2025 Japanese Film Festival reels off January 30

The Japanese Film Festival (JFF) is returning once again to Philippine theaters this February 2025. Rolling into cinemas in Manila, Baguio, Iloilo, Cebu, and Davao, JFF is back with a fresh lineup of amazing Japanese movies.

Presented by the Japan Foundation, Manila, JFF was launched in 1997 and has grown to become one of the most anticipated film festivals in the country, attracting over 40,000 cinema goers during last year’s run. JFF 2025 has an exciting lineup of films that will have something for everyone; from heart-thumping anime adventures to kilig-filled romantic comedies, and even blockbuster monster epics!

“In Zen Buddhism there is a word satori which means a sudden awakening or enlightenment,” says festival director Yojiro Tanaka. “Satori is the perfect word to describe this year’s lineup of films, whether it’s the profound awakening of the characters in the movie or the feeling that the audience will get after watching. We hope that the audience will enjoy what we have prepared, and at the same time spark something new in them.”

Opening the festival is the Academy Award winning movie “Godzilla Minus One” (2023), hailed by many reviewers and legions of worldwide fans as one of the best Godzilla movies of all time.

Directed by renowned Japanese filmmaker Takashi Yamazaki, the film features both poignant storytelling, and awe-inspiring visuals that is best enjoyed on the big screen.

Another notable inclusion in this year’s lineup is “Sand Land” (2023), the pinnacle of the Akira Toriyama universe. Creator of the legendary “Dragon Ball” series, Akira Toriyama sadly passed away in 2024 leaving a monumental legacy in the world of anime and manga.

JFF 2025 kicks off in Manila at the Shangri-La Red Carpet Cinema starting 30 January and will continue into the regions.

JFF 2025 is supported by the Film Development Council of the Philippines, JT International (Philippines) Inc., and the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines.

Admission is free.