JAPAN CUTS 2025
JAPAN CUTS 2025 Powered by GU
July 10—20, 2025
North America’s largest festival of contemporary Japanese film returns for its 18th year this summer at Japan Society! Join us July 10-20 for 30 curated films from across Japan featuring major award-winners, indie darlings, up-and-coming filmmakers, restorations, documentaries, experimental and short films and anime. JAPAN CUTS Powered by GU is a showcase of the latest in Japanese cinema, featuring both today’s most popular actors and directors as well as tomorrow’s pioneering talent. Become part of our passionate filmgoer community for premieres, parties and celebrity guests in the heart of America’s biggest city!
Leading this year’s highlights:
JAPAN CUTS Powered by GU will present legendary director Kiyoshi Kurosawa with the CUT ABOVE Award for Outstanding Achievement in Film, host the premieres of his new film Cloud and recent remake of Serpent’s Path, as well as showcase revivals of License to Live and a new 4K restoration of the original Serpent’s Path.
Tickets to all screenings are available now for Japan Society members! Become a member to save 20% on all tickets, reserve free tickets for our SHORT CUTS short films presentation and exclusively reserve the members-only All-Access Pass!
“Meticulously curated… An annual highlight of New York’s film calendar.” —The New York Times
“A comprehensive snapshot of one of the world’s most exciting national cinemas—it’s the closest you can get to Japan without actually going there.” —IndieWire
Admission Information & Pricing
Screenings with Receptions: $26 Nonmembers/ $18 Members / $23 seniors & students
Screenings with Q&As: $24 Nonmembers/ $17 Member / $22 seniors & students
All Other Screenings: $20 Nonmembers / $14 Members / $18 seniors & students
Short Films: $10 Nonmembers / Free for Members / $5 seniors & students
All-Access Pass: SOLD OUT
Sold Out Screenings: There is no online or email waitlist for sold out screenings. Those wishing to attend sold out screenings can visit the Japan Society Box Office in-person at 333 East 47th Street. A physical waitlist will begin one hour before each sold out event. 10 minutes prior to the screening, any available tickets will be made available and can be purchased by those present in the order they arrived. Please note, there is no guarantee that tickets will be available for sold out events.
Prices are inclusive of fees, where applicable. All screenings take place in-person at Japan Society located at 333 East 47th Street in New York, NY.
JAPAN CUTS Powered by GU’s main category showcases a broad selection of contemporary Japanese cinema across vibrant genres and styles. From deep dramas and tender coming-of-age tales to action, avant garde and even kaiju, our Feature Slate is a window to the past year of Japan’s cinematic storytelling.
The JAPAN CUTS screening of Ravens will no longer take place because of circumstances beyond our control.
The festival’s sole competitive slate offers hand-picked independent narrative features by emerging directors.
The 2025 Classics Slate celebrates two underseen gems from CUT ABOVE winner Kiyoshi Kurosawa together with a new 4K restoration of Shunji Iwai’s lyrical debut.
Engaging takes on the Japanese experience with powerful documentaries across vivid topics.
Short works that explore new and diverse directions in experimental, documentary and narrative film.
Help bring JAPAN CUTS Powered by GU to life! Reach out at [email protected] to join our sponsors to support Japanese cinema.
Stay connected to Japan Society Film.
All JAPAN CUTS screenings take place at the landmarked Japan Society, one block from the United Nations and minutes from Grand Central Terminal.
333 East 47th St, New York, NY 10017
Header Image Credits:
My Sunshine © 2024 “MY SUNSHINE” Production Committee / COMME DES CINÉMAS
A Samurai in Time © 2024 MIRAIEIGASHA
The Gesuidouz © 2024 “THE GESUIDOUZ” Film Partners
Gridman Universe © TSUBURAYA PRODUCTIONS © 2023 TRIGGER, AKIRA AMEMIYA/GRIDMAN UN
JAPAN CUTS 2025 is powered by GU.
JAPAN CUTS is sponsored by the Globus Family. Reception speakers are donated by BALMUDA. 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.
Additional support is provided by Sendon and BuyJapon; Kinokuniya Bookstore; Japan Village; and Sunrise Mart.
Japan Society’s 120th anniversary initiatives and related programs are generously supported by Champion Sponsor, MUFG Bank, Ltd.; Advocate Sponsor, Mizuho Americas; and Friend Sponsor, Mitsubishi Corporation (Americas).
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, George P. Hirose, David Toberisky, Joseph Rajaratnam and Dharshini Iolanthe Sivakumaran, and other Film Supporters.
