16 Japanese Films That Need More Love

From horror to family drama, you may have heard of these but might have not seen them!

Star Wars: Visions, a series set in the Star Wars universe, was recently released. It was made by a number of different Japanese animation studios – a reminder of how much influence Japanese cinema has on international films.

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It got me thinking about how varied and sometimes under-appreciated Japan’s cinema can be, aside from Anime TV and Studio Ghibli films.

Toho

But who doesn’t love Spirited Away?

Here are 16 films from Japan you should watch:

1. Shoplifters (2018) by Hirokazu Kore-eda

GaGa Corporation

This one is better known amongst film lovers, as it won the Palme d'Or and almost won an Oscar. A poor family of shoplifters takes in a child they find abandoned on a cold night in Tokyo.  

Why I love it: Kore-eda has built a career on his natural and humanist narratives, always involving a family unit of some kind. He even takes great inspiration from British cinema. This is arguably one of his strongest films yet, and also one of the cutest (and heartbreaking) on the list.   

If you liked: Few films mix family drama and social commentary in this particular way, but Secrets & Lies may be close. 

Where to watch: Amazon (US/UK), BFI (UK), Hulu (US)  

2. After Life (1998) also by Hirokazu Kore-eda

Engine Film Tv Man Union

Recently dead people find themselves talking to a social services department in the afterlife. They need to make one decision; pick one memory they want to relive for eternity in their personal heaven. The department then has a few days to conceptualise and recreate a short film of the memory, for the deceased to carry on into the afterlife.

Why I love it: The premise itself is great, but under Kore-eda's direction, it's a strange film that is much lighter than it sounds, thanks to its documentary-like style and the inspired setting of a social department that is so mundane.   

If you liked: Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind

Where to watch: BFI (UK), Amazon (UK), Criterion Channel (US)

3. Pulse (2001) by Kiyoshi Kurosawa

Toho

Kudo Michi has just moved to Tokyo. Working at a plant shop, one of her co-workers hasn't been seen for days. He's been working on a strange computer disk and when Michi visits him, a shocking occurrence sets the stage for this ridiculously ambitious J-horror. 

Why I love it: Unravelling across parallel storylines, this is arguably the original cyber-horror film, and still one of the best. The film is a masterclass in how not to let your audience relax, with many scenes making me beg for a jumpscare just so it could be over. You might recognise the title, as it had an American remake. If you didn't like that, then don't worry, the original is a strange horror film way ahead of its time.  

If you liked: The themes in the Unfriended or Pulse's American remake, but you wanted them to be better executed. 

Where to watch: BFI (UK), Amazon (US/UK), Kanopy (US)

4. Millennium Actress (2001) by Satoshi Kon

KlockWorx

A prominent film studio in Japan has come to a close. The studio's most used and famous retired actor, Chiyoko Fujiwara, has remained outside of the public eye for a long time. That is, until she accepts the offer to be interviewed for TV. With a deceptively simple setup involving the television interviewer and his cameraman visiting her home, they (and we) are taken through a film within a film, about her films and by extension, her life. 

Why I love it: Somewhat confused? Don't worry, like the director's other films, it's a complex idea made accessible through a focus on its characters. Its short length is a testament to how skilled Satoshi Kon was as a storyteller.  

If you liked: Paprika, The Wind Rises, Perfect Blue.

Where to watch: Apple TV (UK), Amazon (UK/US)

5. Dark Water (2002) by Hideo Nakata

Toho

A single mother and her daughter move into a rundown apartment. There's a leak in the ceiling that won’t go away. It keeps spreading. Meanwhile, someone – or something – in the apartment begins harassing them, and it's getting worse. 

Why I love it: This one is by the director of the original Japanese Ring (Ringu), and while not as outright scary, it is very atmospheric. The sheer amount of rain and damp buildings almost matches London... Almost. It has a story that's made some of my friends cry – the kind of horror that sticks with you for days, more so than outright shocking you. 

If you liked: If you liked the concept of the American Remake but you weren't a fan of how it was handled. Ring, the original, or the remake. 

Where to watch: Amazon (US/UK) 

6. Only Yesterday (1991) by Isao Takahata

Toho

Ok, this one is cheating because it is a Studio Ghibli film, but it is very different from the others. Office worker Taeko makes a trip to the countryside to work on a farm and reminisces over her life. 

Why I love it: Foregoing the usual fantastical elements associated with the studio's work, you could easily imagine this as a live-action film. But it's all the more poignant for choosing animation, with subtle but brilliant visual choices, it's utterly timeless in both look and story. Wonder why it's less prominent in the West? Disney refused to distribute it because of one scene where two girls talk about having their periods (?!) 

If you liked: From Up On Poppy Hill, Whisper of the Heart, Your Name

Where to watch: Netflix (UK), HBO Max (US) 

7. Love Letter (1995) by Shunji Iwai

Japan Herald

Hikoro's fiancé has been dead for two years, as a result of an accident he had during a mountain climb. When looking through his old pictures, she decides to write a love letter to the address he lived at when he was at school. What returns is a letter from a woman who now lives there, and also knew Hikoro's fiancé. If things weren't strange already, this woman also has the same name as him .

Why I love it: No, it's not a horror film, it’s a feel-good film and its wintery cinematography is gorgeous. But I must make a confession – I haven't seen this one, but I really want to. It's not as easily available as the other films, but it doesn't take much effort to find if you try. And it would definitely be worth it. It's also a brilliant showcase for actor Miho Nakayama, as she plays the leading roles of both women. It was also incredibly popular in South Korea and has found international success, so let me know if you've been lucky enough to see it.   

If you liked: The Notebook, Your Name 

Where to watch: Amazon (UK)

8. The Hidden Fortress (1958) by Akira Kurosawa

Toho

Two peasants accidentally join a princess and her general on their fight behind enemy territory when their desire for riches gets them caught in these events far larger than they anticipated. 

Why I love it: Does this description sound familiar? That's because George Lucas said it directly inspired him to make the original Star Wars. It's interesting to see how closely the films align here. It was the kind of film Akira Kurosawa would make as a way to thank his studio for letting him make his more well-known and experimental films.  

If you liked: The original Star Wars trilogy, Seven Samurai 

Where to watch: Amazon (UK/US), Criterion Channel (US) 

9. Cure (1997) by Kiyoshi Kurosawa

Daiei Film

Killings with a specific mark are beginning to spread across Tokyo – large cuts across the neck in the shape of an X. But they've already found those responsible – it's someone close to the victims, or at least someone they have interacted with. 

Why I love it: I really want to talk about this moody thriller, but doing so will spoil why it gets under my skin! With no jump-scares and a spare amount of violence, its depiction of a run-down Tokyo and its inhabitants is enough to leave you with a lingering unease. And that's without mentioning the unknowable evil central to the film that filled me with dread long after the final frame.  

If you liked: The Wailing

Where to watch: Amazon (UK), Criterion Channel (US)

10. Maborosi (1995) by Hirokazu Kore-eda

Milestone Films

Yumiko's is informed by the police that her partner was hit by a train, in apparent suicide – he left nothing behind that would explain why he would do this. Yumiko and their son are left behind to move on with their life. 

Why I love it: A gentle and stunningly shot narrative, Maborosi forgoes using shocking revelations or triggering violence, as focuses on the grief and loss in the aftermath of something so sudden. This confidently crafted film seems like the work of a mature established director, which is all the more impressive as it was Kore-eda's first feature film.  

If you liked: Departures, Amour

Where to watch: BFI (UK), Amazon (UK), Kanopy (US)

11. An Actor's Revenge (1963) by Kon Ichikawa

Daiei Film

Yukitarō is orphaned after his parents are relentlessly harassed by three rich, corrupt men. Adopted by the manager of actors of a Kabuki group, in the following years he trains to become an onnagata – a man who performs the role of women characters in theatre. Adopting this persona off the stage, the now named Yukinojō embarks on a path of revenge (surprise) to kill the three men. 

Why I love it: Not only is the film stylistically bold, it's also extremely playful, being framed as in-front of a live audience of theatre-goers. The characters are aware of the artifice, even referencing other works outside the film. The make-up, sets, and the stories themselves are all glamourous and heightened, and the audience participation is drawn attention to. The gender dynamics are clever, with Yukinojō exploiting the prejudice of the villains, weaponising their dismissal and underestimations of his role against them. Credit to the screenwriter, Natto Wada, who was actually the director's wife.  

If you liked: Kabuki theatre – famous for being very stylised, and Birdman.

Where to watch: Amazon (UK/US), Criterion Channel (US)

12. House (1977) by Nobuhiko Obayashi

Toho

House has a deceptively simple plot – on paper. It's about a schoolgirl who takes six of her friends to her aunt's house in the countryside. If there's one thing I've realised making this list, it's how little summarising the plot does in conveying just how brilliant these films are. It's one of those films that when you watch, you almost can't believe it works, let alone that it was allowed to be made.

Why I love it: Out of everything on this list, House really needs to be seen to understand why it's great. Not for one second does it take itself seriously, yet it fully commits to its style, as do all the actors. Technically a horror film, but too fast-paced to be scary, the film uses a bunch of stylistic and narrative tricks that frankly deserves its own list. Also, if motion sickness is a thing for you, don't blame me if you decide to watch it.  

If you liked: Evil Dead 1 & 2, Kill Bill

Where to watch: Amazon (UK, US), HBO Max (US)

13. Late Autumn by (1960) by Yasujirō Ozu

Shochiku

And now for a film that's the opposite of House. Akiko has just been widowed, and her unmarried daughter Ayoko becomes focused on looking after her mother. It's not long before the interference of the friends of Akiko's husband, three old, bored salarymen, begins. Each of them having admired Akiko over the years, these three men insist on finding Ayoko a suitable husband.

Why I love it: What stood out to me were the tensions between generations, and the overbearing expectations of rigid patriarchal ideals, and how these can delay or even stop those seeking happiness. I don't think it's reductive or even negative to admit the films of Yasujirō Ozu are of a particular pace, or as my friends like to say – slow. What I love about these lists is how I would find something, I might otherwise miss. But even better is getting to write those lists for people who love finding brilliant films! It's intensely Japanese, but incredibly universal which is why Late Autumn won me over. Film critic Peter Bradshaw describes it as "Within the reticence, there is something profound, and genuinely beautiful." 

If you liked: Impeccably composed photographs of Japanese houses. Tokyo Story, and any of Ozu's films. 

Where to watch: BFI (UK), Amazon (UK), HBO Max (US) 

14. Night Is Short, Walk On Girl (2017) by Masaaki Yuasa

Toho

Set over a single night in Kyoto, this animated film follows two stories. The first is the journey of a young woman drinking her way through a series of utterly surreal encounters with the inhabitants of Kyoto, and the other is of the young man desperately in love with her, but whom he can never seem to reach. 

Why I love it: I don't need to point out how distinct the visual style is, and it's a style that absolutely needs to be seen in motion. Brilliantly exaggerated and paced, this is another film that proves light and joyous narratives in films don't have to lack depth or a strong emotional core. 

If you liked: The Girl Who Leapt Through Time, The Cat Returns 

Where to watch: Amazon (UK), HBO Max (US)

15. Audition (1999) by Takashi Miike

Art Port

A widower stages an interview with the help of a friend who's in the film business. What's the audition for? A part in a film that doesn't exist. The real reason for the audition is so the widower can find the perfect date. When he finds his match, he can't begin to fathom where it leads. 

Why I love it: If you're a horror fan, you might have seen this on a list of terrifying films, or you may have seen it already. To those of you that have, I doubt you'll disagree when I say Audition is not for the faint of heart. Seriously. The film almost tricked me, as what makes it so effective is the build up from an almost rom-com style, to one of cinema's most visceral final acts. Whatever you think, watch it if you're brave (and with equally brave friends)! 

If you liked: Funny Games, Sympathy for Lady Vengeance. While Tarantino did cite this as a favourite of his, Audition can't really be compared to his own work. The violence is more disturbing the way it's framed and offers more direct social commentary, as opposed to a cathartic shoot-out at the end. I've had friends insist it is a feminist film, even though the director never intended it as such, and some may find it to even be sexist. 

Where to watch: Amazon (UK/US) 

16. Our Little Sister (2015) by Hirokazu Kore-eda

Toho

Notice a bias towards Kore-eda's films here? He has an audience, but I'm on a mission to make him a household name. And while critics do always champion his work, Our Little sister is a masterpiece that people need to talk about more. Three sisters attend the funeral of their estranged father where they meet their younger half-sister. In an almost impulsive act, they offer her the chance to live with them in their house left behind by their grandmother. 

Why I love it: Remember when I said Shoplifters might be the cutest on the list? I think this beats it. Like many of Kore-eda's films, It focuses on familial bonds, whether by blood or chosen, as well as the way people manage death. The film makes you feel part of this sisterly bond, and I wished I could've spent more time with them when the credits rolled. With all the horror films and heartbreaking dramas on this list, this is the perfect film to watch last. Don't let that fool you into thinking it doesn't tackle its characters and themes seriously though, because that's precisely what makes it one of Japan's finest films of the last decade.  

If you liked: If you wanted more depth out of the family dynamics in the recent Little Women adaptation – or even if you loved it – this is for you.

Where to watch: Amazon (UK/US)

Don't forget to share your recommendations in the comments below!