Cover Your guide to the Japanese Film Festival 2026 (Photo: stylised by Angela Nicole Guiral)
Your guide to the Japanese Film Festival 2026 (Photo: stylised by Angela Nicole Guiral)
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Running from October 1 to November 29, the festival brings Japanese cinema to eight venues across six Philippine cities
While a craving for sushi might satisfy a fleeting appetite, true cultural connoisseurs know that nothing feeds the soul quite like Japanese cinema. That visual feast arrives with the highly anticipated return of the Japanese Film Festival (JFF), running from October 1 to November 29 at select cinemas nationwide.
Anchored by the theme “Shared Treasure. Shared Stories”, this year’s curation celebrates the traditions, memories and human experiences that effortlessly connect us across borders and generations. The 2026 edition is particularly momentous, marking both the 70th anniversary of normalised Philippine-Japan diplomatic relations and the 30th anniversary of the Japan Foundation, Manila—a dual celebration of friendship and cultural exchange.
In partnership with SM Supermalls and SM Cinema, JFF 2026 will unfold across six cities and eight venues. Following its grand opening run at SM Megamall from October 1 to 4, the festival will travel to SM Baguio (October 9 to 18) before sweeping through SM Manila and SM Cebu simultaneously from October 16 to 25. In November, the cinematic showcase continues its regional tour at SM Iloilo (November 6 to 15) and SM Lanang in Davao (November 13 to 22), finally culminating in a shared closing run at SM North EDSA and SM CDO Downtown from November 20 to 29.
With a curated lineup of 16 films on the roster, a cinematic journey awaits. Discover the standout features below.
Kokuho (2025)
Above Watch the official trailer for ‘Kokuho’
After his yakuza father dies, Kikuo is taken in by a famed Kabuki actor. Alongside the actor’s son, he devotes his life to Kabuki, navigating five decades of glory, scandal, rivalry and betrayal.
Hula Girls (2006)
Above Watch the official trailer for ‘Hula Girls’
When a fading coal town risks losing its future, an unlikely dream emerges: a Hawaiian resort and a troupe of hula dancers. Follow their inspiring journey of resilience, friendship and transformation in this vibrant 4K remastered edition of the beloved classic.
More from Tatler: Biopic ‘Edjop’ is a cinematic reckoning of memory, family and revolution
Throne of Blood (1957)
Above Watch the official trailer for ‘Throne of Blood’
Fog descends on Spider’s Web castle as morality and illusion intertwine. Washizu is loyal at first but ambition and the manipulative Lady Asaji set the samurai on a bloodletting path that quickly turns to madness. Experience this breathtaking 4K remastered edition of Kurosawa Akira’s film.
Renjishi (The Father and Son Shishi Lions)
Above Watch the film trailer for ‘Renjishi’
Filmed by Yamada Yoji, a master of Japanese cinema, Renjishi tells the story of love and hardship between a father lion and his cubs, portrayed by the late Nakamura Kanzaburō and his real-life sons, Kanurō and Shichinosuke. Their powerful lion dance, with the whit-maned parent lion and the red-maned cubs moving in perfect harmony, is the unforgettable highlight of the production.
Tokyo Taxi (2025)
Above Watch the official trailer for ‘Tokyo Taxi’
From acclaimed filmmaker Yamada Yoji comes a heartfelt journey of human connection. When taxi driver Koji takes elderly Sumire to a nursing home, their quiet ride through Tokyo becomes a moving exchange of memories, kindness and unexpected bonds that transform them both.
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Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence (2004)
Above Watch the official trailer for ‘Ghost in the Shell 2’
The sequel to the acclaimed Ghost in the Shell. Joined by his partner Togusa, detective Batou investigates a rogue android’s number. As they unravel a web of criminals and hidden memories, they must confront the boundary between humanity and technology.
Blue Boy Trial (2025)
Above Watch the official trailer for ‘Blue Boy Trial’
Inspired by true events, this powerful drama revisits Japan’s little-known “Blue Boy Trial” of the 1960s. As a doctor and three transgender women confront a landmark legal battle, the case sparks a profound exploration of identity, dignity and the meaning of happiness.
Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (1984)
Above Watch the official trailer for ‘Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind’
Hayao Mizaki’s acclaimed masterpiece unfolds in a world where civilization has fallen and the Sea of Decay spreads across the land. As war erupts, Princes Nausicaä journeys beyond fear and conflict, searching for harmony between humanity and nature.
The Girl Who Sees (2025)
Above Watch the official trailer for ‘The Girl Who Sees’
Acclaimed director Nakamura Yoshihiro brings Izumi Tomoko’s hit manga to life. High school student Miko suddenly gains the ability to see spirits. Pretending they don’t exist becomes her only survival strategy, until a mysterious substitute teacher changes everything.
Kono Basho (2024)
Above Watch the official trailer for ‘Kono Basho’
After her estranged father’s death, Filipina anthropologist Ella travels to Rikuzentakata, where she meets her Japanese half-sister Reina. Through their shared grief and family secrets, the two women rediscover their father, their identities and an unexpected bond shaped by loss and healing.
You, Fireworks, and Our Promise (2026)
Above Watch the official trailer for ‘You, Fireworks, and Our Promise’
After entering high school, Makoto Natsume is approached by Aki, a classmate he has never met. A mysterious fireworks drawing leads them to uncover a forgotten promise from the past, revealing a connection that neither expected.
Under Ninja (2025)
Above Watch the official trailer for ‘Under Ninja’
Yamazaki Kento stars as Kuro Kumogakure, whose mission leads him into the shadowy organisation Under Ninja. Hidden since the end of World War II, the ninja world emerges from a thrilling clash of forgotten traditions and advanced technology in an unpredictable battle.
Renoir (2025)
Above Watch the official trailer for ‘Renoir’
Through the eyes of 11-year-old Fuki, a summer in Tokyo unfolds between childhood wonder and adult struggles. As her father battles illness and her mother carries the burden of care and work, Fuki discovers a world beyond her imagination.
School Meals Time: School Excursion Inferno (2025)
Above ‘School Meals Time: School Excursion Inferno’ official poster
‘School Meals Time: School Excursion Inferno’ official poster
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The ultimate school lunch battle leaves the classroom behind! When teacher Yukio Amarida and rival Ken Tsuburai embark on a journey across northern Japan, they encounter regional delicacies, friendly competition and youthful memories in this heartwarming culinary adventure.
Kabuki (Kaze no Tani no Nausicaä - Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind) Part 1 & 2 (2020)
Above ‘Kabuki (Kaze no Tani no Nausicaä - Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind) Part 1 & 2’ official poster
‘Kabuki (Kaze no Tani no Nausicaä - Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind) Part 1 & 2’ official poster
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Based on Miyazaki Hayao’s beloved manga, this Kabuki adaptation brings the complete story of Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind to the stage. Featuring episodes never depicted in the film, as well as dynamic action and striking stagecraft, it captures the wonder and scale of Nausicaä’s world through a unique blend of tradition and innovation.
Angela Nicole Regis Guiral is a digital editor at Tatler Philippines. She studied journalism and has since written features that look closely at how culture, lifestyle and social impact converge, while occasionally wandering into the worlds of style and travel.
