Departures

Co-founder of Studio Ghibli and one of the world's most revered animation directors. Known for works deeply exploring the relationship between nature and humanity, he has won multiple Academy Awards. His dedication to hand-drawn animation and unique philosophy revolutionized the art of cinema.

The King of Monsters born in 1954. Japan's kaiju embodying nuclear fears became a global icon. Godzilla Minus One won Japan's first Academy Award for Visual Effects.

Directed by Ryusuke Hamaguchi, based on Haruki Murakami. Won the 2022 Academy Award for International Feature Film. A serene masterpiece of loss and renewal that elevated Japanese cinema's global presence.

A rising master of contemporary Japanese cinema whose contemplative, dialogue-driven films have earned international acclaim. His 2021 film 'Drive My Car,' adapted from a Haruki Murakami short story, won the Best Screenplay award at the Cannes Film Festival and the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film—the first Japanese winner in 13 years since 'Departures.' The film's meditative exploration of grief, communication, and art through the relationship between a theater director and his chauffeur resonated universally. His 2021 anthology film 'Wheel of Fortune and Fantasy' also won the Silver Bear Grand Jury Prize at the Berlin Film Festival. Hamaguchi's success has demonstrated the continuing vitality and global relevance of Japanese art-house cinema.

A film masterpiece directed by Yojiro Takita, released in 2008. It follows a man who becomes an encoffiner after leaving an insurance company, reconsidering his life. Winner of the 81st Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film, it conveyed Japanese philosophy of death and life globally.

Japan's iconic tokusatsu film series produced by Toho since its first installment in 1954. Born as a monster symbolizing nuclear terror, it introduced Japanese special effects culture to the world. Spanning 70 years including Hollywood adaptations, it is the greatest franchise in Japanese cinema history.