Film
Film
Film
Spurred on by the success of the 1970 Donald Richie-curated MoMA retrospective The Japanese Film: 1896-1969, Japan Society committed to making film one of its key programs in the early seventies—quickly becoming the premier venue for the exhibition of new Japanese cinema as well as career-spanning retrospectives on seminal directors and actors. In 1979, Japan Society established the Japan Film Center, formalizing film as a full-fledged, year-round program aimed at cultivating a deep appreciation and understanding of Japanese film culture among American audiences. Over the years, Japan Society Film has hosted numerous high-profile premieres and programs that include visits from Akira Kurosawa, Toshiro Mifune, Hideko Takamine, and Nobuhiko Obayashi. In 2007, Japan Society Film launched JAPAN CUTS: Festival of New Japanese Film, the largest festival of its kind in North America. Follow Japan Society Film on Letterboxd, Twitter and Instagram for Japanese cinema content and news about upcoming screenings.
Upcoming Series
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So as to Dream: The Eternal Mysteries of Kaizo Hayashi
October 11–19, 2024An independent talent who miraculously emerged in the 1980s, Kaizo Hayashi arose as one of the major talents of the post-studio era, crafting an oeuvre of cinematic reverie and enchantment that invokes the mystery and intrigue of the moving image. Equipped with only his deep devotion to cinema, his cinema of the past brims with ingenuity and far-flung imagination, conjuring fantasies of what dreams may come.
Special Events
 © 2024 My Hero Academia The Movie Project © K. Horikoshi/Shueisha. |
| © 2024 My Hero Academia The Movie Project © K. Horikoshi/Shueisha. |
My Hero Academia: You’re Next New York Premiere – Immersive Light Stick Cheer Screening
October 9, 2024, 7 pmJapan Society in partnership with Toho International and Animation are proud to invite you to the New York Premiere of My Hero Academia: You’re Next in a whole new way with an Immersive Light Stick Cheer Screening – the first of its kind outside of Japan! At this special interactive event, attendees are encouraged to laugh, applaud and cheer along with their favorite heroes, and all attendees at this special evening will receive an exclusive My Hero Academia: You’re Next light stick that automatically reacts to the film and is yours to keep as a souvenir from the event.
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Voices of BLEACH: A Fireside Chat with Ichigo and Uryu
October 15, 2024, 7 pmJoin VIZ Media and Japan Society for a very special evening with Masakazu Morita and Noriaki Sugiyama, voice actors for BLEACH’s Ichigo Kurosaki and Uryu Ishida. Coming to NYC to celebrate the launch of BLEACH: Thousand-Year Blood War Part 3, both legendary voice actors will take the stage to introduce an early preview screening and a very rare live script reading.
 ©Akiyoshi Hongo, Toei Animation |
| ©Akiyoshi Hongo, Toei Animation |
Digimon Adventure: Last Evolution Kizuna – Digimon 25th Anniversary Celebration
October 16, 2024, 7 pmJapan Society together with Toei Animation are excited to screen Digimon Adventure: Last Evolution Kizuna as the center of a special Digimon 25th Anniversary Celebration. Originally planned to released as the world was entering into the pandemic, this film has rarely been presented on the big screen. Doors open at 6 PM for Digimon Photo Op, Digimon Display and giveaways. Screening begins at 7 pm.
Upcoming Events
Become a Japan Society member and enjoy 20% or more off on Film programs, exclusive screenings and access to other members-only events.
Past Events
Past Film Festival
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JAPAN CUTS 2024
July 10—21, 2024North America’s largest festival of contemporary Japanese film returns this summer at Japan Society! Join us July 10-21 for 30+ curated films from across Japan featuring major blockbusters, indie darlings, up-and-coming filmmakers, restorations, documentaries, experimental and short films, and anime!
Top Image: © Daphne Youree.
Japan Society programs are supported by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.
Film programs are generously supported by ORIX Corporation USA, public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council, Anime NYC and Yen Press. Endowment support is provided by the Lila Wallace-Reader’s Digest Endowment Fund and The John and Miyoko Davey Endowment Fund. Additional season support is provided by The Globus Family, David Toberisky, and Film Circle members.
Transportation assistance is provided by Japan Airlines, the official Japanese airline sponsor of Japan Society Film Program. Housing assistance is provided by the Prince Kitano New York, the official hotel sponsor of Japan Society Film Program.
