The Japan Foundation, Bangkok, in collaboration with House Samyan, Dude, Movie, and Berng Nang Club proudly present the “Japanese Film Festival 2025 (JFF 2025)” in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Khon Kaen and Songkhla. Supported by the Embassy of Japan in Thailand and the Japanese Association in Thailand, JFF 2025 features 15 acclaimed films across various genres, including inspiring drama, light-hearted comedy, dokidoki romance, thrilling horror, renowned classics, and iconic animation.

This year’s highlight is ‘A Samurai in Time’ by Junichi Yasuda, a heartwarming time-travel comedy about a Samurai who transports to the present day. Initially released in just one theater in Japan, this indie film gained unexpected popularity, expanding to 300 theaters in three months. Produced on a tight budget (some funding from the director himself), the film successfully revived the Samurai genre. Also, it’s impossible not to mention this film. ‘AKIRA’ by Katsuhiro Otomo, a groundbreaking legendary cyberpunk animation that made a great impact on the film industry worldwide, based on Otomo’s original comic series of the same name. Set in the world of Neo-Tokyo in 2019, as envisioned in 1988, AKIRA is a masterpiece of Japanese animations that keeps astonishing the world.

Exclusively this year, thanks to recommendations from Pat Boonnitipat, director of ‘How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies (หลานม่า),’ we’re showcasing two of his favorite films. First is ‘Good Morning’ by Yasujiro Ozu, a charming story about two young boys set in suburban Tokyo. The second, ‘The Mourning Forest’ by Naomi Kawase, winner of the Grand Prix at the 2007 Cannes Film Festival, is a deeply moving film that inspired Pat to become a director. The story follows a caregiver and her patient on an unexpected journey through the countryside.

Aside from the films suggested above, the festival offer more quality films such as BEST WISHES TO ALL, winner of “The Japan Horror Film Competition” hosted by KADOKAWA CORPORATION, MOM, IS THAT YOU?! , YAMADA Yoji’s 90th film, nominated for Best Picture, Japan Academy Film Prize 2024, and From the End of the World, an apocalyptic time-travelling film, directed by Kaz I Kiriya, renowned for his work on the action movie, Last Knights, and many more.

FILM LINE-UP
Some films are screened only in selected cities. Please see the screening schedule for details.
All films have both English and Thai subtitle, except for ‘SUMMER BLOOMS’ which only have Thai subtitle.

We look forward to seeing you on our upcoming Japanese Film Festival 2025.