The Japan Foundation Touring Film Programme 2020

The Japan Foundation Touring Film Programme 2020

Season

Please note : this season finished in Feb 2020

Happiness is a State of Mind: Joy and Despair in Japanese Cinema

The Japan Foundation’s annual touring film programme returns for its 17th edition with an exciting showcase of Japanese cinema exploring the ways in which people feel ‘happiness’.

Happiness, though universal in its importance, is felt so subjectively by humankind that the definition of the concept is still very elusive. And yet, the search for happiness has long provided Japanese cinema with a staple theme.

This year's programme aims to embrace the rich and complex spectrum of emotions that go hand in hand with happiness with a particular focus on Japanese society - showcasing cinematic voices and skills of both the experienced and emerging filmmakers from recently released contemporary works, to anime and documentary.

We’ve teamed up with Woky Ko Kaiju so you can enjoy 20% off ramen as part of Japan Touring Season 2020 - simply show your Japan Season cinema ticket. Valid throughout February. View Kaiju's opening times and menu here.

Presented in collaboration with the Japan Foundation, with Major Support from Japan Airlines, Great Britain Sasakawa Foundation, and Yakult, with Sponsorship in Kind from SUQQU, and in Cultural Partnership with Modern Culture.

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Previous screenings in this season

Another World

classified 15 S Japan Season
Another World
Please note: This was screened in Feb 2020
Film

Written and directed by Junji Sakamoto, Another World is an intimate portrait of a trio of men whose reunion brings back complex memories which make them reconsider their passive existence.

The House Where the Mermaid Sleeps

classified 12A S Japan Season
The House Where the Mermaid Sleeps
Please note: This was screened in Feb 2020
Film

Based on the 2015 bestseller by Keigo Higashino and directed by Tsutsumi Yukihiko (Keizoku: Beautiful Dreamer), this mystery drama explores whether advanced medical technology and AI can drive human happiness.

I Go Gaga, My Dear + Director Q&A

classified PG S Japan Season
I Go Gaga, My Dear  + Director Q&A
Please note: This was screened in Feb 2020
Film

The first full-length feature by veteran television director Naoko Nobutomo is a personal documentary chronicling the enduring love, resilience and struggles of her nonagenarian parents in Kure, Hiroshima.

Ride Your Wave

classified 12A S Japan Season
Ride Your Wave
Please note: This was screened in Feb 2020
Film

Ride Your Wave is the latest release from acclaimed director Masaaki Yuasa (Lu Over the Wall, The Tatami Galaxy) which follows Hinako and Minato as they go through supernatural events that give way to an earnest exploration of grief, heartbreak and love.

Jesus

classified 12A S Japan Season
Jesus
Please note: This was screened in Feb 2020
Film

Winner of the New Directors competition at San Sebastian, Hiroshi Okuyama's strikingly original and playful debut follows a young Yura who makes friends with an imaginary Jesus.

Organ

classified PG S Japan Season
Organ
Please note: This was screened in Feb 2020
Film

Director Emiko Hiramatsu tells the heart-warming untold true story of a group of teachers who evacuated their infant students from a burning Tokyo at the end of WWII.

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