The Japan Foundation, Manila (JFM) brings Japanese cinema closer to Filipino audiences as the Japanese Film Festival 2026 runs from October 1 to November 29 across eight cities in the Philippines.
Carrying the theme “Shared Treasure. Shared Stories.”, this year’s festival celebrates 70 years of normalized diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Japan and 30 years of the Japan Foundation, Manila’s presence in the country.
In partnership with SM Supermalls and SM Cinema, the festival presents a curated lineup of 16 Japanese films, with free screenings at SM Megamall from October 1 to 4, SM Baguio from October 9 to 18, SM Manila and SM Cebu from October 16 to 25, SM Iloilo from November 6 to 15, SM Lanang from November 13 to 22, and SM North EDSA and SM CDO Downtown Premiere from November 20 to 29.
The festival opened on October 1 at SM Megamall with the Philippine debut of “KOKUHO” (2025), a sweeping drama set against the demanding world of Kabuki theater.
Fresh from its Cannes premiere, the film went on to make a strong showing at the 49th Japan Academy Film Prize, where it received Picture of the Year and Director of the Year, while Ryo Yoshizawa was recognized for Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role.
Acclaimed director Lee Sang-il flew in from Japan for the opening and participated in a press interview following the program. He also addressed audiences before and after the opening-night screening.
The opening ceremony was attended by Minister-Counselor Maya Hamada of the Embassy of Japan, Film Development Council of the Philippines Chair and CEO Jose “Direk Joey” Javier Reyes, SM Supermalls Senior Assistant Vice President for Corporate Marketing and Public Relations Kitchie Limoanco, and JFM Director Ben Suzuki.
Beyond conventional film screenings, this year’s festival highlights Cinema Kabuki, a specialized format that brings traditional Japanese stage performances to the big screen.
The opening slate features Yoji Yamada’s “Renjishi” (The Father and Son Shishi Lions), accompanied by cultural activities including a costume demonstration and a traditional Kumadori body-painting workshop.
Animation fans can also look forward to “Nausicaä Day,” which pairs Hayao Miyazaki’s “Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind” (1984) with its two-part Kabuki stage adaptation.
The festival lineup also includes restored classics such as Akira Kurosawa’s “Throne of Blood” (1957) and a 4K remaster of Lee Sang-il’s “Hula Girls” (2006). Other featured titles include “Tokyo Taxi,” “Blue Boy Trial,” “The Girl Who Sees,” “Under Ninja,” and “Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence,” among others.
Adding to the festival program is “Journey through Japan on Screen in Manila 2026,” a special subprogram organized in partnership with Japan’s Agency for Cultural Affairs and the Japan Film Commission.
The initiative showcases international co-productions, including Jaime Pacena II’s “Kono Basho” and Chie Hayakawa’s “Renoir,” alongside youth-focused films such as “School Meals Time: School Excursion Inferno” and the animated feature “You, Fireworks, and Our Promise.”
With screenings continuing through November 29, the Japanese Film Festival 2026 offers Filipino audiences an opportunity to experience contemporary Japanese cinema, restored classics, traditional stage arts, and animation across SM Cinemas nationwide.
