Japanese Films Draw Growing Attention, Director Kore-eda Says

A talk event held on Tuesday at Toho Cinemas Roppongi Hills drew a packed crowd, according to Variety. The event was part of Kering Women in Motion, an allied program of the Tokyo International Film Festival.

Director Kore-eda Hirokazu opened the event with brief remarks. He said people at international film festivals have told him that Japanese films are really interesting right now. He added that he did not hear that sentiment 10 years ago.

Kore-eda also said that Hamaguchi Ryusuke and Fukada Koji led directors in their 20s and 30s in taking their works overseas. He said attention given to Japanese films has been increasing.

The panelists were Ninomiya Kazunari, Murata Chieko and Amy Homma. Ninomiya is an Arashi singer and actor, Murata is a producer, and Homma is director and president of the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures and Academy Collection. Journalist Tatsuta Atsuko served as facilitator.

The panel discussed the present and future of Japanese cinema, as well as diversity and inclusion in the industry. Homma said she is a Japanese-American woman and a Jewish American woman. She said American film history is as important as Japanese and French film history.

Homma also said that watching movies is a way to develop empathy (the ability to understand how others feel) and cultural understanding. She said her aim is for people to see their cultural differences and unique qualities as strengths. She added that diversity across gender expression, ethnicity and age makes for a great team.

Ninomiya shared his own experience. He starred in Clint Eastwood's World War II drama "Letters from Iwo Jima." He said international production staff tended to ask more questions than Japanese staff.

Murata produced the 2025 kabuki-themed drama "Kokuho." The film received rave reviews abroad and was nominated for a Best Makeup and Hairstyling Oscar. Murata said that tolerance of varying cultural perspectives is essential.