The Best Films From Japan Released in 2016

Films from Japan Released In 2016

Kenji and Aya spend their summer days in a Hotel. While she is doing her own thing, he tries to work on his novel. But then a few strange hotel guest arouse the curiosity of the couple...

While the Women Are Sleeping (2016)

Set at the end of the Sengoku period to early Edo period, "Sanada Ten Braves" follows 10 members of a ninja group who all serve under samurai warrior Yukimura Sanada.

Sanada 10 Braves (2016)

14-year-old Midori is the constantly abused chore girl for a freakshow. Things begin to change for her after a dwarf magician joins the freak show, but not always for the better.

Midori: The Camellia Girl (2016)

Ai Kishimoto, Yukari Miyazawa and Akane Kishimoto are sisters. The sisters live apart in Kanazawa, Toyama and Tokyo, but they gather together to attend their grandmother's funeral. There, they learn about their mother whom they know as deceased. While seeking out the the truth about their mother, the sisters face their own problems, but take a courageous step forward.

Kanon (2016)

The dead body of Maki Tsujimoto, a popular stage actress, is discovered in a theater in Oji. After striking her in the back of the head with a bronze statue prop, the criminal laid the body on the floor and pointed a light at it, "directing" the crime scene as if it were a scene from a play.

Odd Detective 14 (2016)

When Chihaya Ayase was in the 6th grade of elementary school, she met Arata Wataya. Arata Wataya transferred from Fukui Prefecture. Taichi Mashima was Chihaya Ayase's friend since they were little. Arata got close to Chihaya and Taichi from the card game karuta. Four years later, Chihaya is a high school student. Chihaya learns that Arata, who went back to Fukui Prefecture, doesn't play karuta anymore. Believing they will meet Arata again, Chihaya and Taichi starts a karuta club at their high school.

Chihayafuru Part I (2016)

A compelling human drama about the growing social problems and public responsibilities regarding the welfare and ethical treatment of neglected dogs and cats at animal shelters. The story is told through the eyes of tormented vets who are relentless in their efforts to change the system to serve these animals with dignity.

Through Their Eyes (2016)

Based on the true story about former cult leader of the religious group "Ho No Hana Sanhogyo", Fukunaga Hogen who was sentenced to 15 years in prison for fraudulent charges related to the fortune telling fraud, director Banmei Takahashi presents another social works which draws the audience's attention with his documentary style direction.

Teruyoshi Fukunaga was born during the end of the war, grew up to be an honest child due to the deep affection of his mother, Fusako, despite the poor family environment. Teruyoshi started a business with his colleagues, but the company went bankrupt due to a bill fraud. Teruyoshi was so angry that he tried commiting suicide with a gas pipe in his mouth but the spur of moment, Teruyoshi, who heard the voice of heaven with thunder, woke up to a resurgence and named himself Fukunaga Hogen, and presided over the religious corporation "Ho No Hana Sanhokou". He speaks of heavenly voice and will, gained many believers and went on to spread on the believes of the cult. Masaru Matsuda played the role of Fukunaga in the middle ages, and Yoko Shimada played the role of Fukunaga's mother. Fukunaga himself will also appear in the documentary part of the movie.

God in Jail (2016)

A man brutally murders a married couple and leaves the word “ikari” (“rage”) written with their blood. The killer undergoes plastic surgery and flees. At three different locations in Japan, a male stranger appears. People suspect that the stranger might be the murderer.

Rage (2016)

Schoolteacher Yohei is married to Miyoko. For the first time in 25 years they begin to live by themselves when their son marries and moves out. Then Yohei discovers that all’s not well in his marriage.

A Loving Husband (2016)