Photo 1 of 12 In ‘Under The Open Sky’ (2021), Mikami, an ex-yakuza of middle age with most of his life in prison, gets released after serving 13 years of sentence for murder. Hoping to find his long lost mother, from whom he was separated as a child, he applies for a TV show and meets a young TV director Tsunoda. Meanwhile, he struggles to get a proper job and fit into society. His impulsive, adamant nature and ingrained beliefs cause friction in his relationship with Tsunoda and those who want to help him.
Photo 2 of 12 Studio Ponoc’s new animated feature film ‘The Imaginary’ (2023) is a wondrous adventure that portrays the depths of humanity and creativity through the eyes of young Amanda and her imaginary companion, Rudger, a boy no one can see—imagined by Amanda to share her thrilling make-believe adventures. But when Rudger, suddenly alone, arrives at The Town of Imaginaries, where forgotten Imaginaries live and find work, he faces a mysterious threat.
Photo 3 of 12 ‘Godzilla Minus One’ (2023), Academy Award winner for Best Visual Effects, tackles a guilt-ridden plot where Shikishima Koichi finds new strength and courage to stand up against Godzilla. Hailed by many reviewers and legions of worldwide fans as one of the best Godzilla movies of all, this is a must-see film.
Photo 4 of 12 In ‘Perfect Days’ (2023), Hirayama seems utterly content with his simple life as a cleaner of toilets in Tokyo. Outside of his very structured everyday routine he enjoys his passion for music and for books. And he loves trees and takes photos of them. A series of unexpected encounters gradually reveal more of his past.
Photo 5 of 12 As the leader of a group of young robust delinquents, Kaneda spent his nights tearing through the urban wastes, racing his motorbike against rival groups. One night while riding with his gang, his friend Tetsuo suddenly encounters a strange boy—the product of human experimentation—and is injured in the ensuing crash. Shortly thereafter, a military squadron appears to take the boy and Tetsuo away to an army research facility. Determined to free Tetsuo from capture, Kaneda sneaks into the army research lab. However, a regimen of extreme experimental procedures has awakened a new power in his friend, and now he is consumed by madness.
Photo 6 of 12 ‘HAIKYU!! THE DUMPSTER BATTLE’ (2024) explores the dynamic between two volleyball teams from two different schools. During the joint training camp between Karasuno High School and Nekoma High School from Tokyo, Shoyo encountered his future rival, Kenma Kozume. While Karasuno relied on an aggressive attacking style, Nekoma excelled in their defensive play, embodying the motto of “Connect”. Through their encounters with Nekoma, the players of Karasuno gradually discovered new possibilities and strategies.
Photo 7 of 12 Among the many works of manga artist Akira Toriyama, who brought the world legendary stories including ‘DRAGON BALL’ and ‘Dr Slump’, ‘SAND LAND’ (2023)has been called a “masterpiece of utter perfection”. Set in a mysterious desert world where demons and humans coexist, it is an adventurous fantasy following the mischievous but pure-hearted Fiend Prince, Beelzebub, who forms a trio with a demon named Thief and a human sheriff, Rao, in search of the Legendary Spring hidden somewhere in the desert.
Photo 8 of 12 A stunning human drama depicting the growth and bond between a father and daughter who find ‘DitO’, a place to live in the present, in a foreign land. Leaving his wife and children behind in Japan, professional boxer Eiji Kamiyama is trying to make a comeback in a foreign land, the Philippines. One day, his only daughter Momoko appears in front of Kamiyama. Reunited, father and daughter clash but gradually deepen their bond. Meanwhile, Kamiyama, who has just turned 40, receives an offer for his last chance at a match.
Photo 9 of 12 ‘Let’s Go Karaoke’ (2024): As his school’s choir club leader, 14-year-old Satomi has only one thing on his mind—the upcoming final competition before he graduates middle school. However, his routine is disrupted when he’s approached by Kyoji , a menacing yakuza with an unusual request: “Let’s go, karaoke!” Baffled and cautious, Satomi soon discovers the off-key gangster needs singing lessons to avoid losing his gang’s karaoke contest and a harrowing punishment... a bad tattoo selected by the boss himself!
Photo 10 of 12 One day, second-year high school student Nozomi finds a letter in her desk from Setoyama, the most popular boy in school that simply reads “I like you”. Though confused if it’s a prank, she puts a response in his shoe box, leading to the start of a secret exchange diary. But it turns out that the letters and diary were intended for her best friend. Although everything started because of a misunderstanding, she keeps up with the exchange diary without telling Setoyama the truth. Where will this bittersweet one-sided love that began with a lie end up?
Photo 11 of 12 Successful at work but shy in love, wedding planner Rinka reluctantly joins a dating app at the urging of her colleague. She matches with a blonde-haired charmer named Tom, but on the first date Rinka quickly realises something off about this mysterious stranger. What began as an innocent meeting soon takes a rotten turn. Is this finally Rinka’s happy-ever-after, or is something sinister still lurking in the shadows?
Photo 12 of 12 When her young son Minato starts to behave strangely in ‘Monster’ (2023), his mother feels that there is something wrong. Discovering that a teacher is responsible, she storms into the school demanding to know what’s going on. But as the story unfolds through the eyes of mother, teacher and child, the truth gradually emerges.
