The Japanese Film Festival 2025 arrives in February, bringing a lineup of critically-acclaimed movies including “Godzilla Minus One,” “Perfect Days,” and “Monster.”
The Japanese Film Festival (JFF) was first launched in 1997 by the Japan Foundation Manila, and has since grown to be one of the most highly-anticipated events of its kind in the country. In 2024 alone, the festival attracted more than 40,000 moviegoers, and this February 2025, it returns with an exciting lineup of films featuring something for everyone, from anime films to award-winning, live-action blockbusters.
Films will be heading to theaters across the Philippines, namely those in Manila, Baguio, Iloilo, Cebu, and Davao.
“In Zen Buddhism there is a word satori which means a sudden awakening or enlightenment,” says Yojiro Tanaka, the festival director. “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.”
The Latest And Greatest
Academy Award-winning movie Godzilla Minus One (2023), which many reviewers and fans worldwide have hailed as one of the best in the Godzilla franchise, will be opening the festival. Directed by renowned Japanese filmmaker Takashi Yamazaki, the film features both poignant storytelling, and awe-inspiring visuals that are 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, Toriyama sadly passed away in 2024 leaving a monumental legacy in the world of anime and manga. Sand Land (2023) is one of his best works with some praising it as a “masterpiece of utter perfection.” This film is the long-awaited movie adaptation of the manga that condenses Akira Toriyama’s full-blown world of unique, humorous, and friendly characters, mechanical design, wrapped in an expertly written adventure story.
Audiences can also look forward to the best and latest movies straight from Japan including the Oscar-nominated Perfect Days (2023), Haikyu!! The Dumpster Battle (2024), Let’s Go Karaoke! (2024), Matched (2024), and the recently remastered version of the animated, sci-fi and action cult-classic Akira (1988).
JFF 2025 kicks off in Manila at the Shangri-La Red Carpet Cinema starting January 30, 2025 and will continue with regional runs, starting February 7, 2025 in SM City Baguio, then on February 14, 2025 at SM City Iloilo and SM Seaside Cebu. The JFF’s final run will start on February 21, 2025 at SM City Davao, before returning to Manila on the same date at the SM City North EDSA.
The festival 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 for all screenings but a convenience fee may apply for tickets procured online.
Walk-in guests are welcome if seats are still unoccupied; however, seats are limited and not guaranteed.
For complete ticketing guidelines, the festival’s full film lineup, and complete screening schedules, you may visit the official JFF 2025 website at www.japanesefilmfestph.jfmo.org.ph.
Photos courtesy of the Japanese Film Festival.
