Best Movies About Japan

From Hayao Miyazaki, starring Daveigh Chase, Suzanne Pleshette, Miyu Irino, Rumi Hiiragi
Rated PG

Spirited Away is a 2001 animated fantasy film written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki. The story follows Chihiro, a 10-year-old girl who, while moving to a new home, enters a magical world where gods, spirits, and supernatural beings exist. Chihiro must navigate this strange new world to find a way back home, while also finding the courage to save her parents, who have been transformed into pigs. Along her journey, Chihiro makes friends and allies, and discovers her own inner strength. The film was a critical and commercial success, receiving numerous awards and is widely regarded as one of the greatest animated films ever made.

From Akira Kurosawa, starring Toshirô Mifune, Takashi Shimura, Keiko Tsushima, Yukiko Shimazaki
Rated Not Rated

Seven Samurai is a 1954 Japanese samurai film directed by Akira Kurosawa. The film tells the story of a group of seven masterless samurai who unite to defend a farming village from a band of marauding bandits. The samurai, led by veteran warrior Kambei Shimada, must train the farmers to be ready to fight and protect their homes when the bandits return. Through intense training and various battles, the samurai and the villagers ultimately succeed in defeating the bandits. Along the way, the samurai learn the importance of honor, courage, and sacrifice. The film has been widely regarded as one of the greatest films ever made, and is seen as a classic example of Japanese cinema in general.

From Masaki Kobayashi, starring Tatsuya Nakadai, Akira Ishihama, Shima Iwashita, Tetsurô Tanba
Rated Not Rated

Harakiri is a 1962 Japanese drama film directed by Masaki Kobayashi. The film follows Hanshirō Tsugumo, an unemployed samurai who visits the house of Ii, a powerful feudal lord. Hanshirō requests permission to commit ritual suicide (seppuku) on the estate and is granted permission, but soon finds out that he is being manipulated by Ii's retainers. The retainers want Hanshirō to serve as an example of the consequences of challenging Ii's authority. Through flashbacks, it is revealed that Hanshirō was driven to this desperate act by the death of his son. Eventually, Hanshirō discovers the truth and takes revenge on those responsible for his son's death. Harakiri is a powerful drama that poignantly explores the samurai code of honor, loyalty, and revenge.

From Isao Takahata, starring Tsutomu Tatsumi, Ayano Shiraishi, Akemi Yamaguchi, Yoshiko Shinohara
Rated Not Rated

Grave of the Fireflies is a Japanese animated war drama film written and directed by Isao Takahata. The film is based on the 1967 semi-autobiographical novel of the same name by Akiyuki Nosaka. It follows a brother and sister as they struggle to survive during the firebombing of Kobe in World War II. The siblings, 14-year-old Seita and his 4-year-old sister Setsuko, are left to fend for themselves after their mother is killed in the bombing. Despite their courage and resourcefulness, they face starvation, illness, and prejudice. The film is a tragic and touching story of resilience, determination, and the bond between brother and sister.

From Hayao Miyazaki, starring Yôji Matsuda, Yuriko Ishida, Yûko Tanaka, Billy Crudup
Rated PG-13

Princess Mononoke is a 1997 Japanese animated fantasy film written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki. It follows the story of a young prince, Ashitaka, who is cursed by a demon and must journey to the forests of the west to find a cure. Along the way, he comes into conflict with the gods of the forest, who are led by a wolf goddess named San, and the humans who have been destroying their environment in search of iron and other resources. As the conflict escalates, Ashitaka must find a way to repair the trust between humanity and nature. The film is widely considered to be one of Miyazaki's best works and is acclaimed for its stunning visuals and complex themes.

From Makoto Shinkai, starring Ryûnosuke Kamiki, Mone Kamishiraishi, Ryô Narita, Aoi Yûki
Rated PG

Your Name is a 2016 Japanese animated romantic fantasy film written and directed by Makoto Shinkai. The film tells the story of a high school girl in rural Japan and a high school boy in Tokyo who, after a chance encounter, swap bodies due to a mysterious power. As they become accustomed to their new lives, they form an unlikely yet deep connection and face the trials and tribulations of growing up. Ultimately they discover the power of their connection, and gain the courage to face the unknown and their own destinies in order to save each other.

From Akira Kurosawa, starring Toshirô Mifune, Yutaka Sada, Tatsuya Nakadai, Kyôko Kagawa
Rated Not Rated

High and Low is a classic crime drama directed by acclaimed Japanese filmmaker Akira Kurosawa. The film follows the story of a wealthy Japanese industrialist, Kingo Gondo (played by Toshiro Mifune), who is targeted by a kidnapper for ransom. When Gondo finds out that the kidnapper has taken the wrong child, his moral code is tested as he is forced to decide between his financial interests and doing the right thing. The film takes viewers on a journey as Gondo struggles to navigate the moral complexities of the situation and make the best decision for himself and his family. High and Low showcases Kurosawa's masterful direction, as well as his skill in exploring difficult moral questions. The film was nominated for the Palme d'Or at the 1963 Cannes Film Festival and is considered one of Kurosawa's greatest works.

From Kenji Mizoguchi, starring Kinuyo Tanaka, Yoshiaki Hanayagi, Kyôko Kagawa, Eitarô Shindô
Rated Not Rated

"Sansho the Bailiff" is a 1954 Japanese period drama directed by Kenji Mizoguchi. Set in 11th century Japan, it follows a family who are separated when their father is sent away to exile, and their mother is sold into slavery. The two children, Zushio and Anju, are taken in by the cruel Sansho the Bailiff, and forced to work for him in his manor. While the two struggle to survive, their parents and their determination to reunite again give them hope in the face of oppression. Eventually, the children are reunited with their parents, and the family's courage and love triumphs over their oppressors.

From Akira Kurosawa, starring Takashi Shimura, Nobuo Kaneko, Shin'ichi Himori, Haruo Tanaka
Rated Not Rated

Ikiru is a 1952 drama film directed by Akira Kurosawa, depicting the story of a middle-aged bureaucrat, Watanabe Kanji (played by Takashi Shimura), who discovers he has terminal cancer. With only a few months left to live, Watanabe attempts to find meaning in his life by dedicating himself to helping the citizens of his neighborhood. He sets out to build a playground for the local children and fights against the bureaucracy to make it happen. Through his efforts, Watanabe comes to terms with his own mortality and ultimately finds redemption.

From Akira Kurosawa, starring Toshirô Mifune, Yûzô Kayama, Tsutomu Yamazaki, Reiko Dan
Rated Not Rated

Red Beard is a 1965 film directed by the legendary Akira Kurosawa. The film follows the story of a young doctor, Yasumoto (Yuzo Kayama), who is sent to a clinic in a rural village to complete his medical training. He clashes with the clinic's head doctor, Red Beard (Toshiro Mifune), who is strict and uncompromising in his methods. Yasumoto's resentment eventually fades as he begins to understand Red Beard's wisdom and compassion for the patients. Through his interactions with the patients, Yasumoto discovers secrets about their lives and learns how to apply his medical knowledge to treat the illnesses of the mind and spirit, as well as the body. Red Beard's teachings eventually lead to Yasumoto's transformation from an arrogant youth to a compassionate doctor. Through his experiences, Yasumoto learns the true meaning of life and the importance of caring for others.

From Hayao Miyazaki, starring Chieko Baishô, Takuya Kimura, Tatsuya Gashûin, Akihiro Miwa
Rated PG

Howl's Moving Castle is an animated fantasy film directed by Hayao Miyazaki and released in 2004. It follows the story of Sophie, a young woman who is cursed by an evil witch, turning her into an old woman. She meets a wizard, Howl, who lives in a castle that moves around with the help of a magical fire demon. Howl and Sophie eventually become close friends and allies, and together they embark on a quest to break the curse and save the kingdom from the dark forces that threaten it. Along the way, they come up against obstacles, including an evil witch and a powerful wizard. They also find allies in the form of a scarecrow, a living scarecrow, and a talking fire demon. With courage, friendship, and determination, Howl and Sophie find a way to break the curse and restore peace to the kingdom.

From Akira Kurosawa, starring Toshirô Mifune, Machiko Kyô, Masayuki Mori, Takashi Shimura
Rated Not Rated

Rashomon (1950) is an acclaimed Japanese drama directed by Akira Kurosawa. It tells the story of a crime – the rape of a woman and the murder of her samurai husband – from four different perspectives. Through the testimonies of a woodcutter, a bandit, a medium, and the dead husband himself, Rashomon questions the objectivity of truth and the fallibility of human memory. With its revolutionary use of flashbacks, the film won numerous awards, including the Grand Prize at the Venice Film Festival. Its influence on cinema is immense, and it is considered one of the greatest films of all time.

From Akira Kurosawa, starring Tatsuya Nakadai, Akira Terao, Jinpachi Nezu, Daisuke Ryû
Rated R

Ran is an epic samurai drama directed by legendary Japanese director Akira Kurosawa. Set in feudal Japan, it tells the story of an elderly warlord named Hidetora Ichimonji (Tatsuya Nakadai) who decides to divide his kingdom among his three sons. His eldest son, Taro (Akira Terao), is given control of the kingdom, while the second son, Jiro (Jinpachi Nezu), is given a nearby province. The youngest son, Saburo (Daisuke Ryu), is given nothing. Hidetora soon discovers that splitting the kingdom among his sons has caused great discord and conflict, with the two elder sons plotting against each other and Saburo trying to mediate between them. Hidetora must now face the consequences of his decision and find a way to restore peace to the kingdom. Ran is an epic samurai drama of violence, pride, revenge, and redemption.

From Akira Kurosawa, starring Toshirô Mifune, Eijirô Tôno, Tatsuya Nakadai, Yôko Tsukasa
Rated Not Rated

Yojimbo is a 1961 Japanese samurai film directed by Akira Kurosawa. It stars Toshiro Mifune as a nameless rōnin, or wandering samurai, who arrives in a small town where rival gangs fight for control of the local gambling trade. After his arrival, the rōnin decides to play both sides against each other and eventually unites the townspeople against them. Yojimbo is a classic example of Kurosawa's use of widescreen composition and use of widescreen composition to create tension. Its plot has been the basis for numerous films, including Sergio Leone's A Fistful of Dollars. The film was extremely successful in Japan and was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.

From Haruo Sotozaki, starring Natsuki Hanae, Akari Kitô, Yoshitsugu Matsuoka, Hiro Shimono
Rated R

Demon Slayer the Movie: Mugen Train is a 2020 Japanese animated fantasy film based on the manga series of the same name. Directed by Haruo Sotozaki and produced by the anime studio Ufotable, it is the first feature-length installment of the Demon Slayer series. The story follows Tanjiro Kamado and his demon slayer companions as they board the Mugen Train to investigate a series of mysterious disappearances. Along the way, they encounter the powerful demon Enmu, and must battle their way to victory. The film received critical acclaim for its excellent animation, breathtaking fight scenes, and emotional story. It was the highest-grossing film in Japan of 2020, and has since become one of the highest-grossing anime films of all time.

From Hayao Miyazaki, starring Hitoshi Takagi, Noriko Hidaka, Chika Sakamoto, Shigesato Itoi
Rated G

My Neighbor Totoro is a 1988 Japanese animated fantasy film written and directed by the legendary Hayao Miyazaki of Studio Ghibli. It tells the story of two young girls, Satsuki and Mei, who move with their father to a new home in the countryside. There, they discover a magical forest inhabited by a group of magical creatures, including the mysterious and powerful Totoro. As the two girls adventure with their new friends, they learn lessons about family, friendship, and appreciation of nature. Ultimately, the girls must rely on the spirits of the forest to help them when their father falls ill and they must find a way to help him.

From Naoko Yamada, starring Miyu Irino, Saori Hayami, Aoi Yûki, Kenshô Ono
Rated Not Rated

A Silent Voice: The Movie is a 2016 Japanese animated film directed by Naoko Yamada and based on the manga of the same name. It follows the story of Shouya Ishida, a young boy who bullies a deaf classmate, Shouko Nishimiya, in elementary school. Years later, he seeks out Shouko in an attempt to atone for his wrongdoings in order to find redemption and forgiveness. The movie follows Shouya's journey as he struggles to make his way in the world and come to terms with his guilt, while also exploring themes of disability, bullying, and suicide. In the end, he learns to accept himself and come to terms with the past, while discovering the power of friendship, understanding, and compassion.

From Mamoru Hosoda, starring Aoi Miyazaki, Takao Osawa, Haru Kuroki, Yukito Nishii
Rated PG

Wolf Children is a two-hour anime film directed by Mamoru Hosoda and released in 2012. It tells the story of Hana, a young woman who falls in love with a wolf man and has two children with him. After her partner dies, she is left to raise the two children, Yuki and Ame, on her own. The film follows Hana and her children as they move away from the city and into the countryside, where they live a peaceful life in the woods. As Yuki and Ame grow up, they must learn to cope with their wolf heritage and their society's prejudice against them. Together, the family must face the challenges of living a dual life, both as humans and as wolves. The film is a heart-warming and uplifting story of family and acceptance, and it offers a unique insight into the struggles of non-traditional families.

From Akira Kurosawa, starring Toshirô Mifune, Misa Uehara, Minoru Chiaki, Kamatari Fujiwara
Rated Not Rated

The Hidden Fortress is a 1958 Japanese adventure/action film directed by Akira Kurosawa, and starring legendary actors Toshiro Mifune and Misa Uehara. It follows the story of two peasants who are hired by a princess and her loyal general to transport her out of enemy territory. Along the way, they must outwit their adversaries and uncover the secrets of a hidden fortress. The film is widely regarded as one of Kurosawa's best works and is a major influence on subsequent filmmakers, including George Lucas, who cited it as a major inspiration for Star Wars.

From Katsuhiro Ôtomo, starring Mitsuo Iwata, Nozomu Sasaki, Mami Koyama, Tesshô Genda
Rated R

Akira is a 1988 animated film adapted from the manga of the same name by Katsuhiro Ôtomo. Set in a post-apocalyptic Neo-Tokyo in 2019, the film follows two teenage friends, Shotaro Kaneda and Tetsuo Shima, and their involvement in a government experiment involving mysterious and powerful psychic children. Tetsuo soon develops dangerous psychic abilities of his own and is taken away by a government organization, leading Kaneda and his gang on a mission to rescue him. Along the way, they encounter anti-government activists, rival gangs, and a powerful secret military project known as "Akira." As Kaneda and his friends battle against the government forces, they soon discover the shocking truth about Tetsuo's abilities and the history of Akira. Along the way, they must face the consequences of their actions and ultimately make a choice that will affect the future of their city and the world.

From Hayao Miyazaki, starring Sumi Shimamoto, Mahito Tsujimura, Hisako Kyôda, Gorô Naya
Rated PG

Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind is a 1984 Japanese animated post-apocalyptic fantasy film by legendary director Hayao Miyazaki. Set in a future world devastated by the Seven Days of Fire, the film follows the story of Nausicaä, the young princess of the Valley of the Wind. In her quest to restore harmony between humanity and the Toxic Jungle, Nausicaä battles the Tolmekian military which seeks to exploit the jungle’s power to further their own goals. With the assistance of her allies, Nausicaä successfully unites the rival nations and leads them to a better future. Along the way, she also confronts a mysterious entity known as the God Warrior, a giant creature that threatens the world’s safety. With courage and determination, she is ultimately able to save the Valley of the Wind and the world. The film is renowned for its captivating characters and its exploration of themes such as environmentalism, ecology, and pacifism, as well as its stunning animation and visuals. It has since remained one of Miyazaki's most popular and beloved films, and was even selected for preservation in the US National Film Registry.

From Hayao Miyazaki, starring Mayumi Tanaka, Keiko Yokozawa, Kotoe Hatsui, Minori Terada
Rated PG

Castle in the Sky is a 1986 Japanese animated adventure film written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki. The story follows a young boy and girl, Pazu and Sheeta, who are searching for a legendary floating castle, Laputa. Along the way, they face danger from pirates and the powerful military organization, the Army of the Valley of the Wind. With the help of their allies, a mysterious figure from Sheeta's past, and their own courage and ingenuity, they are able to overcome their foes and discover the secrets of Laputa. The film is filled with themes of courage, friendship, and the power of dreams.

From Satoshi Kon, starring Junko Iwao, Rica Matsumoto, Shinpachi Tsuji, Masaaki Ôkura
Rated R

Perfect Blue is a psychological thriller about an up-and-coming pop singer, Mima Kirigoe, who decides to quit her successful singing group to pursue an acting career. As she struggles to adjust to her new life, Mima finds herself stalked by a mysterious cyber-stalker, who seems to know all of her private thoughts and actions. Her obsession with her stalker leads her down a dangerous path of paranoia and fear, as reality slowly begins to slip away from her. With the help of her friends and a sympathetic detective, Mima desperately tries to discover the identity of her mysterious stalker and reclaim her sanity.

From Yôjirô Takita, starring Masahiro Motoki, Ryôko Hirosue, Tsutomu Yamazaki, Kazuko Yoshiyuki
Rated PG-13

Departures is a 2008 Japanese drama film directed by Yōjirō Takita. The film stars Masahiro Motoki as Daigo Kobayashi, a former cellist who begins work as a "nokanshi," a traditional Japanese ritual encoffiner. Although initially reluctant, Daigo discovers the beauty and dignity of the job and develops relationships with his colleagues and the families of the deceased. As Daigo continues his work, he gradually begins to accept his own mortality and the value of life and death. Through his experience, Daigo ultimately finds solace and acceptance. The film was a box office success, winning numerous awards and accolades, including the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.

From Isao Takahata, starring Chloë Grace Moretz, James Caan, Mary Steenburgen, James Marsden
Rated PG

The Tale of The Princess Kaguya is a 2013 Japanese animated fantasy film directed by Isao Takahata. The film is based on the Japanese folktale, The Tale of The Bamboo Cutter. The story follows an old bamboo cutter who finds a tiny baby inside a glowing bamboo stalk. He and his wife take her in and raise her as their own, and soon discover that she has supernatural powers. Kaguya grows up to be a beautiful and graceful young princess, but she finds herself caught between the expectations of her adoptive parents and her own desire for freedom. Kaguya is pursued by five suitors who wish to make her their bride, but she resists and hides in a secret grotto in the forest. Along the way, she learns the truth about her origins and must decide who she is and what she will become. The film is praised for its beautiful animation and lyrical storytelling, and has become a beloved classic of Japanese animation.