JAPAN CUTS: Festival of New Japanese Film
August 20—September 2, 2021
“It’s the best opportunity for American film lovers to get an unparalleled peek into the singular world of Japanese cinema.”“Meticulously curated… An annual highlight of New York’s film calendar”
“JAPAN CUTS has unambiguously become America’s best annual showcase of new Japanese film… a comprehensive snapshot of the country’s ever-vital national cinema.”
North America’s largest festival of contemporary Japanese cinema returns for its 15th edition as an online and in-person hybrid event! Following last year's entirely online edition, this summer’s festival offers 14 days of unique access to the best new films from Japan for audiences across the United States—including studio films, independent gems, documentaries, shorts, avant-garde works and more—through Japan Society’s virtual cinema. Additionally, JAPAN CUTS is thrilled to welcome back New York City festival goers to Japan Society’s auditorium for an exciting and diverse selection of Japanese cinema on the big screen!
| IN-PERSON SCREENINGS:
Tickets: $15 / $10 members IN-PERSON SCREENING ON-SALE DATES |
ONLINE SCREENINGS: Rentals: $1-$10 All-Access Pass: $69 for all online films (limited availability; on sale starting August 10) Members: 20% off via promo code |
View the full lineup of our in-person and online screenings below.
In-Person Screenings
All in-person screenings will take place in Japan Society’s auditorium, located at 333 E. 47th Street in New York, NY. Please be sure to review the Japan Society safety and health policies here.
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Aristocrats 2020. 124 min. Directed by Yukiko Sode. New York Premiere. Yukiko Sode’s commanding third feature explores relationships between women seeking pleasure and self-fulfillment amidst family expectations and class hierarchy, featuring outstanding lead performances. Saturday, August 21 at 7 PM DRAMA, SOCIAL CRITIQUE, ROMANCE |
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The Great Yokai War: Guardians 2021. 118 min. Directed by Takashi Miike. U.S. Premiere. Miike’s triumphant return to the phantasmagorical realm of mythical yokai introduces a whole new cast of faces in this adventure for all ages, including the long-awaited return of Daimajin! Saturday, August 28 at 7 PM FANTASY, HORROR, ADVENTURE |
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It’s a Summer Film! 2020. 97 min. Directed by Soushi Matsumoto. U.S. Premiere. A precocious chanbara-obsessed teen and her friends aspire to make a samurai film over the course of one summer in this endearing take on a coming-of-age story, replete with teen romance and a sci-fi twist. Friday, August 20 at 7 PM COMEDY, SCI-FI, COMING OF AGE |
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Kiba: The Fangs of Fiction 2021. 113 min. Directed by Daihachi Yoshida. Int'l Premiere. In this whip-smart, all-star ensemble comedy, a cocky and manipulative chief editor at a major publishing company strives to save a failing magazine and enlists an earnest and innovative rookie to help. Thursday, August 26 at 7 PM
COMEDY, DRAMA |
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Labyrinth of Cinema 2019. 179 min. Directed by Nobuhiko Obayashi. New York Premiere. The late Nobuhiko Obayashi’s swan song is a breathless journey through Japan’s war-torn past and an elegiac celebration of cinema—an awe-inspiring conclusion to a 60-year filmmaking career. Thursday, September 2 at 7 PM DRAMA, WAR, EXPERIMENTAL |
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The Pass: Last Days of the Samurai 2020. 114 min. Directed by Takashi Koizumi. New York Premiere. In late 19th century Japan, a respected samurai (Koji Yakusho) tries to avoid war for his clan through negotiation, but when he is left with no other choice, he picks up his sword and heads into battle. Saturday, August 21 at 4 PM PERIOD FILM, DRAMA, WAR |
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Talking the Pictures 2019. 127 min. Directed by Masayuki Suo. New York Premiere. A charming and comedic love letter to Japan’s silent movie era that follows an aspiring benshi (silent film narrator) as he tries to save a movie house with his performances while also running from the law. Friday, August 20 at 4 PM COMEDY, PERIOD FILM |
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Wife of a Spy 2020. 115 min. Directed by Kiyoshi Kurosawa. Centerpiece Presentation. New York Premiere. Kiyoshi Kurosawa’s first historical drama is a dizzying tale of suspicion, betrayal, and love during WWII, featuring surprising metafilmic turns and condemnation of colonialism, with a brave performance by Yu Aoi. Featuring a video greeting from Yu Aoi, recipient of the CUT ABOVE Award for Outstanding Performance in Film. Friday, August 27 at 7 PM DRAMA, THRILLER, PERIOD FILM |
Online Screenings
Films listed below stream online August 20-September 2 at film.japansociety.org.
Feature Slate (Online)
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Come and Go 2020. 158 min. Directed by Kah Wai Lim. Tourists, foreigners and social outcasts converge on the streets of Osaka in this sprawling ensemble drama that weaves through multiple characters' lives to reveal a universal loneliness in the heart of the melting pot city. DRAMA, COMEDY |
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Company Retreat 2021. 135 min. Directed by Atsushi Funahashi. Following a workplace sexual harassment incident that leads to social media bullying, a group of co-workers gather for a seaside vacation that quickly turns ugly when they broach the #MeToo elephant in the room. DRAMA, BASED ON A TRUE STORY |
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The Goldfish: Dreaming of the Sea 2021. 76 min. Directed by Sara Ogawa. In this poignant coming-of-age tale, 18-year-old former foster child Hana reconciles trauma and chosen family. A stunning, naturalistic drama lensed by longtime Hirokazu Kore-eda DP Yutaka Yamazaki. DRAMA, COMING OF AGE |
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It’s a Summer Film! 2020. 97 min. Directed by Soushi Matsumoto. A precocious chanbara-obsessed teen and her friends aspire to make a samurai film over the course of one summer in this endearing take on a coming-of-age story, replete with teen romance and a sci-fi twist. COMEDY, SCI-FI, COMING OF AGE |
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Ito 2021. 116 min. Directed by Satoko Yokohama. Returning to her birthplace of Aomori, Satoko Yokohama introduces Ito, a painfully shy high schooler reconnecting with her matrilineal practice of Tsugaru-shamisen while learning the ropes part-time in a unique maid cafe. COMEDY, DRAMA, COMING OF AGE |
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Wife of a Spy 2020. 115 min. Directed by Kiyoshi Kurosawa. Centerpiece Presentation. Kiyoshi Kurosawa’s first historical drama is a dizzying tale of suspicion, betrayal, and love during WWII, featuring surprising metafilmic turns and condemnation of colonialism, with a brave performance by Yu Aoi. DRAMA, THRILLER, PERIOD FILM |
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Wonderful Paradise 2020. 95 min. Directed by Masashi Yamamoto. As a family moves out of their luxury home, a group of increasingly eccentric guests arrive for an impromptu farewell party that turns into a surreal carnival in this energetic comedy from indie auteur Masashi Yamamoto. COMEDY |
Next Generation (Online)
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B/B 2020. 77 min. Directed by Kosuke Nakahama. In this highly imaginative and stylish debut, a pop culture-obsessed high school girl with dissociative identity disorder is questioned by a psychiatrist and police detective in connection to a murder case. DRAMA, FANTASY, COMEDY |
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Mari and Mari 2021. 91 min. Directed by Tatsuya Yamanishi. A casting agent’s life is turned upside down when his longtime girlfriend, Mari, suddenly disappears—only to be replaced (without explanation) by a complete stranger bearing the same name. DRAMA, MYSTERY |
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My Sorry Life 2021. 95 min. Directed by Kozue Nomoto. A driven TV producer, perturbed by her doting ex-comedian boyfriend’s desire to have children, finally takes the lead on a new series in which she works with a young trans man who changes her perspective. DRAMA, LGBTQ |
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Sasaki in My Mind 2020. 118 min. Directed by Takuya Uchiyama. In the midst of a quarter-life crisis, a frustrated actor’s memories of the immature antics of a class clown bring on renewed appreciation for youthful dreams and abandoned creative ambitions in this surprising debut. DRAMA |
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Spaghetti Code Love 2021. 96 min. Directed by Takeshi Maruyama. In this beautifully lensed and ambitious drama, a disparate group of young people connected by chance or circumstance struggle to find love and acceptance amidst the pressures of modern life in Tokyo. DRAMA |
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Town Without Sea 2020. 105 min. Directed by Elaiza Ikeda. A shy high schooler is at a crossroads wondering what happiness means—and if he’s ready to pursue it amongst attachment to friends, family, and taiko drumming in Tagawa, Fukuoka—in this debut by actress Elaiza Ikeda. DRAMA, COMING OF AGE |
Classics (Online)
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Robinson’s Garden 1988. 119 min. Directed by Masashi Yamamoto. Newly Remastered! Late one night, free-spirited Kumi stumbles across a flourishing garden in a derelict industrial site and takes it upon herself to create a DIY haven for outcasts and punks from all walks of life. DRAMA, COMEDY |
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To Sleep So as to Dream 1986. 80 min. Directed by Kaizo Hayashi. 35th Anniversary—New 2K Restoration! An aging silver-screen starlet seeks the aid of two steadfast detectives when her daughter is kidnapped for ransom in this unforgettable, dream-like ode to silent cinema. DRAMA, SILENT |
Documentary Focus (Online)
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No Smoking 2019. 96 min. Directed by Taketoshi Sado. This intimate portrait documentary follows legendary musician and composer Haruomi Hosono—founding member of Yellow Magic Orchestra—as he candidly talks about his life and travels overseas to play concerts. DOCUMENTARY, MUSIC |
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Ushiku 2021. 87 min. Directed by Thomas Ash. Japan’s restrictive refugee policies materialize in Ushiku immigration detention center, where people languish for years under threat of deportation. Using hidden cameras, this brave work is an urgent call for human rights. DOCUMENTARY, HUMAN RIGHTS |
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Why You Can’t Be Prime Minister 2020. 119 min. Directed by Arata Oshima. What keeps popular policies of social welfare from the seat of power? Over nearly two decades, Arata Oshima follows a politician navigating splintered opposition parties in a landscape dominated by the rightwing. DOCUMENTARY, POLITICS |
Experimental Spotlight (Online)
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The Blue Danube 2021. 105 min. Directed by Akira Ikeda. The absurdity of war and mindless bureaucracy is put on full display in this entrancing tale of a young man assigned to his unit’s marching band, approached with surprisingly profound and moving deadpan comedy. EXPERIMENTAL, WAR, COMEDY |
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Double Layered Town / Making a Song to Replace Our Positions 2021. 81 min. Directed by Haruka Komori & Natsumi Seo. As the earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear catastrophe of March 11, 2011 reaches its ten year anniversary, this deeply imaginative and empathetic film approaches the past and future of the city of Rikuzentakata. EXPERIMENTAL, DOCUMENTARY |
Shorts Showcase (Online)
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Experimental Shorts Program 2021. 84 min. Yu Araki, Takuya Chisaka, Masami Kawai, Hakhyun Kim, Hirofumi Nakamoto, Onohana, Koki Tanaka, Nao Yoshigai, Yoko Yuki. In a range of boundary-breaking shorts from handmade animation to essay film, abstract nature doc, and lo-fi sci-fi, filmmakers reimagine past and future terrains. EXPERIMENTAL, DOCUMENTARY |
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Narrative Shorts Program 2021. 103 min. Anshul Chauhan, Mayu Nakamura, Toshiaki Toyoda, Yoko Yamanaka. A samurai condemns corruption on the eve of his death, and friends and lovers reconnect and break apart during COVID-19 lockdown in this outstanding collection of shorts by established and up-and-coming directors. DRAMA |
JAPAN CUTS is sponsored by Shiseido Americas.
Additional support is provided by Sapporo U.S.A., Inc.
Japan Society Film programs are generously supported by ORIX Corporation USA, public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council and the Lila Wallace-Reader's Digest Endowment Fund. Additional season support is provided by The Globus Family, Masako H. Shinn, David Toberisky, Geoff and Fumi Matters, Akiko Koide and Shohei Koide, Laurel Gonsalves, David S. Howe, and Masu Hiroshi Masuyama. Transportation assistance is provided by Japan Airlines, the exclusive Japanese airline sponsor of Japan Society Film.
