produced the defoliant, as they continue to face the scars of the war.