Introduction
Did you know that Japan has one of the world’s largest film markets? A slew of excellent works are being released in Japan in a variety of genres, not just anime.
Here’s a list of Japanese films you must see before you die.
5 Japanese Movies You Must Watch Before you Die
- Your Name
- Kaiji
- Princess Mononoke
- Drive My Car
- Ju-on
1. Your name（君の名は）2016
Genres : Animation, Drama, Fantasy, Romance
“Your name” is one of the best animated films in the world. It has been a smash hit in Japan and it is now the highest-grossing anime film ever, earning US$281 million worldwide.
The story of Your name is about a teenage boy and a teenage girl who switch places when they fall asleep. They build a connection by leaving notes for each other and becoming attracted to each other. When the sun sets, they return to their bodies. They try to meet in person, but as time passes, the boy realizes the purpose of switching bodies with the girl…
Not only its story but its animation and music are incredibly beautiful. There is no doubt that you will be drawn into this movie.
2. Kaiji : The ultimate gambler (カイジ) 2009
Genres : Thriller, Drama
Kaiji is a thrilling live-action film that is adapted from a very popular comic book that has sold over 11 million copies in Japan.
It tells the story of a young man called Kaiji who doesn’t have a stable job. He becomes a guarantor for his friend’s debts and ends up shouldering a large amount of debt. One day, a woman who runs a financial firm invites him to join a game where he has a chance to win a huge amount of money. He becomes involved in a dark game that puts his life in danger in order to pay back the debt…
When it comes to gambling these days, online casinos, which you can enjoy in the comfort of home, are getting popular quickly in Japan, but this film is not comforting at all. And it is thus recommended for those who are craving for life-threatening and thrilling scenes!
3. I Want to Eat Your Pancreas（君の膵臓を食べたい）2018
Genres : Romance, Drama
This is a youth love story that was made into a live-action film in 2017 based on a popular Japanese novel. The story is about a heartrending romance between the heroine, who has a short life expectancy due to pancreatic disease, and a lonely young man who accidentally shares her secret with her.
This movie will make you realize the preciousness of life. I can guarantee that you can’t watch this without tears!
4. Drive my car（ドライブ・マイ・カー）2021
Genres : Drama
“Drive My Car” is a short story written by Haruki Murakami, a writer who has produced numerous bestsellers. At the 2021 Cannes Film Festival, it won three awards, including Best Screenplay.
This is the story of a well-known stage actor. He received an offer to direct a production at a theater festival in Hiroshima two years after his wife died. Throughout this project, he is forced to confront painful truths from his past in order to confront the haunting mysteries left behind by his wife.
This is a slow-moving story, but it glides effortlessly that you would not think is too long or too slow.
5. Ju-on : The Grudge （呪怨）2002
Genres : Horror
Ju-on is one of the scariest horror movies in japan. Traditional Japanese horror tropes include rage-filled ghosts who refuse to die peacefully, and Ju-on falls into this category as well.
This story is about a vengeful spirit that punishes anyone who enters the house in which it resides.
If you like horror movies, you will not regret it after watching this. The film received an English remake in 2006 as well.
Summary
I’ve introduced 5 Japanese films that you must see before you die in this article. You can easily watch foreign films on Netflix, Amazon Prime, and other services these days, so if a film piques your interest, please take advantage of this opportunity to watch it!
