I first discovered Japanese films when I was young, finding comfort in Studio Ghibli movies such as Ponyo or Howl’s Moving Castle. It’s now become second nature for me to always put on a Ghibli film when I’m not feeling well. I began to dive as deep as I could into the filmography of Japan and even took a class on it since arriving at college.
Japanese cinema includes a diverse world of storytelling with an emphasis on connection. You don’t need to be a film connoisseur to find something within it that resonates with you. From intimate family dramas, psychological thrillers, experimental arthouse, or magical animation, there’s a wide variety to explore.
A HISTORY of Japanese Cinema
The history of the country’s filmography begins in the 1890s, with early movies drawing heavily from kabuki and bunraku theatre. Directors like Akira Kurosawa began to emerge and produce defining works, kickstarting the country’s eventual global standing as one of the largest film producers and box-office markets in the world.
Genres like samurai and yakuza films are characteristically Japanese, stemming from the country’s history and cultural traditions to tell stories about societal hierarchies, honor, morality, and more.
Some of cinema’s most iconic figures have emerged from Japan’s rich film history, from Godzilla, the colossal, dragon-like monster that has cemented its place in pop culture, to the unsettling world of J-horror. Films like Ringu, later adapted into the American film The Ring, have introduced audiences worldwide to Japan’s distinctive approach to horror and its ability to turn an eerie premise into something truly terrifying.
Most people are familiar with anime, which typically refers to animation produced in Japan. There’s something about the medium that strongly connects with American audiences; there’s an emotional resonance that Western media often misses. The world of anime is a whole separate universe to uncover, ranging in art styles, camera effects, and production techniques. Some popular titles include Jujutsu Kaisen, Attack on Titan, and Death Note.
BATTLE ROYALE (2000)
Battle Royale is a classic dystopian action movie, detailing the horror of the scenario: “What if we had to fight to the death in a battle against our own classmates?” Sound familiar? It could be compared to the incredibly popular series The Hunger Games.
Originally a 1999 novel by Koushun Takami, Battle Royale was adapted into a film and became a cult classic in Japan that shaped the survival genre. If you’re into movies that feature high-stakes action and the questioning of societal morality, or a huge fan of Suzanne Collins’ franchise, give this a watch!
House (1977)
To be completely frank, this movie is weird. When a trip to her aunt’s house goes wrong, the protagonist Gorgeous and her friends must navigate a haunted house, a suspicious cat, and finger-eating pianos. Despite the strange storyline, the film offers a compelling commentary on girlhood and the depiction of women in media.
It’s best to go into this one blind. I’ve seen this film four times, and I still don’t know exactly what I’m watching, but I have the best time trying to figure it out.
GODZILLA (1954)
Curious where the iconic creature got its origin? Godzilla is not only a great entryway into Japanese cinema but also a wonderful introduction to classic films in general. Even though its age may be a turn-off, you’d be surprised how entertained you can be by a movie more than 70 years old.
The film is characterized as the origin of the kaiju era in Japanese film, combining larger-than-life destruction with deeper anxieties symbolized in towering monsters.
AFTER LIFE (1998)
I was first introduced to this film in the Japanese film and culture college course I took. What started as a mere assignment ended up being an experience that changed my perspective on life, living, and memory.
This movie makes you feel like you took a step into your old elementary school that you haven’t seen in years. Maybe you haven’t thought about that time in your life for a long while, but now, you would suddenly give anything to go back.
To summarize the film’s premise simply, when people die, they’re asked to pick a memory that they’ll hold onto for the rest of eternity. The film blends documentary-style realism with poetic fiction, exploring the ways in which we consider life to be truly lived, and what’s worth holding onto.
It’s much more thought-provoking than the other recommendations I listed, but still just as worth considering checking out.
CASTLE IN THE SKY (1986)
I couldn’t conclude this list without adding a Studio Ghibli film. The studio has perfected the art of capturing childhood wonder, immersing viewers in a celebration of imagination through breathtaking animation.
There’s a certain magic within these films, and no matter your age, you still feel the humanity in these fantastical settings. Truthfully, any movie from Studio Ghibli would be a worthy complement to this list, but Castle in the Sky is particularly a good place to start. There’s even a Panchiko song based on it!
WHY I LOVE IT
I’ve found that Japanese films can have a special ability to make even the most bittersweet stories feel comforting. Particularly films rooted in themes like nostalgia, loneliness, and love, Japanese cinema can convey the beauty of everyday moments and the feelings that define humanity.
The strong emphasis on finding peace in mundanity may seem like a snooze-fest, but on the contrary, it can feel like a warm hug on a bad day. The range in the country’s filmography also allows its films to explore more intense themes like violence and fear, revealing unsettling realities that reside in society.
Though the language barrier and presence of subtitles can be a bit intimidating at first, starting with a film genre that you’re already comfortable with rather than forcing yourself to watch a classic immediately can help ease you into the experience.
Now you have your watchlist! As you dive in, don’t worry about interpreting every cultural detail. Sometimes, just focusing on the visuals, pacing, and the silence can be just as moving. The beauty of cinema can often lie in the details that don’t necessarily need explaining. It’s always worthwhile to try something new.
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