Nihon eiga fans—it’s finally Japan Film Festival (JFF) season again! An annual affair organized by the Japan Foundation, Manila (JFM), the JFF aims to bring Japanese cinema closer to Filipino audiences, and this year it will run from October 1 to November 29, 2026. Have you marked your calendars yet? Read on for more details about this exciting event:

The lineup

Taking on the theme, “Shared Treasure. Shared Stories,” this year’s JFF celebrates two major milestones in Philippine-Japan relations, namely the 70th Anniversary of the Normalization of Philippine-Japan Diplomatic Relations and the 30th Anniversary of the Japan Foundation, Manila. 

Through the festival, a carefully curated lineup of 16 films that bring together people across borders and generations will be screened in six cities in the country. 

KOKUHO

Year / Runtime / Genre: 2025 / 174 mins / Drama
Director: Lee Sang-il
Starring: Yoshizawa Ryo, Yokohama Ryusei, Watanabe Ken

Headlining this year’s JFF is Lee Sang-il’s highly acclaimed 2025 drama KOKUHO, which will give viewers a glimpse of the demanding and deeply traditional world of Kabuki. Director Lee himself will join the festival’s Opening Night Event on October 1, 2026, at SM Megamall.

Synopsis:
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 (4K Remastered)

Year / Runtime / Genre: 2006 / 121 mins / Drama
Director: Lee Sang-il
Starring: Matsuyuki Yasuko, Toyokawa Etsushi, Aoi Yu

Also from director Lee, the 2006 feel-good film Hula Girls will be shown on Philippine screens for the first time in its 4K remastered* format. 

Synopsis:
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.

*Note: Screenings of the 4K remaster may be presented in 2K where necessary, based on technical specifications.

Blue Boy Trial

Year / Runtime / Genre: 2025 / 106 mins / Drama, LGBTQ
Director: Iizuka Kasho
Starring: Nakagawa Miyu, Nishikido Ryo

Synopsis:
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.

The Girl Who Sees

Year / Runtime / Genre: 2025 / 100 mins / Drama, Horror
Director: Nakamura Yoshihiro
Starring: Hara Nanoka, Kumada Rinka, Kyomoto Taiga

Synopsis:
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.

Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind

Year / Runtime / Genre: 1984 / 117 mins / Anime
Director: Miyazaki Hayao
Synopsis:

Hayao Miyazaki’s acclaimed masterpiece unfolds in a world where civilization has fallen and the Sea of Decay spreads across the land. As war erupts, Princess Nausicaä journeys beyond fear and conflict, searching for harmony between humanity and nature.

KABUKI 『KAZE NO TANI NO NAUSICAA』 – Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, Part 1 & Part 2

Year / Runtime / Genre: 2020 / Part 1 – 171 mins; Part 2 – 192 mins / Fantasy, Adventure
Starring: Onoe Kikugoro VII, Nakamura Shichinosuke
Original Graphic Novel: Miyazaki Hayao
In cooperation with: Studio Ghibli

Synopsis:
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.

Renjishi (The Father and Son Shishi Lions)*

Year / Runtime / Genre: 2008 / 55 mins / Japanese Culture, Dance
Director: Yamada Yoji
Starring: Nakamura Kanzaburo, Nakamura Kankuro, Nakamura Shichinosuke

Synopsis:
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 Kanzaburo and his real-life sons, Kankuro and Shichinosuke. Their powerful lion dance, with the white-maned parent lion and the red-maned cubs moving in perfect harmony, is the unforgettable highlight of the production.

*Note: To be screened at SM Megamall only.

Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence

Year / Runtime / Genre: 2004 / 99 mins / Animation, SF
Director: Oshii Mamoru
Starring: Otsuka Akio, Tanaka Atsuko, Yamadera Koichi

Synopsis:
The sequel to the acclaimed GHOST IN THE SHELL. Joined by his partner Togusa, Detective Batou investigates a rogue android’s murder. As they unravel a web of criminals and hidden memories, they must confront the boundary between humanity and technology.

Throne of Blood

Year / Runtime / Genre: 1957 / 110 mins / Drama, Classics
Director: Kurosawa Akira
Starring: Mifune Toshiro, Yamada Isuzu, Shimura Takashi

Synopsis:
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 classic film.

TOKYO TAXI

Year / Runtime / Genre: 2025 / 103 mins / Drama
Director: Yamada Yoji
Starring: Baisho Chieko, Kimura Takuya

Synopsis:
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.

UNDER NINJA

Year / Runtime / Genre: 2025 / 123 mins / Action Comedy
Director: Fukuda Yuichi
Starring: Yamazaki Kento, Hamabe Minami, Mamiya Shotaro, Shiraishi Mai

Synopsis:
Yamazaki Kento stars as Kuro Kumogakure, whose mission leads him into the shadowy organization 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.

Kono Basho

Year / Runtime / Genre: 2024 / 85 mins / Drama
Director: Jaime Pacena II
Starring: Gabby Padilla, Nakano Arisa, Kataoka Reiko, Yakumaru Sho, Nikaido Satoshi

Synopsis:
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.

RENOIR

Year / Runtime / Genre: 2025 / 118 mins / Drama
Director: Hayakawa Chie
Starring: Suzuki Yui, Ishida Hikari, Lily Franky, Nakajima Ayumu, Kawai Yuumi, Bando Ryota

Synopsis:
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.

You, Fireworks, and Our Promise*

Year / Runtime / Genre: 2026 / 96 mins / Animation
Director: Suzuki Kei
Starring: Sato Shori (timelesz), Hara Nanoka

Synopsis:
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.

*Note: To be screened at SM City North EDSA only.

School Meals Time: School Excursion Inferno*

Year / Runtime / Genre: 2025 / 114 mins / Comedy, Feature
Director: Ayabe Shinya
Starring: Ichihara Hayato, Tazawa Taiki

Synopsis:
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.

*Note: To be screened at SM City North EDSA only.

Screening Venues & Schedules

In partnership with SM Supermalls and SM Cinemas, the JFF will be presented in eight venues in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, continuing JFM’s commitment to bringing Japanese cinema to audiences nationwide.

Talkback Events

As a true treat to Pinoy cinephiles, this year’s JFF will also hold talkback events for selected films, featuring directors and producers who will share insights into their work and also answer questions from attendees. 

Perhaps the most anticipated talkback session this season is the special Post-Screening Talkback for KOKUHO at SM Megamall Cinema 2 with Director Lee Sang-il. Following the movie’s 6:00 pm screening on October 2, Friday, the esteemed director will walk the audience through his filmmaking process, as well as the film’s exploration of Kabuki, tradition, artistic legacy, and human relationships.

JFF 2026 continues its filmmaker series with two talkback sessions with Director Iizuka Kasho at SM Cebu on October 22 and SM Manila on October 24. His film Blue Boy Trial is a thought-provoking revisit of the 1960 “Blue Boy Trial,” in which a doctor performing sex reassignment procedures was arrested, sparking debate on gender reassignment, happiness, and the lives of sexual minorities in Japan. 

The JFF will also present “Journey through Japan on Screen in Manila 2026,” a special film programming initiative organized in partnership with the Agency for Cultural Affairs (ACA), Government of Japan, and the Japan Film Commission (JFC). 

The conversation will feature Director Jaime Pacena II and Producer Masumi Soga, who will share insights on Kono Basho, and international producer Jason Gray, together with Filipino producer Alemberg Ang, who will join a special discussion on Renoir.

More in Store

What’s a film festival without freebies? JFM said in a press statement that audiences can also take part in various activation campaigns for a chance to get freebies and win exclusive JFF 2026 merchandise.

How to get tickets

Tickets for opening night on October 1 will be open to walk-in guests on a first-come, first-served basis. Limited seats are available, so it’s best to be at SM Megamall Cinema 2 before queuing starts at 5:30 pm. Gates close once capacity is reached.

To get tickets for other screenings, check the official JFF website.

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