Wish to learn more about Japan through its cultural output? Here is a selection of Japanese movies that will open up the window and take you straight into its social mores.
Anyone like the idea of making escapes to movies that can take you on a trip to Japan? If you do, we’ve gathered a list of Japanese movies, ranging from action-packed samurai film to modern family drama, that can satisfy your curiosity and yearning to learn more about the culture. You can watch most of the movies listed here on Amazon Prime. We hope you enjoy!
Just in case you’ve missed our previous Japanese movie guides:
Note: We are only listing movies and documentaries in this post. For Japanese dramas to stream on Netflix, you can find our recommendations here.
7 Japanese Movies to Add to Your Watchlist
1. Tokyo Story (Tokyo Monogatari) 東京物語 – 1953
Directed by Yasujirō Ozu, Tokyo Story is without question one of the greatest Japanese films ever made.
The film follows a retired couple’s journey to visit their grown children in postwar Tokyo. From what should be a pleasant family visit, the pair discovers they have become a burden to the children who are busy with their own lives. The couple return home and the mother dies a few days later.
It’s a simple story that explores the complex world of family relations, generational conflict, and the predicament of old age. Such universal themes that speak to all of us. Ozu’s ingenious use of camera also strengthens the film as it insinuates Japanese culture in a subtle yet discerning manner. There is no dramatization or heighten plots, but the film is powerful enough to stir something truly deep in your heart. A fine work of melancholy.
You can watch Tokyo Story here.
2. The Departure – 2017
Not to be mistaken by another great Japanese film Departures, The Departure is a moving documentary about a former punk-turned Buddhist priest in Japan. He has found meaning by helping suicidal patients to find reasons to live, but his work has come at the cost of his own health both emotionally and physically.
The Departure is in a way its own work of meditation, taking us deep on the subject of life.
You can watch The Departure here.
3. After The Storm (Umi Yori Mo Mada Fukaku) 海よりもまだ深く- 2017
Directed by Hirokazu Kore-eda, After The Storm is a most satisfying tender comedy on family dynamics.
It follows the story of a private detective who dwells on his past glory as a prize-winning author after the death of his father. He struggles to reconcile with his aging mother, beautiful ex-wife and 11-year-old son while facing his own gambling addictions and ego.
More than just a domestic melodrama, the film opens a window for us into the modern Japanese family life. It’s bittersweet and incredibly enjoyable.
You can watch After The Storm here.
4. Uzumasa Limelight 太秦ライムライト- 2014
Uzumasa Limelight is about the end of an era of classic ‘jidaigeki’ films (sword fighting dramas) and a group of actors known as kirareyaku whose roles are to be killed artfully in the films. The movie tells the unbecoming fate of these ‘unsung heroes’ who dedicate their lives in an art form when the inevitable change is taking place.
It may be a samurai tale, the messages that come from the film reach down to every person, especially if you’re old enough to witness the effects of the economy and societal changes.
You can watch Uzumasa Limelight here.
5. The Garden Of Words – 2013
The Garden of Words is a short film by Makoto Shinkai who is known for his mastery of fantastical landscaping in the world of anime. The story follows a lonely teenage boy who is passionate about shoemaking. On one rainy day, he meets a lady who is at least 10 years older than him and as days go by they develop an unlikely friendship through their shared struggles.
A story of love, of dreams and of human connections, The Garden of Words speaks the universal language in its storytelling. I recommend watching it on a rainy day or a day when you need to feel all fuzzy inside.
You can watch The Garden of Words here.
6. Yojimbo 用心棒 1961
Yojimbo is a masterpiece of the legendary Akira Kurosawa and classic Japanese cinema at its best. It is a story of a samurai (portrayed by Toshimo Mifune) who arrives in the middle of a Japanese village where there are two rival gangs competing for power. The two bosses try to hire him as a bodyguard, but neither is trustworthy. The samurai plays both sides against each other and lets the enemies destroying each other until peace is restored.
There is a deliberate Western undertone in the film, but it became hugely influential to western directors and inspired many great films like Clint Eastwood’s “Man with No Name” and Sergio Leone’s “A Fistful of Dollars”.
Thrilling and perfectly executed, Yojimbo is almost essential to watch for anyone who wishes to venture into Japanese cinema.
You can purchase the criterion collection of Yojimbo & Sanjuro on Amazon.
7. Cat Heaven Island
Cute cats (hundreds of them) and a warm-hearted story, Cat Heaven Island is a short film about the island of Tashirojima where the feline inhabitants outnumber its elderly residents. The film offers a great glimpse into the dwindling community of Japan and its rich culture. You don’t have to be a cat lover to enjoy this beautiful and incredibly well-shot documentary. It’s sweet, inspiring, sad, interesting and hopeful at the same time.
You can watch Cat Heaven Island here.
More Recommendations on Japanese Movies?
We hope you enjoy the list we’ve put together. If you’ve watched any of these Japanese movies, what do you like (or not like) about them? Are there any other recommendations that we’ve missed out? We’d love to hear from you.
If you live outside of the US and don’t have access to Amazon, you can look out for the movies at your local library, Japanese associations, university archives, independent theatres, Snagfilms or online sites that offer foreign films.
Originally from Penang, Malaysia, Reese lives in Minnesota with her husband and their baby boy. She previously ran an Asian spice shop, and also worked on UNESCO Heritage projects in Penang in the areas of performing arts, history, and arts education. Reese loves spending time with her family, listening to podcasts, and reading up on art & design. And of course, dreaming of another trip to Japan to hike mountain trails and eat her favorite street food Okonomiyaki. More from Reese →
