With 'The Naked Director,' Japan scores a global Netflix hit
Netflix series 'The Naked Director' has been a runaway hit, with a second series announced shortly after the first began streaming. But not everyone is a fan.
Actress Honoka Matsumoto is tackling tough issues on her journey to the top
22-year-old Honoka Matsumoto's latest film looks at the issue of same-sex marriage in Japan, one of a number of difficult topics the actress has taken on in her roles
'Hit Me Anyone One More Time': A return to form for comedy stalwart
Koki Mitani's latest comedy feature follows the life of a Japanese prime minister trying to make good as he deals with memory loss
'They Say Nothing Stays The Same': Stunning visuals and a stellar cast
Actor Joe Odagiri makes his directorial debut with a beautifully shot tale of the life of a boatman in a Japan of the past.
'Free Solo': A sport documentary more terrifying than any horror flick
Climber Alex Honnold's conquering of the face of Yosemite National Park's El Capitan, with no assistance and no ropes, is not for the faint-hearted.
Giving anime strength overseas
The Crunchyroll Expo in California sees Japanese animation enthusiasts gather to meet their heroes and embrace all aspects of anime fandom.
'Stormy Family': Dysfunctional family, dysfunctional film
Masahide Ichii delivers a drama about family members dealing with their own long-standing resentments while facing an impending typhoon
Tokyo International Film Festival to hold pre-festival special screening of 2018 World Focus feature
The 32nd Tokyo International Film Festival gets underway on Oct. 28, and is set to open with the 50th installment of the long-running, record-setting Japanese institution Tora-san and his latest outing, "Welcome Back, Tora-san." Ahead of closing on Nov. 5, TIFF will bring a range ...
Haruhiko Arai: Still pushing boundaries after 40 years in film
In a four-decade career, Haruhiko Arai has become an acclaimed scriptwriter with credits that include "Vibrator" (2003), "It's Only Talk" (2005) and "Kabukicho Love Hotel" (2014), three of the best films by his frequent collaborator, the director Ryuichi Hiroki. Arai also edits and publishes "Eiga ...
'Mugen Foundation': When adolescence becomes too much
The seishun eiga (youth film) is not exclusive to Japan — plenty of films from elsewhere deal with the joys and agonies of adolescence — but this popular genre has acquired certain only-in-Japan quirks. For one thing, many seishun eiga directors are old enough to ...
'Ni no Kuni': Two worlds but little life to be found
Two things about "Ni no Kuni." 1) It features a protagonist who uses a wheelchair, an admirable display of diversity and inclusion in a medium that rarely features characters with disabilities. 2) There isn't much else to like about the film. "Ni no Kuni" hit ...
Actor Temuera Morrison said playing former Japan coach Eddie Jones in the movie "The Brighton Miracle" — the official trailer of which was released Friday — gave him real insight into "the drive and ruthless commitment and passion" behind one of the greatest sporting ...
