4 films to watch this Japanese Film Festival 2022

Explore Japan via the big screen at this year’s Japanese Film Festival in Australia. Here’s a round up of four films to watch along with some Japan travel inspiration. 

1. ANIME SUPREMACY!  

Genre: Drama

This exciting live-action movie offers a glimpse into the world of anime production and the passionate people in the industry. The film follows Hitomi, a young woman who has landed her first directing role for an anime series, and Chiharu, a revered director whose highly anticipated new anime is set for the same time slot. 

Travel spotlight

Have you ever wanted to visit the places featured in your favourite anime? The Anime Tourism site publishes an annual list of anime spots across Japan as well as information on a wide of manga and anime related museums. 

You may also like to check out some of our previous articles, including how you can find Pokémon all over Japan, 5 spots to visit in Shiga for anime fans,  ‘Attack on Titan’ attractions in Hita and a look at the real-life town behind the animated film A Whisker Away.     

Left: A scene from A Whisker Away / © MUGE Production Commitee; Right: Tokoname, Aichi Prefecture

2. Dreaming of the Meridian Arc 

Genre: Comedy, Period

© 2022 “Dreaming of the Meridian Arc”

Featuring a star-studded cast, this film is set in both the Edo Period (1603-1867) and present-day Japan. A pair of local government staff set out to create an historical TV drama about Tadataka Ino, the cartographer celebrated for creating the first map of Japan in 1821, but in the process, they uncover a startling fact – the map was not his creation! Learn more about this surprising discovery in this entertaining comedy. 

Location spotlight

This film is largely set in the city of Katori in northern Chiba Prefecture. Here, you’ll find Sawara, a merchant town that flourished during the Edo Period. Visit the historical district, where the streets are lined with merchant’s houses, old warehouses and historic buildings, and drop by the former residence of Tadataka Ino to learn more about the life of this famous figure in Japanese history. 

Sawara Historical District, Chiba Prefecture / Photo provided by Katori City 

3. In the Wake  

Genre: Thriller 

On 11 March 2011, a huge earthquake devastated many parts of northeastern Japan. After the tragedy, three survivors come together at an evacuation centre, assisting each other and forming a makeshift family. Years later, a detective is assigned to a bizarre murder case, and fate brings together these survivors of the 2011 disaster. 

Location spotlight

The northeastern region of Tohoku encompasses the six prefectures of Aomori, Akita, Iwate, Yamagata, Miyagi and Fukushima. It’s home to dramatic landscapes, historical treasures, vibrant festivals, powder snow and much more. 

Yokote Kamakura Festival in Akita Prefecture 

4. The Pursuit of Perfection  

Genre: Documentary 

© 2021 AOI Pro./TY Limited

Join four renowned chefs on their quests for culinary excellence in one of the greatest culinary capitals in the world. Discover the journeys of the respective chefs, with their stories contextualised by comments from international gastronomists and world-renowned food critics. From kaiseki (traditional Japanese cuisine) to fashion-influenced desserts, this documentary provides a rare look behind the scenes at some of Tokyo’s most exclusive and acclaimed restaurants. 

Learn more and buy tickets

Location spotlight

Time-honoured tradition and fast-paced future meet at bustling crossroads in Japan’s capital city of Tokyo. Bursting with around-the-clock activity, this buzzing metropolis is also a foodie heaven, boasting some 200 Michelin-starred restaurants! From world-class eats to casual dining, there’s something for all tastes. 

Tokyo skyline – Image: Kanuman / Shutterstock.com