In celebration of its 28th year in bringing award-winning Japanese films in Philippine Cinema, the star-studded opening night of Japanese Film Festival last January 30, 2025, kicked-off with grandeur as culture savants, cinephiles, and notable guests gathered for a monsterrific treat at the Red Carpet Cinema in Shangri-La Plaza, featuring the critically-acclaimed blockbuster movie Godzilla Minus One.
Presented by Japan Foundation, Manila, Japanese Film Festival warmly received its patrons with an opening program held at the Level 2 of Shangri-La Plaza. All attendees indulged in a wide variety of Japanese food and drinks to enjoy before the program started.
Filled with vigor, talented DJ and event host Show Suzuki lead on the crowd with overflowing passion and energy, followed with an enthralling musical performance of famous OPM songs and Japanese hit single “First Love” brought by Manila String Quartet.
Cordially giving his welcome remarks, the esteemed Director of Japanese Foundation, Manila, Mr. Ben Suzuki, deeply expressed how honored he was for the love and support shown by Filipinos for the Film Festival since it began as EGASAI in 1997. In last year’s Japanese Film Festival, more than 40,000 audiences were welcomed in the cinemas and took part in the festival held at five cities in the Philippines.
“Actually, Japan Foundation, headquartered in the Tokyo office, had many film festivals around the world to introduce this Japan Film Festival to cinema. But, you know, the Philippines got the most number of audience [members] among the other countries. So, I’m very, very, very honored to have friends here again. Thank you again for becoming a suki for our festival.”
He also introduced the festival’s current theme, which is “Satori”; a Japanese word that means enlightenment, awakening, or profound understanding. It embodies the Film Festival’s hope to showcase the depth and importance of film in bridging cultural gaps to become a space where audiences can create meaningful experiences together.
“It is our hope that this story will inspire you as much as they have inspired us.” Mr. Suzuki added.
Gracing the opening night with her splendor, Mme Akiko Endo gave a message on behalf of her spouse, Japanese Ambassador Kazuya Endo, sharing their joys and hopes in connecting Japanese cinema to a wider Filipino audience. She also mentioned the greatness of Godzilla as one of the most celebrated movies in Japanese cinema, and how it exhibits its diverse art from Japanese animation to live action films. She also thanked the Japanese Foundation for playing a huge part in overseeing the success of the event over the years.
“I certainly hope that everyone enjoys today’s Japanese Film Festival and also hope that today is another occasion, [and] opportunity for you to understand current Japan.” Madame Akiko ended.
Mr. Johnny Rios, Retail Operations Head of Shang-ri La Plaza, gave a short yet reassuring message highlighting their continuous support for the projects of Japan Foundation Manila. With Red Carpet Cinema serving as the trusted venue and partner of the Japanese Foundation and Japanese Film Festival, he believes that the festival will bring global cultures closer and leave a long-lasting impact on audience experience. He also welcomed everyone to visit and find new attractions in Shangri-La Plaza’s alfresco dining spot, the Streetscape.
Film Development Council of the Philippines newly appointed Chair and CEO Director Jose Javier Reyes emphasized in his speech the significance of film promoting cultural understanding and collaboration between Japanese and Filipino filmmakers. He also expressed his great love for the Godzilla series.
Grab your popcorn and look at this year’s lineup of award-winning titles, presented by Deputy Director of the Japan Foundation Manila, Mr. Yosunobu Tanaka spanning a different selection of genres that audiences can choose and enjoy:
𝗨𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗻 𝗦𝗸𝘆 (𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟭)
A film by Nishikawa Miwa, it follows the story of an ex-yakuza and how he faced the struggles and stigmata as he reintegrates into society after spending a long time in prison.
𝗠𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 (𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟯)
A KORE-EDA Hirokazu film, it revolves around a mother’s quest to discover and resolve a mystery of her child’s behavioral changes.
𝗠𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗱 (𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰)
A suspense/thriller story about a wedding planner entangled in a mysterious and dangerous encounter through a dating app.
𝗗𝗶𝘁𝗢 (𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰)
A Japanese-Filipino film about a Japanese boxer coming to the Philippines. It features complexity not only in boxing, but also how the director looks at the Filipino society and how it affects the relationships with people. Enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Philippines taken by a Japanese director, and appearances by Filipino actors and the boxing champ himself, Manny Pacquiao.
𝗦𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗟𝗮𝗻𝗱 (𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟯)
If you are a fan of Tomiyama Akira’s work, then this animated adventure based on his creation is for you! Sand Land is one among the many works of Tomiyama Akira and is set in an adventurous fantasy where demons and humans co-exist. This film is the most awaited movie adaptation where Tomiyama’s team took over after the author’s passing.
𝗟𝗲𝘁’𝘀 𝗚𝗼 𝗞𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗼𝗸𝗲! (𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰)
Karaoke plays a big part both in Filipino and Japanese culture. If you like singing, then this comedy film might be for you! This film explores the unexpected friendship between a Yakuza member who wants to improve his singing, and a teenage choir leader who he ended up asking to teach him.
𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝗿𝗲𝘁 𝗗𝗶𝗮𝗿𝘆 (𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟯)
If you are looking for some romance, then Our Secret Diary may be just for you! A high-school romantic drama circling between a relationship forged by note-passing and misunderstanding, where do you think their one-sided love will lead on?
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗜𝗺𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗿𝘆 (𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟯)
An animated film that shows how a child sees the world through imagination and realizes how powerful and important it is not only for them but for adults too.
𝗛𝗮𝗶𝗸𝘆𝘂!! 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗗𝘂𝗺𝗽𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗕𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗹𝗲 (𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰)
If last year was about basketball, then why not volleyball? Featuring one of the most popular sports anime and most awaited movies for Haikyu!! fans, reel in the raging battle between the longstanding rivalry between powerhouse schools, Nekoma and Karasuno High!
𝗔𝗸𝗶𝗿𝗮 (𝟭𝟵𝟴𝟴)
The remastered version of the classic cyberpunk anime directed by Otomo Katsuhiro; Akira is one of the anticipated movies in the festival.
𝗣𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗗𝗮𝘆𝘀 (𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟯)
Starring Yakusho Koji, this film deeply focuses on a simple life of a cleaner transformed by a series of unexpected encounters which helps him find beauty in everyday life.
𝗚𝗼𝗱𝘇𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗮 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝘂𝘀 𝗢𝗻𝗲 (𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟯)
Academy Award Winner for Best Visual Effects, a movie that commemorates the 70th anniversary of Godzilla Series. Hailed by fans and viewers alike as one of the best and a must-see film.
The program ended with another splendid performance by Manila String Quartet, and guests soon followed with the most-awaited screening of Godzilla Minus one, where fans and audiences alike enjoyed the rollercoaster-like experience of battling the famous giant kaiju, Godzilla.
Don’t miss out on the screenings at Shang-ri La Red Carpet Cinema and show your support for Japanese Film Festival 2025 from January 31 to February 9!
𝑱𝒐𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑺𝒕𝒂𝒎𝒑 𝑹𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒚 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝑬𝒙𝒄𝒍𝒖𝒔𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝑷𝒓𝒊𝒛𝒆𝒔!
Movie-goers can collect 5 Japanese Film Festival stamps to get a chance in joining the raffle for special prizes! 1 stamp will be granted for every Japanese Film Festival movie they watched. Audiences just need to present their flyers to the cinema usher or ticket counter to receive a stamp prior to entering the theater. This promo is valid for all audiences of the Film Festival in all venues.
𝑬𝒙𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑱𝒂𝒑𝒂𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒆 𝑭𝒊𝒍𝒎 𝑭𝒆𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒗𝒂𝒍 𝒊𝒏 𝒀𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝑹𝒆𝒈𝒊𝒐𝒏!
If you’re worried you might not experience the Japanese film fever, don’t sweat it! The Japanese Film Festival, in partnership with SM Cinemas, is bringing the best of Japanese cinema to Baguio, Iloilo, Cebu, Davao, and Quezon City! Check out their screening schedules below:
- SM City Baguio: February 7 – 16
- SM City Iloilo: February 14 – 23
- SM Seaside City Cebu: February 14–23
- SM City Davao: February 21 – March 2
- SM City North EDSA: February 21 – March 2
Tickets will be available on the Ticket2me website starting on Monday, February 3, 2025, at 12NN for the Film Festival’s regional run.
𝑯𝒐𝒘 𝑻𝒐 𝑾𝒂𝒕𝒄𝒉 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑭𝒊𝒍𝒎 𝑺𝒄𝒓𝒆𝒆𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈?
Tickets are available online through Ticket2Me website: https://ticket2me.net/jff. Admission to all screenings is free, but a convenience fee may apply for tickets reserved online. And, even if you do not have online tickets, walk-in guests are still welcome and will have the chance to enter the cinema, but this will be subject to seat availability. For more details about ticketing, admission guidelines, or complete film lineup details, you can check their official Japanese Film Festival 2025 Website at: https://japanesefilmfestph.jfmo.org.ph/, or visit Japanese Film Festival on social media pages.
