Japanese Film Festival Arizona 2025

Japanese Film Festival Arizona | September 12–13, 2025 | ASU Media and Immersive Experience (MIX) Center, Mesa, AZ.

Join a vibrant two-day festival showcasing contemporary Japanese films by acclaimed directors and emerging voices—celebrating Japan’s rich culture, art, and history.

Hosted by the Japanese Culture Club of Arizona (JCCA)in partnership with The Sidney Poitier New American Film School at Arizona State University.

• Single program - $5
• Friday all-day ticket - $8
• Saturday all-day ticket - $16
• All-access pass - $20
• All-access pass with student ID (please show your student ID at the door)- $16

For more information, please visit https://jffarizona.org

Info: Directed by Tatsuro Nishikawa
| 124 min. | Arizona Premiere |
In Japan’s Bishu region, known for its wool textile production, this tenderly crafted film follows a high schooler with a developmental disability and her family, who operate a faltering textile factory. Despite her father’s opposition, she dreams of winning a fashion design competition using fabric woven at their family’s factory.

Info: Directed by Mamoru Hosoda
| 98 min. | MIX Center lawn |
Free Event, Family-Friendly Program |
Written and directed by acclaimed director Mamoru Hosoda, this Academy Award®-nominated feature animation tells the story of a young boy whose world is turned upside down by the arrival of his new baby sister, Mirai. One day, he encounters mysterious visitors in the garden and embarks on a journey through time and space, uncovering his family’s memories. The film was an official selection at Cannes Directors' Fortnight.

Info: Showcase of five short films, "Last Order" by Hayato Otogi, "I Am a Mole" by Ayaka Kawasaki, "Tenement of Secret Talk" by Abu Shahed Emon, "Mother and Daughter" by Raito Nishizaka, and "Resettlement - Chicago Story" by Reina Higashitani. Q&A with filmmakers.

Info: A short film "Yuri" directed by Johnnie Hobbs, A colossal yet timid black Russian weightlifter befriends an elderly Japanese shut-in and helps her de-clutter her life. In the process, he learns Ikebana, the ancient art of flower arranging, and comes to understand his place in the world. Followed by a demonstration of Ikebana by a master of Sogetsu Ikebana, Ping Wei. Filmmaker in attendance.

Info: Directed by Shun Coney (Konii), Diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, a workaholic middle-aged man grows increasingly isolated at work. When his wife and daughter leave him, he joins the support group that gradually transforms his world. Filmmaker Shun Coney, known for tackling social issues through his independent productions, collaborated with singer-songwriter and first-time actor Ryoichi Higuchi, who himself lives with Parkinson’s disease. Filmmaker in attendance.

Info: Directed by Hideyuki Tokigawa, Marking the 80th anniversary of Hiroshima’s atomic bombing, this magical realism film honors the importance of remembering the past and fostering peace. Two local youths in Hiroshima encounter an American tourist with a special ability to sense the city’s history. The film explores themes of peace, the enduring impact of the atomic bombing, and the intertwining of history with the present day.

Info: Directed by Takashi Yamazaki, This epic film made history in 2024 by becoming the first non-English-language movie to win the Academy Award® for Best Visual Effects. As one of the latest installments in the iconic Godzilla franchise—the pioneer of the Japanese kaiju (giant monster) genre—the film delivers spectacular monster battles while exploring profound themes of destruction, humanity and the consequences of war. Set in the immediate aftermath of World War II, a massive threat rises off the coast of Tokyo. Koichi, haunted by his first encounter with Godzilla, finds a chance to confront his past and seek redemption.

Host or Publisher Japanese Culture Club of Arizona