The past decade has been a golden era for Japanese cinema, with films that not only captivated domestic audiences but also earned international acclaim. From poignant dramas to visually stunning animations, Japanese filmmakers have continued to push the boundaries of storytelling and cinematic artistry. Here’s a look at some of the best Japanese films from the last ten years that have left a lasting impact on the global film industry.
1. Shoplifters (2018)
Director: Hirokazu Kore-eda
One of the most celebrated films of the decade, Shoplifters tells the story of a makeshift family living on the margins of Tokyo. Directed by the master of humanistic dramas, Hirokazu Kore-eda, the film beautifully explores themes of love, poverty, and morality. It won the prestigious Palme d’Or at the 2018 Cannes Film Festival and earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Foreign Language Film. Shoplifters is a touching reflection on what truly makes a family, and its emotional depth resonated with audiences worldwide.
2. Your Name (2016)
Director: Makoto Shinkai
Your Name became an international sensation and is often regarded as one of the best animated films of the decade. Directed by Makoto Shinkai, this body-swapping romance between a Tokyo boy and a countryside girl is a visual masterpiece. With its stunning animation and emotionally charged storyline, the film explores themes of love, fate, and connection. Its success at the box office, both in Japan and internationally, cemented Shinkai’s status as a leading figure in animation, drawing comparisons to the legendary Hayao Miyazaki.
3. Drive My Car (2021)
Director: Ryusuke Hamaguchi
A quiet yet profound exploration of grief, loss, and the complexity of human relationships, Drive My Car quickly became one of the most talked-about films of the 2020s. Based on a short story by Haruki Murakami, the film follows a theater director who grapples with the death of his wife while staging a production of Uncle Vanya. Ryusuke Hamaguchi’s masterful direction and the film’s meditative pacing made it a standout, earning it numerous awards, including the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film.
4. Weathering With You (2019)
Director: Makoto Shinkai
Following the success of Your Name, Makoto Shinkai returned with Weathering With You, another visually stunning film that delves into supernatural themes with a contemporary twist. Set in a rain-drenched Tokyo, the film tells the story of a runaway boy who meets a girl with the power to control the weather. While the film grapples with environmental issues and societal struggles, it also delivers a moving love story wrapped in Shinkai’s signature breathtaking animation. Weathering With You was Japan’s entry for the Best International Feature Film at the Academy Awards.
5. One Cut of the Dead (2017)
Director: Shinichirou Ueda
One Cut of the Dead is a true underdog story, both within its plot and its real-life production. This low-budget zombie comedy took the film world by storm, grossing over 1,000 times its budget at the box office. What starts as a seemingly simple zombie movie transforms into an ingenious meta-commentary on filmmaking itself. Shinichirou Ueda’s film, filled with clever twists and humor, won the hearts of critics and audiences alike, making it one of the most unique cinematic experiences of the decade.
6. Tokyo Story (2021)
Director: Kazuya Shiraishi
In Tokyo Story, director Kazuya Shiraishi offers a poignant reflection on contemporary Japanese society and the familial bonds that often strain under the pressures of modern life. This heartfelt drama is a reimagining of the 1953 classic by Yasujirō Ozu. While paying homage to its predecessor, Tokyo Story examines intergenerational conflicts with a fresh perspective. Its thoughtful narrative and emotionally charged performances made it one of the most critically acclaimed Japanese films of the year.
7. Asako I & II (2018)
Director: Ryusuke Hamaguchi
Ryusuke Hamaguchi’s Asako I & II is a film about love, identity, and the passage of time. The story follows Asako, a young woman who falls in love with two men who look identical but are completely different in character. The film’s dreamy atmosphere and thought-provoking themes struck a chord with both critics and audiences. Hamaguchi’s unique narrative style and focus on character development positioned Asako I & II as one of the more memorable dramas of recent years.
8. Our Little Sister (2015)
Director: Hirokazu Kore-eda
Another gem from Hirokazu Kore-eda, Our Little Sister is a tender and beautifully crafted family drama. The film revolves around three sisters who invite their younger half-sister to live with them after their father’s death. As the four women navigate life together, Kore-eda captures the nuances of familial bonds and the quiet moments that shape their relationships. Our Little Sister is a testament to Kore-eda’s ability to depict the complexities of human emotions with grace and subtlety.
9. 13 Assassins (2010)
Director: Takashi Miike
Takashi Miike’s 13 Assassins is a stunning historical epic that showcases the director’s versatility. Known for his genre-bending films, Miike brings the samurai genre to life in this tale of honor, vengeance, and sacrifice. The film is a remake of the 1963 classic, but Miike’s vision adds modern filmmaking techniques while retaining the intensity of the original. 13 Assassins stands out as one of the most ambitious and well-executed action films of the decade.
10. I Wish (2011)
Director: Hirokazu Kore-eda
Rounding out the list is I Wish, a charming film that captures the innocence and wonder of childhood. Directed by Hirokazu Kore-eda, the film follows two young brothers who are separated by their parents’ divorce and dream of reuniting. The film is filled with warmth and subtle emotional depth, showing Kore-eda’s mastery in portraying family dynamics. I Wish stands as a beautifully observed portrait of childhood and the power of hope.
