JFF24: A Samurai In Time

With one strike of lightning, samurai Kosaka Shinzaemon accidentally teleports through time and finds himself in modern day Japan. However, his realisation doesn't hit so quickly, because of all places, he happens to land on a period drama film set! After facing the director’s wrath for veering away from a script he has no idea about, Kosaka is saved by the kind assistant director Yuka. The samurai soon comes to terms with his troubling situation and learns to make a living as a kirareyaku, a swordsman whose job is to die spectacularly on film. Mesmerised by the world of showbiz, will Kosaka adapt to his new reality, or will the grudges of the Edo period war slice his life apart? A SAMURAI IN TIME was made in memory of Seizo Fukumoto, Japan’s leading kirareyaku who died more than 50,000 times on camera and starred as the Silent Samurai in LAST SAMURAI (2003). With Makiya Yamaguchi in the lead role, this fish-out-of-water comedy is one that’s sure to bring the laughs, while also paying homage to samurai cinema. Director Junichi Yasuda is also a man of many talents, who not only founded his production company MIRAIEIGASHA in 2014, but also took over his father’s rice farming business in 2023. “If A Samurai in Time doesn't become a hit, I won't be able to continue growing rice'' – Director Junichi Yasuda. ©2023 MIRAIEIGASHA

JFF24: SAND LAND

The pinnacle of the Akira Toriyama universe! The legendary masterpiece has finally been turned into a miraculous film adaptation. Among the many works of manga artist Akira Toriyama, who brought the world legendary stories including DRAGON BALL and Dr. Slump, SAND LAND has been called a "masterpiece of utter perfection". Set in a mysterious desert world where demons and humans coexist, SAND LAND is an adventurous fantasy following the mischievous but pure-hearted Fiend Prince, Beelzebub, who forms a trio with a demon named Thief and a human sheriff, Rao, in search of the Legendary Spring hidden somewhere in the desert. After its short period of being serialised in the Weekly Shōnen Jump in 2000, this captivating adventure gained popularity both in Japan and abroad. Taken in hand by the talented production teams of Sunrise, Kamikaze Douga and ANIMA, this film is the long-awaited movie adaptation of the manga that condenses Akira Toriyama’s full-blown world of unique, humorous and friendly characters, mechanical design and an expertly written adventure story. ©BIRD STUDIO/SHUEISHA ©SANDLAND Film Partners

JFF24: Let's Go Karaoke!

As the leader of his school’s choir club, 14-year-old Satomi has only one thing on his mind – the upcoming final competition before he graduates middle school. However, his daily routine is disrupted when he’s approached by Kyoji, a menacing yakuza with an unusual request: “Let’s go karaoke!” Baffled and cautious, Satomi soon discovers why he’s been sought out – the off-key gangster is in desperate need of singing lessons. Kyoji must master X JAPAN’s challenging song ‘Kurenai’ to avoid losing his gang’s karaoke contest, or else he faces a harrowing punishment... a bad tattoo selected and branded by the boss himself! With his wealth of vocal knowledge, Satomi reluctantly agrees to help Kyoji through a series of one-on-one karaoke sessions, and the mismatched duo forge an unexpected friendship. Famous for his iconic yakuza roles, veteran actor Go Ayano effortlessly portrays Kyoji’s charming blend of humour and danger alongside newcomer Jun Saito in the role of Satomi. Featuring comedic twists, heartwarming moments and of course, a stellar soundtrack, director Nobuhiro Yamashita brings life to Yama Wayama's beloved manga series in this hilarious film adaptation! ©2024 "Let's Go Karaoke!" Film Partners

JFF24: Matched

Successful at work but shy in love, wedding planner Rinka reluctantly joins a dating app at the urging of her colleague Naomi, who hopes for her friend’s love life to bloom. She matches with a blonde-haired charmer named Tom, but on the first date Rinka quickly realises there’s something off about this mysterious stranger. What began as an innocent meeting soon takes a rotten turn: Tom starts sending an endless stream of messages, and unbeknownst to Rinka, he is a suspect in a recent murder case targeting users of the same dating app... the victims of which were all Rinka’s former clients! Frightened by Tom’s relentless pursuit, Rinka seeks help from app developer Kageyama, soon finding comfort in her newfound hero’s arms. Is this finally the start of Rinka’s happy-ever-after, or is something sinister still lurking in the shadows? Written and directed by Japan Academy Film Prize winner Eiji Uchida (MIDNIGHT SWAN, 2020), MATCHED is an eerie thriller that delves into the dark side of online dating, a realm where nothing is as it seems. Boasting a star-studded cast including ALINCE IN BORDERLAND actors Tao Tsuchiya and Nobuaki Kaneko alongside Daisuke Sakuma of the idol group Snow Man, this hair-raising tale is full of twists and turns that will have you on the edge of your seat. ©2024 "Matched" Film Partners

JFF24: MOM, IS THAT YOU?!

Working amongst the so-called “elite” in bustling Tokyo, HR manager Akio finds himself seriously burnt out amidst work-related problems, his impending divorce and a strained relationship with his college-aged daughter, Mai. Seeking a reprieve from the stresses of modern life, Akio decides to pay a visit to his childhood home where his mother Fukue lives. But instead of the familiar matronly figure he’s used to, Akio is shocked when he is greeted by a transformed Fukue donning fashionable attire, and that’s not the biggest surprise... she seems to have fallen in love! As Akio spends more time at home and gets to know a side of his mother he'd never seen before, he gradually rediscovers what’s important in life – something he had long lost sight of. Heartfelt, wholesome and relatable, film veteran Yoji Yamada’s 90th film is a feelgood portrayal of intergenerational family in modern Japan. A recurrent actor in Yamada’s filmography, Sayuri Yoshinaga gives a moving performance as Akio’s mother Fukue, portraying the character with a gentleness and warmth that will touch the hearts of audiences on the other side of the screen. Also starring Yo Oizumi and Mei Nagano, this multilayered story captures the ever-evolving nature of family relationships, while shining a light on Japan’s fading downtown culture. ©2024 "MOM, IS THAT YOU?!" Film Partners

JFF24: OUR SECRET DIARY

“I like you!” When shy high schooler Nozomi Kuroda discovers a one-line love letter in her desk, her ordinary life takes an unexpected turn. This confession isn't any ordinary one – it comes from none other than Jun Setoyama, her high school's heartthrob and the object of everyone’s affections! Surprised, confused and slightly flattered, Nozomi responds by leaving her own letter in Setoyama’s shoebox, kicking off a secret diary exchange between the two. However, it’s not long before Nozomi learns a painful truth: these words of love were not intended for her, but for her best friend Erino. Unable to tell Setoyama the truth about her identity, Nozomi finds herself falling for him as they continue to bond through handwritten notes... Starting from a twisted misunderstanding, where could this secret correspondence lead? Starring in-demand actors Hiyori Sakurada and Fumiya Takahashi, OUR SECRET DIARY vibrantly captures the awkward charm of teenage romance, along with the dilemmas of high school friendship and adolescence. Coupled with the comical yet romantic direction of Kentaro Takemura, this entangled love story genuinely brings to life the best-selling novel by Sakura Iiyo. ©2024 "OUR SECRET DIARY" Film Partners

JFF24: OUT

Once the fearsome Komae Gang Assault Team Leader, 17-year-old Tatsuya Iguchi is on a mission to seek redemption following his release from juvenile detention. Having left behind his old life in Tokyo for a new beginning under the care of his aunt, Tatsuya is now under strict probation – one more fight, and he’s out! However, on his first day of freedom Tatsuya's resolve is tested when he clashes with Kaname, the formidable second-in-command of the local Kirihito gang. Despite his efforts to stay clean, Tatsuya's penchant for a good fight draws him back to familiar conflicts, as he forges bonds with the Kirihito gang and gets caught in the crossfire of a burgeoning delinquent war. Based on the manga of the same name, OUT isn't your typical gang story – the author is none other than Tatsuya Iguchi himself, who drew inspiration from his own delinquent past! Having captivated readers since its serialisation in 2012, the film adaptation of OUT is in good hands under the direction of acclaimed filmmaker Hiroshi Shinagawa. Starring Yuki Kura (SHOGUN 2024) in the lead role, this action-packed tale of loyalty and redemption packs a punch, faithfully bringing Tatsuya's gripping journey to the big screen. ©2024 "Out" Film Partners ©2024 Tatsuya IGUCHI * Makoto MIZUTA(AKITA PUBLISHING CO, LTD.)2012

JFF24: Shadow of Fire

In the immediate aftermath of World War II, a woman lives a meaningless day-to-day life, and earns money by offering the only thing she has left: her body. A wide-eyed orphan boy stumbles into the ramshackle bar she inhabits in search of food, desperate to survive through the pangs of wartime hunger. He is soon followed by a shellshocked soldier who constantly asks for a meal and a night’s stay, but never pays. All three lost their family in the devastation of the war, and it’s not long before the trio find a home in each other, forming a precious bond. However, their happiness is destined to be short-lived, as the harsh ripple effects of war threaten their abode. The orphan then sets off with a black market street vendor who offers him a job, unaware of the man's nefarious motives brought on by the wounds of war. Having gained worldwide recognition for masterpieces including TETSUO: THE IRON MAN (1989) and KOTOKO (2011), Shinya Tsukamoto delivers a powerful portrait of the lives of Japanese citizens in the post-war period with SHADOW OF FIRE. Like many of his titles, the film was written, directed and produced by Tsukamoto himself, earning him a feature in the 80th Venice Film Festival and the award for Best Asian Feature Film by the Network for the Promotion of Asian Cinema. Talented child actor Oga Tsukao shines as the tenacious orphan witnessing the continuous chaos of war, while Shuri skilfully plays the emotionally complex role of the unnamed prostitute, who is motherly, headstrong and dignified. Covering themes of love, loss and perseverance, this tragic film is bound to burn a mark in the hearts and minds of many. ©2023 SHINYA TSUKAMOTO/KAIJU THEATER

JFF24: The Dancing Okami

When her childhood dreams of becoming a tap dancer are dashed, Yuka decides to return to her hometown of Kaga and follow her mother’s footsteps of becoming an okami, or the traditional manager of a Japanese inn. However, Yuka’s new career path proves to be more challenging than it seems: her clumsiness makes the various training exercises difficult, and with Kaga Onsen facing a financial crisis, the pressure’s on to attract visitors to the area. In a last-ditch effort to save the town, Yuka devises a plan to choreograph a dance and perform with her fellow budding okami at the local charity event. With no tap dancing experience amongst the group and time running out, can the dancing okami put on a show to remember? Inspired by Kaga’s real-life tourism campaign, THE DANCING OKAMI was brought to life with the cooperation of the town’s local community and tourism association. Directed by Toshiro Saiga, this heartwarming musical comedy chronicles the protagonist’s inspiring journey to success, with the beautiful scenery of the Kaga Onsen region as its stage. ©2024 "The Dancing Okami" Film Partners

JFF24: The Imaginary

Studio Ponoc’s new animated feature film THE IMAGINARY is a wondrous adventure that portrays the depths of humanity and creativity through the eyes of young Amanda and her imaginary companion, Rudger, a boy no one can see imagined by Amanda to share her thrilling make-believe adventures. But when Rudger, suddenly alone, arrives at The Town of Imaginaries, where forgotten Imaginaries live and find work, he faces a mysterious threat. Directed by Studio Ghibli veteran Yoshiyuki Momose and produced and written by twice-Academy Award®-nominated producer Yoshiaki Nishimura, THE IMAGINARY is an unforgettable and emotional journey that delves into the limitless imaginations of children. Hand-drawn, hand-painted and incorporating new light and shadow techniques, this visual feast of a film vividly breathes life into the award-winning novel by A.F. Harrold. © Ponoc